so tonight i want to put my new chain on. on the stock chain do i have to use a chain breaker(or cutting tool) to get it off or is there a master link that i am just not seeing. also on my new chain (its a DID chain) is there a master link on it or do i just cut off the links that make it to long and then press it together with something. The last chain i replaced was on a four wheeler and i dont belive i have ever replaced one on a street bike so i am kind of at a loss when it comes to doing. any advice or tips would be apreciated.

P.S. search doesnt seem to be working on my work computer so thats why i am making this post.

If your old chain's master link is riveted you'll have to file/cut/break the rivets off
If your gearing is stock then what you should have is a 120 link DID chain ,and then 2 options :

1) Clip type master link that just clicks in place (wouldn't recommend it for obvious reasons)



2) Rivet type master link , but you need the tool for that or be creative


P.S. ....or....you can take the whole swingarm off ( I did it recently to a fellow's GS  ), take out the old chain and rivet the new one with a hammer and punch     

Good suggestions and pictures!  110 links for stock gearing.

Quote from: Affschnozel on July 09, 2007, 12:39:58 PM
P.S. ....or....you can take the whole swingarm off ( I did it recently to a fellow's GS  ), take out the old chain and rivet the new one with a hammer and punch     

ya know i thought about that but it just seems like alot of work to do just to put a different chain on.

i couldnt find a masterlink at all on the stock chain so i guess i just have to cut the old chain off. as far as the new chain i ordered it from at dealer and its 114 link. i dont know whether or not it has a master or not i guess i should probably go look at it huh?

T'would be a good idea.  And, you'll have to cut off 4 links (count them first, though, please.  I mean count out the 110).

im going so change the rear sprocket so i have to do a couple of test fits

I cut the continuous OEM chain from my 02 GS with a hacksaw, got a couple of those high grade white hacksaw blades from Lowes and they walked right thru the chain. 

That clip type link pictured by Affschnozel above looks like the ones for the non o-ring chains I got for my CB/CM400 Hondas years ago with a slip fit sideplate on the connecting link.  The DID o-ring chains I've got for the GSs in recent years have a heavy press fit of the side plate onto the clip type master link, had to use a litle c-clamp to get the last one on.  Couldn't squeeze it on with arcjoint pliers like I used to.  Works for me.

Your bike, your choice.

Quote from: scratch on July 09, 2007, 01:30:10 PM
T'would be a good idea.  And, you'll have to cut off 4 links (count them first, though, please.  I mean count out the 110).

Should need 112 links with the 15/45T sprockets.  Good idea to try it before cutting.   

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=36158.msg403939#msg403939

would 112 be in the middle of the marks on the swingarm or at the far back mark?

alright so i got the chain out of the box now that im home and this is what was in it

According to that Tsubaki formula for center distance,  the 15/45T sprockets with a 112 link chain should put the axle about 7/32" further forward than the standard 16/39T sprockets with a 110 link chain, near the front of the marks. 

Could probably use the full 114 links but the axle would be further back and you might run out of adjustment before the chain is worn out.  Put the new sprockets on and put the 114 link chain around there and see where it puts the axle before cutting the chain.

That's the type connecting link I've been getting with my DID chains, that loose side plate should be a tight press fit on the pins.

Quote from: scratch on July 09, 2007, 01:23:13 PM
Good suggestions and pictures!  110 links for stock gearing.

110 is right , sorry

ok to make a long story short i have to get another damn chain. neighbor came over talking like he has done this to alot of bikes. so then he says he will cut it to fit for me. ok thats good and all but he cut 4 links out insted of 2 so now i am back to where i started except i have a $100 chain thats not even the right size.

unless i could peice back together the links he cut off with another add a link

sorry for the threadjack , but u have a 120 on ur front solo , on the 3 inch rim?

is that safe?

Quote from: solosociety on July 09, 2007, 05:00:02 PM
ok to make a long story short i have to get another damn chain. neighbor came over talking like he has done this to alot of bikes. so then he says he will cut it to fit for me. ok thats good and all but he cut 4 links out insted of 2 so now i am back to where i started except i have a $100 chain thats not even the right size.

I hope you kicked him in the nuts.

So now you have a 110 link chain including the master link, right?  Just buy one more master link and from that 4 link piece that was cut off you can grind off some pin heads and retrieve one inner link that you can place between the 2 masterlinks and you should then have the desired 112 link chain.   

Make sure you have the pressed on type plates on the masterlinks and assemble with care getting the clips on properly, gotta feeling your gonna be doing wheelies with that 15/45 ratio.   

2 tips, one keep the 110 link chain, or count to verify the correct length and sell it someone on the forum, you can buy the master links separately, or just keep for when you return to more reasonable gear ratios

But seriously you have a perfect size for a stock chain, so don't worry to much.

2nd tip, you need to use a tool to press the side plate on the pins. It is still a master link style where it is removable, but you cannot push the side plate on it has to be pressed. Most MC shops have the press for like 10-15 dollars, but to be honest, since you need to go through all the trouble just buy a MotionPro tool and a rivet type masterlink and you will sleep easy knowing that it won't break when you are wheeling it.

Quote from: gsJack on July 09, 2007, 07:57:38 PM
So now you have a 110 link chain including the master link, right?  Just buy one more master link and from that 4 link piece that was cut off you can grind off some pin heads and retrieve one inner link that you can place between the 2 masterlinks and you should then have the desired 112 link chain.   

Make sure you have the pressed on type plates on the masterlinks and assemble with care getting the clips on properly, gotta feeling your gonna be doing wheelies with that 15/45 ratio.   

thats what my plans were to do. i just didnt know if the local shop carried spare master links.
yes i will most likely be doing wheelies but gotta get it put together first

i called one dealer and they said they just sold out of master links, so i called the other one thats a ways away. they told me that they had several 520 o ring master links. so i get a ride to the shop after i got off work and pay $6 for one. get it home take it out of the little wrapper and realize buy looking at the rings that its not an oring its an x ring. now i have to have my wife go see if they will swap it out tomorrow will i am at work. so theres another day without the bike. this stupid people shaZam! sucks