When did they start doing this?

I've been away from motorcycling since 2003, when I sold my 2000 Firestorm with 6500kms on it. Before that, a 1986 Suzuki GR650 Tempter and a 1987 Hurricane 1000. Never did much maintenance to any of them (one was brand new, the other two were beaters). Did own some dirtbikes as a teenager in the late 80's, early 90's, and had fun working on them.

So, tonight after work, I head out to the garage, put my recently acquired 1990 VFR on the rear stand, and begin to replace the chain and sprockets. Everything is going fine until I start looking for the master link to connect the new chain. Where's the clip? I grab the instructions - "STAKE THE CHAIN, blah, blah, blah, RIVET TOOL????" What the heck????? Are you kidding me? Since when has it been like this? Does anyone else remember it the way I do?

Looks like I'll be taking my truck to work tomorrow. :smile: Sucks.

 

They have been doing it like this for quite some time.....You have no idea that you just opened up pandora's box and there is an excrement tornado about to arrive....run while you can.






.

 

I would never use a clip on chain again ........even at gun point. Cycle Gear ,and many others, offer a tool kit at a low low price. You are better off, trust me.

 

I remember those days...I had a special key on my key ring that was for removing the "master link". It was primarily for the 420/428 chains if memory serves me well. Couldn't tell you when they went away, all I know is that I have a "breaker" tool for both my MC and bicycle chains and they've been in my tool box for decades...yep, decades!

 

Last time I saw a master link was late 80's, right before going to endless chains. They were a pain in the arse since you had to remove the swingarm to install them. Don't see them anymore either. Now my chain removal tool is an angle grinder with a cutting wheel and install with a Motion Pro/Cycle gear chain rivet kit.

 

My KZ spit the chain out twice with a master link/clip set-up. First time, I thought it was a freak occurrence. Even properly adjusted and maintained, the combination of a downshift while braking was all it took. :scared: The second time, I decided that it was time for the bike to have a rest. I was lucky it didn't lock the rear tire, crack the engine case, or cause some other disaster. :rip: It was a strange feeling rolling on the throttle at the bottom of an exit ramp - turning left onto another road, and having nothing happen. Turned around, and there, still on the ramp - about a hundred feet back, was the chain. :faint:

When it goes back on the road again, I will use a chain which has to have the rivets set.

 

the tornado is coming...i can already feel the wind picking up...........

 

Thanks guys, for pointing out how "behind the times" I am. :smile:

Maybe I need to get a new jacket as well. Someone at work called me "Fonz" the other day, haha. I feel old.

The bike is still on the stand, will try to find a rivet tool locally. It's too bad, because the sun is really shining here today.

Thanks,
Ron

 

That's interesting - some recent discussion on another forum has seen many of us breaking a chain at some point but not one single chain ever breaking at the master link...

OP - not so far behind the times, dirtbikes still run master link chains but it was phased out on the road many years back...