Hi !

I decided to remove my chain to clean it properly. I have had a little experience with drive chains before, all the chains i've used before had a little metal plate that looks like a very wide 'C', shaped like a rocket.

My 89 GS500 with 40,000km seems to have a similar design, so I get the pliers and remove the rocket 'c' shape. Then I try to remove the 'master link' behind it but it won't budge.

I'm assuming if it has the 'split link' (the snap on C shape) it's NOT an endless chain and can be removed by

1) removing the split link
2) pushing out the master link

I tried this, and eventually couldn't even pry it out with a screwdriver. If it has the split link it CANT be an endless chain so why can't I get it off ?

I double check the Haynes manual and it says to 'NEVER use a chain that is NOT ENDLESS', in other words, only use an endless chain. I'm assuming that's because the manual has not been updated recently.

So how do I remove the chain from the bike - this has to be a chain with a master link, unless it's another design i'm not aware of ..

Any ideas ? Thanks !

If it is the original chain, then it's endless.  If it does, in fact, have a master link, maybe it's just rusted or otherwise damaged preventing it's disassembly.  In this case, you may want to cut it off and replace the chain.

i kinda had the same problem it was just installing a new chain.  the master link had to be pressed on.  what i mean is that the pins didn't go all the way through to the other side when i tried to install.  it kinda makes it an endless chain cuz once you press the pins all the way into place you can't remove it without pushing the pins back some. buy a chainbreaker they work excelent for this sort of thing. just don't push the pins all the way out. good luck