Chains - Page 2

Alright, so you knew something would go wrong, and for everyone that doesn't know me, I am now officially classified as a dumbass. Oh yes, I own that title. To recap: Sprockets- no problem. If you can turn a wrench, you can change sprockets. As for the chain, I dumbassedly broke the chain in the wrong spot so now I have a male end and a female end, instead of two male ends to connect with the masterlink. To solve this dilema, I can up with two possibilities: 1) buy a new chain and do it right (upside- I get it done today; downside- $100, extra chain that's too short laying around) or 2) buy a new sprocket with less teeth (upside- $60; downside- unsure if it will work, minimum of 3 more days with the bike down, chain with 106 links instead of 108). A third option that I've come up with is IF they sell pins that I can rivet to add another link to, that would be both econimical and somewhat easy. So there is no need for namecalling because I'm already depressed (don't kick me while I'm down), simply give me your thoughts and solutions and I will appreciate that!

Dude -- I'd have to see that. I didn't believe it's possible to break it in the wrong place. I don't discern by male/female. You got outside plates and inside plates (with the rollers). Didn't you look at my picture? Did you have to break the new chain? Generally you order them to length. Do ya know why they're always even #'s? Because you can't break it in the wrong place.

So, let's take a breath and think. So you got 2 links down (106 should be 108). There are tricks to be tried.

1 -- will your rear sprocket slide forward enough to make up the chain?
2 -- the adjusters (each side of axle) can sometimes be turned 180 and gives ya some room.
3 -- don't buy a whole new chain. Worst case is you buy another link (the inside - counts as 2) and buy another masterlink and just run with 2 masters. Guys who dragrace do this to avoid carrying an extra chain around. And don't worry, it's just as safe having 2 masters as long as you rivet them correctly.
4 -- better yet, buy a couple extra masters and links in case you f-up again
5 -- just yankin yer chain dude

Total cost about $10

As for the beat down, thanks. That was nice of you. I bought a 120 link chain because that's what they had. I have extra links, I just need a new Master. As for my male/female scenario- inside links are male and outside plates are female (the males go into the females). You're pic was great and will be very helpful when I get to the riveting stage. The lesson I learned is that you have to break the chain one plate ahead of what you need to remove that plate. That may now make sense to anyone except me, but at least I know. Also, when I bought the Motion Pro Riveting Kit, it comes with press plates so you do not need a seperate press tool (FYI)(a way to save 20 bucks). So I'm going to call the bike shop and see if they have master links. Thanks.

You're golden and don't even know it. Just get one of your females from the leftover chain and some master links and go to town. Actually may be a good thing -- you'll get practice riveting off the bike where you can work easier. Then just transfer that knowledge when you put it together on the bike. There is a difference.

So I found masterlinks and they are a whopping $5.49 each. I'll take your advice and work on it. Sounds easy, and the practice will be good. I'll let you know.

hey mike dont feel bad i will be down that road in a week or two i just get to learn from your mess up.
Thank for the info


Nipz~

Oh Mikey -- how ya doing dude? Haven't heard anything in a couple days. Give me an update -- hoping to hear good news dude

To make a long story short, (too late) I got it! Thank you everyone for all of your help. And here is my conclusion: I got the x-ring RK chain, a couple of sprockets from Sprocket Specialists, and tools from JC Whitney. The tools that I got and recommend are the Motion Pro breaking and riviting kit (which also has press plates and works great) ($80). Also the calipers from Home Depot ($25). It turned out really simple once you get the correct parts and tools. It passed the test (147mph) and has worked great 2 days to work this week. So, let's move on to our next project (that's the invitation). Thanks again everyone.

glad to here you got it i will be down that road here next week :|.



Nipz~

Hey Nipz, did you go through with it? On my 1972 CB 350 I just took off a clip-type chain- SSSOOOO much easier, but I wouldn't trust it at 70mph! Let me know how it turned out for you!

Howdy , welcome to the forums



Better late than never