newbie chain replacement

[robtoxic]

scoured forum for this info but didn't see any. my chain is tight (within spec) in one section but when i rotate the wheel, holy crap, almost 500mm of play! i assume this means the chain is stretched (1997 gs) so, here are my questions to you the valuable twin community: haynes manual says dont ever install a chain with a master link - true or false? my chain has one. how easy is it to install? where would i obtain a chain, dealer or internet? and is there a manufacturer recommendation or type?..........my first bike ever at 43 years old!...........love the bike but already feel the need to upgrade to a literbike.....like the looks of the bandit........want upright position not cafe style......bro-in-law has triumph st sprint and i love it...thanks to all who reply!!!!!!

[EvilScooby]

You can check here.
http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=10051&highlight=chains
http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6214&highlight=chains

Also Kerry had psoted a link to some vendors and types of chains available.  I am sure he will be find that link

[cernunos]

To Robtoxic, holy crapola...I guess you mean 5 cm and not 500 mm am I right? If you have a big difference in chain play at different positions of the wheel/sprockets it could be worn chain or it could be worn sprockets. Look closely at your sprockets to see if there is any hooking or if the teeth are getting sharp. Something else to check is pull on your chain at the back of the sprocket (as if you're trying to pull it straight to the rear off the sprocket). The chain shouldn't move more than a few thousandths of an inch if there is no wear. As far as masterlink, non-masterlink, O-ring, non-O-ring...I've always felt it's a matter of preference. I've used non-O-ring chains with masterlinks on all my previous bikes and never had any problems. Course, like I say, ask ten people you'll probably get ten opinions. I love it (the GS500) and I love this forum.

Cernunos

[Kerry]

Also Kerry had psoted a link to some vendors and types of chains available.  I am sure he will be find that link

It's actually in the first thread you linked to, EvilScooby.  But here's the direct link:
http://www.bbburma.net/Documents/GS500_Chains&Sprockets.txt

(You guys are GOOD!  You're dredging up stuff that I forgot I even posted!   )

To browse all such compilations that I have or will put together, you can go to
http://www.bbburma.net/Documents/

[EvilScooby]

(You guys are GOOD!  You're dredging up stuff that I forgot I even posted!   )

Its because I have no life but to hang out here. My GS has turned me to the darkside

[robtoxic]

thanks guys for the valuable info. being in a tech field i love getting specific info. anyways, is there a link to info on changing the chain oneself? sounds like i should replace the sprockets too at the same time,(got 9k on the odo). is it worth putting on a different tooth sprocket for acceleration? - don't care about the top end loss. ......thanks again!!...rob

[Kerry]

is there a link to info on changing the chain oneself?

Here are several links that should give you some good, related info:

what size chains are on the gs stock

Knackered Chain?

putting on a new chain and sprockets

when is it time to replace the chain?

Replacing chain & sprocket[/list:u]

sounds like i should replace the sprockets too at the same time,(got 9k on the odo).

Be sure to read gsJack's post in the last thread linked to above.  He has NEVER replaced a rear sprocket, and he has put a LOT of miles on chain-driven bikes.

My '99 came with an X-ring chain (D.I.D. 520VM).  I replaced my original front sprocket at 17,000 miles (probably sooner than needed) and the chain at 23,000 miles (probably a little later than needed).   I have put 7,000 miles on my new O-ring chain (D.I.D. 520V with clip-style master link).  I'm still using the original rear sprocket.

Examine your rear sprocket and make your own informed decision.  Hopefully the diagrams below will help.

From the Haynes manual:


From the Clymer manual:

is it worth putting on a different tooth sprocket for acceleration? - don't care about the top end loss.

The general concensus seems to be YES.  Most folks only drop one tooth (to 15), but a few have gone down to 14.

====================================

BTW, in your thread-opening post you asked the following question:

haynes manual says dont ever install a chain with a master link - true or false?

This quote from the Clymer manual (1989-1996 edition, page 349) might reassure you somewhat:

NOTE: If an aftermarket drive chain is installed, it may be equipped with a master link.  If so, follow its manufacturer's instructions for removal and installation.

[robtoxic]

kerry,

thanks for time spent in providing all the great info. now i'm armed and dangerous! gotta fix the lawnmower first however - darn.

rob