I find myself probably having to replace my chain this winter and, being cheap, didn't want to drop $100+ on a riveter/ breaker. I already have a dedicated chain breaker so I was trying to find a cheap riveter when I came across this link to a Kwacker site. Diy Chain Rivet Tool : KawiForums.com Kawasaki Forums: Kawasaki motorcycle forums Man, those Green guys are cheaper than me, but it looks like great idea. I also found this in the Mechanics Garage: http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanic...view-ebay-tool-vs-d-i-d-chain-tool-km500.html Certainly another option. While I'm here, does anybody have recommendations on a particular brand of chain? Ciao.
That chain riveter looks great. I would use that. I have an RK gold chain on my '96, no complaints. Still looks great.
I recently replaced my chain and saw the same thread on the kawi forum too. Although cheap I decided not to do that. I also saw the thread on the ebay tool but it seemed the link to ebay was broken, but I found an alternative (or maybe it was the same retailer originally) : mikesxs.net part#35-0006 . I paid $50 + $6 for a spare pin. I found an instructions image on some forum: I also thought I'd try using a cheaper tool for the breaking part harbor freight heavy duty chain breaker 12.99 I never used this though. I ended up taking the original chain off without breaking by loosening the swingarm bolt (rider peg). A good writeup of doing it this way is available at vfrd Chain, Sprocket Replacement You can see the loose rider peg bracket in this image during my chain/sprocket swap: I bought my chain as part of a kit from sprocketcenter and it was an RK 530XSO brand chain. I went -1 on the front sprocket. End result:
In April, with 30k miles on the original sprockets and chain (and the memory of the horrified look on the Honda tech's face when I told him the final drive was original) I decided it was time for NEW STUFF. I bought a RK XSO chain and sprocket kit with steel sprockets and a riveter/breaker kit. Having never used a breaker before but very good at following instructions, I went to work and 1.5 hours later the breaker kit and my temper was wrecked, the chain as unmoved as a pre-campaign donation congressman. After mapping out the route for my 7 state rampage of murder and illegal parking, It hit me: I'm throwing the chain away, why be nice? A smile and the 24 inch bolt cutters I got from work had the chain cut and off in 5 minutes and in little bite sized links 10 minutes after that. The NEW STUFF went on real easy and look good too, I especially like that the rear sprocket is flat, unlike the beveled original, and much easier to clean.
Several. The clip's still there but my paranoia, plus RK specifying a riveted master link, has gotten the best of me. A riveted link will be installed Friday and this time, the Honda shop's doing it.
