I have a few questions. I need to replace my chain & Cam Chain Tensioner (CCT). I've decided to attempt this myself. I found the awesome thread on this forum that shows how to replace the CCT, it seems rather simple. Replacing the chain itself seems rather simple, also. The trouble I'm having is the more I research for which chain to buy the more confused I get. I notice most chains come in a kit with sprockets. So, I would like to go ahead & replace the sprockets with the chain. I'm not sure what kind of chain & sprockets to buy. My bike is stock but, I wouldn't mind upgrading. My questions:

1) What chain/sprocket set do I buy?
2) On a scale of 1-5, how difficult is replacing the sprockets?
3) What is the deal with the gold chains?

Thanks in advance...

 

Here's a couple of tutorials on sprocket / chain replacement: No.1 & No.2.
Stick with major brands and you'll be OK. Some popular brands for chains are RK, DID, EK, and Regina. For sprockets you have Renthal, Vortex, Driven, AFAM, and Sunstar (OEM) to name a few. As for the gold color, the EK chain I got stated that it was a finish applied to resist corrosion (plus it looks good). I don't know about the other brands though. With the difficulty level, if you feel confident you can do the CCTL, then the chain should be a piece of

 

Thanks! Great tutorials. I'm thinking I might get the local shop to replace the CCT if it's under warranty. That will save me $50 - $60. If not I'll just do it myself.

 

A F4i under warranty? Good luck on that.

Popular gearing upgrades are -1/+2 and a 520 conversion. Tho most will never feel anything from the 520 conversion and opt to stick with 525. It is best to replace the sprockets and chain as a set. You will need a chain tool so you can cut the old chain off and install the new chain. A grinder, hammer, and punch will work to remove the old chain. But its hard to bet the right tool for installing the new chain. But it can be done with a BFH and a good blunt punch.

Oh and it can be done in a hour or two.

 

I heartily recommend the proper tool for peening the rivets on your new chain. A friend and I did mine last Friday without the tool, and while we got it, I imagine we could have saved 30 minutes or more with proper tool. It takes a good deal of effort to peen the rivets to the point where I felt confident the chain was on for good.

 

Thanks for the info, again. My warranty is good through 02/2011 & everything that I've read says that the CCT on the F4i is known for going bad which is why the warranty should cover it. I'll find out tomorrow. Another question. Will I need something to break the chain off if I'm replacing the sprockets also? I will have to take the rear wheel off anyways, right? If I do have to I guess the $50 I may not have to spend on the CCT could go towards that. I just hate to spend money on a tool that I rarely use.

 

Getting the chain off is easy, just dremel down two of the rivets, and then use a punch, or a screwdriver to punch out the pins, or pry off the plate make sure the chain is loose of course). That was the easiest part of the whole process.

 

Is this what I need to break the chain?

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...n-Breaker.aspx

I don't mind buying this for under $20...

 

No you don't need that. All you have to do is grind off the riveted head off one of the pins, which will in turn allow you to push it out, thus "breaking" the chain. You can even use a hand file, but a rotary tool would be easier. If you're going to change the chain yourself, you should get a riveter/press/breaker tool, which won't require the use of anything else to remove the old chain, and install the new one.

 

you need this more than the breaker tool http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...ress-Tool.aspx

just keep in mind when it comes to tools, you get what you pay for.