How to change chain and sprockets?

About to change the chain on my motorcycle... looking for the most cost-effective way to do it. Has anybody broken the OEM chain with the Harbor Freight tool? I don't have a dremel or angle grinder. If the HF tool is too fragile, I might remove the swingarm bolt.

 

I have not used the HF tool. I have taken a look at. It looked like it will break the chain but you will need to press the side plate and peen/expand the pins. You may figure a way to do that with the HF tool. I'm a fan of the cheap knock off tools like the DID knock off http://www.ebay.com/itm/Motorcycle-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item3ce07d22f2&vxp=mtr or this one perhaps http://www.ebay.com/itm/Deluxe-Chai...Parts_Accessories&hash=item58a0a2109e&vxp=mtr

 

Messing with the swingarm bolt sounds like a can of worms to me. If your going to HF pick up a grinder fo $10.00. I recently replaced the chain on my Suzuki. I ground a link down to the point I popped the link with a screwdriver. Grinder was huge time saver.

 

I know its from the dark side but this is a great pictorial on changing your chain and sprockets.

http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/12-chain-sprocket-replacement/

 

Thanks, that guide is helpful, it's where I got the idea to unbolt the swingarm pivot axle instead of breaking the chain. Might just pick up a cheap grinder from HF as Arnzinator suggested.

 

A dremel while slower works very well also

 

I'm with arnzinator, get a grinder, save lots of time and a headache. Or do it the way I did -sledgehammer and flat screwdrivers- and you'll have plenty of time to drink beer, cuss and swear when things don't go your way.

 

I got a proper chain breaker/riveter from Cycle Gear. The whole job was a piece of cake. Removing the pins off the old chain, riveting the new chain. Don't know what all the fuss is about. This is kind of my first time since the last time I did it was 10 years ago.

 

I'm sorry it wasn't such a walk in the park, chewing gum and whistling event for me.

 

+1. Picked up Stockton Tool Co. chain breaker/ riveter from Cycle Gear for $30.00. Worked great.