Getting the chain on and off apparently sucks, they made it way to hard. I am thinking about dropping my swingarm to replace the o-ring chain, to avoid buying a press or paying for a freaking chain replacement. Anyone have an easier way, or know what problem I could run into by doing this? (i.e. the shock will be a bitch to get back into the swingarm)

 

Cut off the old chain, buy the new chain, put it on and have your local shop mash the new pin. You can put the link on and it will stay on for a low speed ride to the shop. That's what I did .... probably not the best idea but I didn't want to buy a chain tool either.

 

i've removed my swingarm. the hardest part is getting it supported. two friends lifted while i put the jackstands in place. everything after that just unbolts. loosen all the tight stuff, like axle nut, and swingarm shaft while the bike is on the ground first.
if you're getting a new chain, i would just cut the old one off. i recomend the proper tool for rivet type chains. but, you might get away with using a vice and steel BB on the rivet.

 

OK I think im gonn just drop the swingarm. Just looked like a pain to get it supported. The local shop wanted a hundred to replace it and the tool costs about a hundred. So, i gues i'll just support it and be done with it.

 

What is your time worth? I'd rather not risk the bike falling off the stands and buy the tool. 30 seconds with the grinder, 2 minutes with the chain break tool. Re assemble the master link and rivet it all with the same tools.
You will wonder why you would ever try it any other way once you have the proper tool.

 

done. Wasnt so bad with a friend to help hold the bike and tire in place. Now back to prepping for paint