Hey, i was just wondering if anyone here has mounted a chain without using one of those chain riveting tools.... Im going to be mounting my DID chain and was wondering if i can go without the tool?? Dont want ot break the rivets trying it lol

 

having only done it with the tool, I cant imagine doing it without. I have seen videos showing how to do it with a ball-peen hammer, but try @ your own risk.

What about installing everything with a clip-style masterlink, and drive to a local shop and have them replace it w/ the rivet-style? Labor shouldn't be that much. Although the riveter kits dont cost all that much on ebay.

 

Well ya , it can be done without the tool if done carefully using a large c clamp where
you knock the cap off the screw side of the clamp and use the now exposed ball end
to spread the masterlink rivet head ........ kind of a redneck alternative when you
are in a jam. Saw a Guy do it one time.

Seriously tho' easiest to buy a rivet tool or borrow one

 

I had thought about that - but I'm a sucker for buying tools. :-)

 

Yeah, I have using this guide Viking wrote here. It took a few hours, but it was nicer than spending $100 on a chain rivet tool. Took it by my neighborhood bike shop later and the mechanic said it was fine.

You can also press the side plate to the correct depth and ride gingerly to the mechanic who can rivet it in a couple seconds. The chain sees almost no side load, and the side plate is stuck on pretty well without the rivets, so that's perfectly fine if you take it easy.

 

This thread has the best advice for you...
https://cbrforum.com/forum/how-mechanical-40/chain-sprocket-swap-97641/
I do my chain installs the same way.

While you can do the job w/ improvised tools, you'd be better advised to use a proper chain tool. Spend the extra bucks for the chain tool up front & you'll have it for future jobs. It will pay for itself. If your time, energy, & safety, are valuable to you, it will pay for itself during the first use. As the saying goes, "hear me now, believe me later."

Good luck.

 

you can do it with a hammer and a "stake". stake I a mean a short rod with a conned end.
hammering it against an anvil worked fine.

I did bought for the last time the riveting tool, and over done it
now I am waiting for a new connection link.

with all that said, for a one time use you can go with a cheaper riveting tool, but I suggest you do spend the money on it.

and no matter what, don't use the clip link, not on a sportbike, and preferably not at all.

last, in the manuals there is a measurement for a well riveted rivet (). check this and work accordingly. this will prevent ordering a new link

 

See 3-19 of factory shop manual.