Hey dudes, I've been looking for a good area to hook up with people of the same interest and I think I found it. Maybe someone can help me: I'm replacing my chain right now (2002 CBR 954 with 18K miles) and I'm having all kinds of trouble. I'm not a moto tech but I've been doing regular maint for a while. Why am I having such a hard time? Please help! I've also had a 1999 CBR F4, a 1980 Honda Spree and am currently rebuilding a 1972 CB 350. So I'd like to talk about anything Honda! Thanks for the help.

 

So people are looking, but not answering. Even if you have nothing to say about my chains topic, maybe we can learn someting about each other about something here.

 

What kind of trouble are you having?? Chain replacement is rather routine...if you have 18K miles you need to be sure and replace both the countershaft and the rear sprocket as well. Chains and sprockets are a "mated" assym, meaning if you put a old chain on a new sprocket ( or vice versa) the new component needs to mate to the old one. So you will have a new chain that is going to wear or completely wear out the sprockets ( bent or broken teeth) and a chain that will not last for beans...Secondly the chain required for your 954 is rather expensive due to the tensile strength required for your bike, dont put a cheaper, lesser grade than required. It will wear out very quickly and may even break causing major trouble ( like broken engine cases, don't ask how I learned this!!!)
If you need any help, let me know and I can set you up with the proper stuff
I own a motorcycle store in Roseville, CA
www.apexroseville.com and you can contact me thru that or thru here..
Good Luck
Tom Sharp
Owner
Apex Motorsports

 

Chains chains chains chains -- I got my screen name because I owned an '01 turbo Busa and buddy I did some changing of chains. The last one I bought was the same brand as is on the CBR1000RR - D.I.D. x-ring. I give it 3 thumbs up.

As far as trouble with changing the chains, it's fairly straightforward as long as you have a rivet tool and chain breaker. What Limpalot said about new sprockets also - you're talking $30 - $45 for sprockets and prolly $140 - $175 for a good chain.

If ya need more info just holler.

 

Well I have an x ring chain and I'm working on buying the sprokets (I know that I need them with the new chain)(any suggestions on where to buy them?), but the chain breaker I bought obviously had false advertisement because even though it said that it would work on the 530 chain, it couldn't handle it! I can fix that problem as well. My major problem is connecting the chain with the master link. I can't get it in the chain, and then securing it? I'm not sure why I'm having the trouble that I am because it is pretty routine.

 

Hi and welcome to the boards. Definatly trust what Sir & Chain say, they are two of the more knowledgable members on here. If you need any help, I know they can hook you up.

 

What kind of chain tool are you using? I use a motion pro with a couple of mods. To help it out when breaking the chain, try grinding the pins flush with the side plates -- much easier.

Sprockets -- I love sprockets. Especially the sprocket specialist color pretty aluminum ones. I ran one on pre-turbo Busa and it performed flawlessly for 7500 miles.

Now taking off the rear sprocket is easy enough but the countershaft sprocket can be a pain. The word here is impact wrench to remove. Put on the new sprocket and just tighten by manual wrench until it starts to turn. Put on new chain then have someone hold the rear tire while you torque the countershaft sprocket nut to spec with a torque wrench.

Riveting the new masterlink isn't hard but if you don't have the correct tools it's impossible. Things to watch out for (read: stuff I've done wrong in the past) : Pressing the side plates in too far (use a set of inside calipers and tighten plates a smidgen at a time), over-riveting the pins and making them crack (the object is just to make the outside of the pin larger than the hole in the plate -- it won't come off at speed -- believe me), and buying stock chains (D.I.D. is goooooood chain).

I'm certain Sir Limpermanalot can set ya up right with anything I've mentioned. Also, he prolly knows of a few more gooder ways/tools to use.

And thanks Neon, but my knowledge pales in comparison to a certain hairless wonder

 

Well if you go look at his profile, It's quite clear, I guess he decided to leave our boards. He hid his e-mail and turned off his pm's as well.

 

You can use the mini chain press tool from Motion Pro ( part# 08-070) and a set of Masterlink pliers (#08-0230) to install the clip. The chain press will evenly squish the chain together leaving the posts for the clip out in the breeze for you to get at them. The Masterlink pliers are designed for.....Masterlinks!! ( who would have thought??) It features on side of the plier that is longer and made to slide the clip onto the post!!!
Well good luck with your project.
I am sure that with a little patience and the proper tools your job will be successful

 

Are those tools for riveting the master or for a clip type? I know peeps that use the clips and have no problems but I prefer the rivet type master.