Chain / Master Link Question

I'm in the process of replacing the chain and sprockets on my '86 VFR750F. I noticed that the chain that I need to remove, does not have a master link. I need to either break it, or remove the swingarm to get it off. Is this normal?

I haven't looked at replacement chains yet, but can I get one with a master link for this bike? If not, then I guess I will need to remove the swingarm anyway. If I have a choice, which is better? Thanks.

 

Yep you'll need to cut the chain, taking the swing arm off isn't the way to go. neither is using a master link that snaps on, So roll up your sleeves get a die grinder which IMO works best. Next find the link that has been pinned or pressed, you'll need to look close but you'll be able to see what it is as it's a wee bit different from the rest, now grind off the top of each head of the pin then get a punch and tap it out might, it need good wack to have it come out, but it does/will come out. I find it easier to have the link in question on the rear sprocket that way it gives more support do be able to use force in one grinding and tapping. Now once done there don't pull the chain out yet, go ahead take off the rear wheel do the sprocket swap as well as the counter shaft one too, yea that'll be tricky but found that easier than fishing a wire or such up back through to get to the new chain in place. Then using the old chain and link you popped out i hook up the new chain and pull it through. now reinstall the rear wheel push it all the way forward in the sliders on the swing arm then with a bit of finger work line it up on the reqr spocket. this part will take a chain press to be able to put the new link in place. this is the tricky part as I've never seen one to rent expensive to by for one time use I worked it out to borrow one from the honda dealler not sure if that'll work for you or at least find someone that'll either do it for you or borrow. pretty straight foward not all the hard to do. good luck. hope this helped in some way.
Note: before you start, have some one hold/sit on the bike with their foot on the rear brake while also having it in 2-3rd gear so you can get the bolt off the end of the counter shaft lose /off, nothing worse than to get to that part and go oh shit, how do you hang on to that? there is a special tool ,but if you do this first, no biggie. don't ask me how I know LOL

Note 2: or if this doesn't work for you, take it to a shop LOL

 

And just to add the "wee bit different" should be the pins in one link have a hole or dimple in them. The replacement will be the same. If tere is none different then you have the original chain (not likely) and you just pick a link to grind.

Doug

 

I replaced my chain and used a clip-type master link. I have had no issues. That is not to say that someone else has not had problems. In case one doesn't know, the closed end of the clip faces the direction of travel. I learned this years ago when I first started riding when I replaced masterlinks left and right before someone showed me I was putting the clip on wrong. I guess it really boils down to personal preference and experience.

 

Know what ya mean Vman, I've rode a many bikes with old school clip master links but since the late 70s pretty much all are non clip master link old school, less dirt bike and the like. What I find interesting in your case was you actually found a chain that had a clip master link, R&K and D-D don't make em that way for my VFR. Just keep an eye on it please, yes way easy but there's a reason they are the way they are now. hate to see/hear something about that later.

 

Actually, my chain is an RK chain. I got it from sumofallparts.net. I'll be sure to keep an eye in it. So far it's still on there and I have quite a few miles on it, not sure just how many tho. I probabyl would have done the riveted link but I did not have the funds for the kit. But I understand the reasoning behind riveting it over the clip as I do know clips do fail from time to time. But I will say the only time I had a chain failure was due to me putting the clip on wrong.

 

Back in the day we would use RTV, or similar, to coat the clip on the race bikes. Helped keep it in place. Now the bikes have so much power that riveted are the only way to go.

Doug