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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: drok on June 08, 2008, 08:15:54 AM

Title: sprocket and chain
Post by: drok on June 08, 2008, 08:15:54 AM
I was wondering if anyone had a link with step by step instructions on changing your chain an sprocket?  It doesn't look to hard i just want to make sure i can do it before i start dissecting  it
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: bucks1605 on June 08, 2008, 09:11:12 AM
This covers changing the front and rear sprocket.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=32013.0 (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=32013.0)

If your chain is stock, you'll have to cut it in half to remove it. Then install your new one with the provided master clip.
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: beRto on June 08, 2008, 09:33:02 AM
Quote from: bucks1605 on June 08, 2008, 09:11:12 AM
This covers changing the front and rear sprocket.

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=32013.0 (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=32013.0)

If your chain is stock, you'll have to cut it in half to remove it. Then install your new one with the provided master clip.

...and this thread covers removal of an endless chain and replacement with a master link:
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=11925.0
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: drok on June 08, 2008, 11:19:41 AM
ok so i got the chain and the sprocket on with no problem in bout 45 min the chain is a did black and gold series my next question is about the connection link.  Is all you do just connect them and press them together? it doesn't have a clip or anything, just some o-rings and the pins ?
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: beRto on June 08, 2008, 11:49:11 AM
Quote from: drok on June 08, 2008, 11:19:41 AM
ok so i got the chain and the sprocket on with no problem in bout 45 min the chain is a did black and gold series my next question is about the connection link.  Is all you do just connect them and press them together? it doesn't have a clip or anything, just some o-rings and the pins ?

If the new chain did not include a clip, it probably came with a rivet style link (post a picture here to be sure). DO NOT RIDE WITHOUT HAVING THE RIVET CLIP INSTALLED PROPERLY.

A rivet clip requires a special tool to flare the pins and lock the clip in place. Unfortunately, the tool is rather expensive and you won't use it very often. If you can bring the bike to a shop (i.e. trailer, NOT ride), they can finish the installation quickly and easily.

Alternately, you can probably buy a clip-style master link from your local motorcycle shop. Some people install the clip-style link, ride to the dealer, and then have the dealer install the rivet link (the rivet link is supposed to be less likely to fall off).

Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: drok on June 08, 2008, 12:06:23 PM
ok it is a rivet link, at least I got the most expensive part done thanks for the help
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: ohgood on June 08, 2008, 12:38:59 PM
Quote from: beRto on June 08, 2008, 11:49:11 AM
Quote from: drok on June 08, 2008, 11:19:41 AM
ok so i got the chain and the sprocket on with no problem in bout 45 min the chain is a did black and gold series my next question is about the connection link.  Is all you do just connect them and press them together? it doesn't have a clip or anything, just some o-rings and the pins ?

If the new chain did not include a clip, it probably came with a rivet style link (post a picture here to be sure). DO NOT RIDE WITHOUT HAVING THE RIVET CLIP INSTALLED PROPERLY.

A rivet clip requires a special tool to flare the pins and lock the clip in place. Unfortunately, the tool is rather expensive and you won't use it very often. If you can bring the bike to a shop (i.e. trailer, NOT ride), they can finish the installation quickly and easily.

Alternately, you can probably buy a clip-style master link from your local motorcycle shop. Some people install the clip-style link, ride to the dealer, and then have the dealer install the rivet link (the rivet link is supposed to be less likely to fall off).




I've wondered about the clip vs peened over styles of master links. Apparently it comes down the to the person installing things, from what I've read. I tried safety wiring my clip style master, and the each of the ties eventually wore in two, fell off. Notice, I'm talking about the safety wire, not the clip ! Since the safety wire wouldn't stay, I cleaned the chain well, let it dry, and gooped on some black RTV. No, I don't expect the RTV to hold it all together, but if/when I come out and notice the RTV is missing/chipped, I'll know things have moved. ;)

I have a little over 1,000 miles on the new chain (I got 24,000 out of the original chain) now, and no issues with the clip style master link myself. 1 mile should be enough imho to see trouble brewing.

I've only seen a handful of failed chains, none of which a result of a clip style master failing. Note where this one died, and where the master is:

(http://lh5.ggpht.com/gs500zuki/R8tqClbH9SI/AAAAAAAAA0g/gIzQkIoWdfc/DSCN0658.JPG?imgmax=576)
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/gs500zuki/R8tqGlbH9TI/AAAAAAAAA0o/WLowq97Y01g/DSCN0659.JPG?imgmax=576)
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: drok on June 09, 2008, 01:24:20 PM
the deed is done will post pics in another thread in a little while. 48 in the back a lot quicker off the line didn't mess my top end up as much as I thought it would
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: gregos on June 09, 2008, 01:35:46 PM
check here .   http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=41190.0

if you hawe any questions , dont be shy .

cheers
greg
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: sledge on June 09, 2008, 01:46:00 PM
The site tells you exactly whats involved in replacing endless chains and how to do it correctly.

http://www.reginachain.it/eng/use_and_maintenance/how_to01.shtml
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: beRto on June 09, 2008, 02:48:32 PM
Quote from: drok on June 09, 2008, 01:24:20 PM
the deed is done will post pics in another thread in a little while. 48 in the back a lot quicker off the line didn't mess my top end up as much as I thought it would

So your sprockets are: 16T front and 48T rear?

The Tsubaki chain calculator (http://tsubaki.com.au/tsscs/chain_length.php) says this would require a 115 link chain. Is this consistent with the chain you used?
Title: Re: sprocket and chain
Post by: drok on June 09, 2008, 02:50:25 PM
yea everything fits perfectly