Replacing chain & sprocket

[AR5ENAL]

Hey Guys,

It's been wayyyyy too long since I've gone riding, so I'm determined to get my bike on the road ASAP.  I need to replace the chain, and I've got a couple questions:

1.  Do I need to buy a master link to use with the D.I.D. 520V series O-ring chain?

2.  I'm replacing the front sprocket too (only 10 bucks).  Do I need to replace the rear as well?

As soon as I find out exactly what parts I need, I'm placing my order with Chaparral motorsports.  TIA

[bob]

Every chain I've ever bought came with a master link.  If you still have the OEM chain on the bike you will have to cut it off or drive out a pin because it will be an "endless" chain with no master link.  Boltcutters or die grinder will work if you don't have a punch that'll fit the pin.
Definitely change both sprockets when you change the chain.  The chain & sprockets wear together & putting on new of one while leaving the old of the other will accelerate wear on both.  Change both sprockets & chain as a set.
Think about going one tooth smaller on the front (i.e. a 15 instead of a 16 toother) if you want a little more acceleration.  Downside is that the engine will be turning about 6% faster at cruising speeds.
BTW, I thought Chapparral went out of business?  Or am I thinking of someone else?

[gsJack]

I've put about 250k miles on chain drive bikes and have never replaced a rear sprocket.  This includes 80k on a CB750K, 98k on a CM400A, and 76k on my GS500E.  I ride the GS 15-20k a year and put on a new DID 0-ring chain and front sprocket each spring.  Been getting them from Chaparral.  I use the 15T front sprocket.

[kyzee]

2. I'm replacing the front sprocket too (only 10 bucks). Do I need to replace the rear as well?

Nope,  but a rear sproket is quite cheap.  GSJack gives good advice.   Your call.

[AR5ENAL]

I think I am going to replace the rear sprocket anyway...just for peace of mind.  I think the previous owner of my bike neglected a bunch of things, so it'll make me feel better to know that I replaced both sprockets as well as the chain.  I have part no.'s for the chain and front sprocket, but can't seem to find the rear sprocket on Chaparral's website.  

Does anyone have the part number handy?

[scratch]

Just called for the 39 tooth steel sprocket; part no. 474S39; $32.96

I have a chain breaker.

Or, if you want one for yourself; they're about $20 to $40. I just found one:
http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparral/productr.asp?pf%5Fid=315%2D0420&gift=False&HSLB=False&mscssid=029D1F01EDA3C4049991CE6D845AC92B

[AR5ENAL]

Lol, you're always coming to the rescue.

I called Chaparral myself and ordered everything
They said I should get it in three working days
After that it's time for the install.  The only part I really don't look forward to is cleaning all the old crap off the sprocket cover and that area.

I might have to swing by or something to break the old chain...I'll let you know!

[giraffe]

I noticed that non o-ring chains are extremely cheap. Is it safe to try one since I rarely use the GS anyway (since recently i've moved and I can no longer commute by motorcycle).

Say that I only use the GS500 for another 3,000km .. what condition will a non-oring chain be in after this time ?

What are the disadvantages of a non-oring, if it's just the life of the chain i'm willing to try one - if they're unsafe, or are messier, or noiser, i might reconsider.

[glenn9171]

Non-O-Ring chains must be lubed after EVERY ride.  They get about 10% of an O-Ring chain's mileage.  Not worth it at all for the price difference.  The price difference looks appealing, but it's not nearly worth it.