I bought a 2008 CBR 1000rr that was stretched. Using a chain breaker tool I removed two pins from the chain (not master link just regular pins), took out some of the chain, and reinstalled the two pins with the chain breaker tool.

Is this ok to do? Should I have used a master link? Is the chain ruined?

I've heard horror stories of people's chains breaking and cutting off their leg, is that possible?

 

Follow direwctions in the shop manual. Use a master link. Do it right or it could end up malfunctioning and getting someone hurt.

 

No. Never reuse old pins, not even old master link pins. The end of the pin will not mushroom properly and the chain is liable to fly apart at high speed. Some say to not even use two master links on the same chain although I don't see why.

I have the same model and year bike as yours. I recently installed a new 520 chain and sprockets. I used a Motion Pro chain tool kit to install the new master link. It was my first time but everything turned out okay. I can see why it would not be a good idea to reuse any old pins. This is not a bicycle chain, where you could probably get away with doing something like that.

 

I don't see why you cant Shorten the chain, just make sure you use a new master link!! Remove the master limk, shorten the chain and use a new master link.

 

He already mucked it up wherever he pressed back on those used pins. At the very least if he is going to use the old chain he needs to remove those bad pins and install a second master link with new pins at that spot.

 

Oh for some reason I read it as a hypothetical situation. Yea You cannot reinstall what has already been removed without master links.

 

+1 to what's been said already. Don't reuse pins. I have used 2 master links in a chain before. Ran 25K miles on it with no issues.