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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: respite on February 16, 2010, 01:50:58 PM

Title: Chain replacement. What do i actually need.
Post by: respite on February 16, 2010, 01:50:58 PM
Im i correct to assume i can hacksaw off my original chain, and replace it with the standard d.i.d 520 chain with clip link. While the bike comes with an endless chain, and the haynes manual states a rivet style chain should be used, seems most chains come with a clip master link.

No special tools required for the install?
Title: Re: Chain replacement. What do i actually need.
Post by: Paulcet on February 16, 2010, 03:10:21 PM
Your assumption is correct.  If you are careful, you can use a pair of vice grips to put the side plate on.
Title: Re: Chain replacement. What do i actually need.
Post by: johnny ro on February 16, 2010, 07:02:03 PM
I suggest spending $20 on a cheap chinese cutoff wheel tool. Hacksaw might take a while.

Or a chain tool that would drive the link out.
Title: Re: Chain replacement. What do i actually need.
Post by: BaltimoreGS on February 16, 2010, 07:44:51 PM
Quote from: johnny ro on February 16, 2010, 07:02:03 PM
I suggest spending $20 on a cheap chinese cutoff wheel tool. Hacksaw might take a while.

Or a chain tool that would drive the link out.

+1

5 minutes with a hacksaw vs. 5 seconds with a wizz wheel    :thumb:

-Jessie
Title: Re: Chain replacement. What do i actually need.
Post by: ohgood on February 16, 2010, 08:33:36 PM
Quote from: respite on February 16, 2010, 01:50:58 PM
Im i correct to assume i can hacksaw off my original chain, and replace it with the standard d.i.d 520 chain with clip link. While the bike comes with an endless chain, and the haynes manual states a rivet style chain should be used, seems most chains come with a clip master link.

No special tools required for the install?

yes, a 12' length of string for alignment. oooooh, nooooo, i brought up that. it's like starting an oil thread !

beg/borrow a grinder and chop off the old. it's very satisfying to make sparks and loose the old garbage. careful with the vise grips, you can damage the link installing it that way. make sure you have the OPEN end of the master facing AWAY from the engine when it's on the TOP of the sprockets. this way, it's not as apt to be pushed off by motion.

:)
Title: Re: Chain replacement. What do i actually need.
Post by: the mole on February 17, 2010, 11:59:00 PM
Last time I changed mine I just ripped the chain apart with my bare hands, but it ruined my nail polish.
I'd advise using a grinder.
Title: Re: Chain replacement. What do i actually need.
Post by: Chuck500 on February 19, 2010, 07:07:08 PM
Can't speak to changing motorcycle chains yet.  However, many years ago my brother and I race go-karts (the 60-70 mph 1" of the ground kind).  We went through a chain a week when we started.  Turned out the probelm was cheap chain and master links.  We bought a chain breaking tool and started making solid chain.  End of problem.  You don't want to "cheap your way into spending a bunch of money"

My $.02

Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck