Installing a new chain gave a run for my money, but I feel accomplished.

Upon my return from OOTV's - A big thank you again- garage, I proceeded to install the new chain. Clamped on the plates in the master link and found out I did it too tight. Dang!
Tried to back the pins out to no avail. Tried a little more until I could free up the plate, but now I was wondering how to push them back in and start the process all over again, tried a couple of things but I was getting nowhere. Here comes the torque hammer; no dice. Tried the torque 5 lbs sledge hammer; nada!
All in all, I spent about two hours trying one way then another. Finally I was able to finish the the job right about when I was running out of daylight, but I
still had to put the bike back together. Opened a beer and called it a day.
I did some minor maintenance including:
Cleaned the wheels of road grime and old chain lube. Gave them a coat of wax because I was told road grime would not stick to them as much.
Painted my wheels with cheap paint to cover old scratches and gouges of past tire changes. I thought I had bought plenty but it was barely enough.
Cleaned the chain guide, chain cover, clutch housing, swing arm, sidestand, and checked for any rust on wires and connectors.
I was able to do what was needed and completed the job without nuts, screws, washers or miscellaneous parts leftover. Oh, I was able to do it without grime under my fingernails.
Bike is ready for my commute tomorrow. Hope it starts and I did everything right.















*No torque hammer was used to push the pins back in. I used the cheap chain kit from a cheap store and it was just what I needed.

 

I hear you. I had Chomper come over and show me the ropes on a chain change several years ago, then did it myself next time around. I've done it twice now. But I understand your dilemma on how tight to make that joining link. I guess I got it right.

Good for you Mofo. Next time will be a breeze. I really should buy a chain replacement tool instead of riding and hour each way to borrow Chomper's.

 

Nah man, you can always use the lack of tools as an excuse to go for a ride.

 

Excuse. Who needs an excuse. Riding is a necessity of life. My problem is, Chomper likes his hoppy IPA as much as I do and he has a fridge in his shop. I end up with rubber cheeks and can't ride home.

 

I'm sure you can find a way to fit a case of beer somewhere in and on your bike.

 

It's not a fun job but I do it and when I do, I put my mind in patience mode, take my time, and clean everything up real sparkly from old chain lube and crud. It always feels so good to have a nice new chain on the bike then take off and begin wearing out another one. A worn out chain properly cared for means a lot of fun was had. ; )

 

Always order a second rivet link when buying a new chain.

 

When installing the master link, the chain will feel too tight until you rivet the pins. It loosens at that point.

I learned the hard way the first time and effed with mine for hours trying to set the tightness on the master link.

The rivet tool i have pushes those pins out like nothing as well.

 

I will starting next time.

 

That was not the case last time I installed the chain, but I believe you.

 

Might be possible the master link was borked after you tried loosening it.

Either way, glad you got it done! Nothing more fulfilling than doing your own maintainance and a job well done.

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Next time it will go fast for you. I grind off the head, use the tool to push out the pin, connect the new chain to the old with a piece of wire then pull the new chain into place. (Only do this if I know both sprockets are still good). Then use the tool to make a nice mushroom head, check to make sure the link is not to tight, adjust chain and then ride.

 

Yeah. I use the same method as Gator, but I don't bother grinding. I just push it out so I don't need to worry about metal shavings.

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Sorry for your troubles Mofo, always sucks when things go sideways.
Have 40,000 on my OEM chain and sprockets that still are in great shape but bought the chain and sprockets anyways.
Last time I did this was in the mid 90's on my 900SS so I'm definitely going to bribe Master D with IPA or Irish whiskey ta help do it right.



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Go faster (the second time)? Why in the world would you want to do that?

I like everything about a new chain. I like putting them on. I like the looks of a new chain. I like how smooth and quiet they are, and the piece of mind.

 

I smh crazy, well lessons learned huh, not a big deal. Guess it's come from doing to many over the years, and yes I like grinding them off too.

 

I always measure the chain link thickness on the new chain at 4 or 5 spots with a micrometer and then take an average...then press the new link to that number. Takes the guess work out of it. Grind, press, measure, cut, press.

 

It's official, my old chain lasted only 17K miles.

 

I cleaned and waxed the wheels, made them so shine that the bike gave me a stiff one!
Rear brake that is. The front is firmer than before, but the rear I have to push harder to get the same bite. Will have to check that next week.

 

I have read about doing this, so it does work? That definitely seems like a good way to do it having a good reference. I learned by fucking up several links that I over pressed and had to redo.