New Chain

[wct097]

Yesterday I decided that my chain was past the point of being usable. I'm pretty sure it was a factory chain as I couldn't find a master link anywhere. I ended up grinding a link down so I could pop it off with a screwdriver.

I guess 19k miles is good for a chain.

Anyway, I picked up a Parts Unlimited 525x120 chain from the local Honda dealer for $85. Probably a bit high, but I'm cool with spending a few extra bucks to get it without waiting.

This chain's master link is one that is the 'riveted' style, I believe. That is to say that it has no clip to hold it together. I was told that this link simply is pressed together, and that I could do it with a hefty pair of pliers. I managed after an hour of grunting and squeezing to get the link together so that the pins are flush with the outside of the plate (if that makes any sense).

So, my questions. Is this Parts Unlimited O-ring chain a decent chain? Is this master link installed correctly? I'm thinking I'll take it by the Honda shop and have them check it for me to be sure. I put about 40 miles on it yesterday and checked it every time I stopped (rode around town and stopped to meet people various places), and it seemed to be staying in place (much to my surprise).

[RACER X]

are you changing your sprockets as well?

[wct097]

I'm ordering a new set today or tomorrow. I don't think the old ones will hurt the new chain that quickly. I won't be riding this weekend (out of town), so the new chain will have 200 miles or so on it before the sprockets get here.

[RACER X]

www.sprocketcenter.com

in stock (and chain cut to length), good service.

[SlowCBR]

I couldn't gather from your explanation whether or not you actually got the end of the pins in the link to flatten out. After you push the pins through the master link and have the chain together, you have to smash the ends of the pins so they swell and cannot slip out (that's how they are rivetted).

If that's what you meant by having the pins flush with the outside of the plate, then disregard what I was saying.

Also, it may be easier to do the job with something like this: http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/56-MP-1. Fortunately, when I bought a chain from the local cycle shop, they let me borrow a chain press (to get the plates together) and a rivetting tool.

[Mykl]

I'm due for a chain soon... no kinks, in great shape, just stretched and almost at the point of replacement. 21,500 miles so far, it's doing great. I think I can easily get another 4000 out of it.

[ShanMan14]

I just replaced my chain and sprockets, make sure to wax that chain!

[steeltoe]

I dunno about the rest of you but judging just by what I read this guy is damn lucky that chain hasn't flown off. I've replaced a couple and yes you can simply press the plates together and it seems tight. That aint it though. You MUST either punch the pins with a rivet tool or apply the clip depending on what type it is. I always used a clip and epoxied it in place. Secondhand I'm told a poorly applied rivet style is the weakest of all. I've bought mine from sprocketcenter as well. Very good price and service and they can answer any questions you might have.

[dennisred69]

The best way to get the rivits to flaten out with out the tool is to use a piece of steel block and a hammer and pound the pins flat works every time. By the way the shop checked and said it was fine.

[alaska cajun]

There is no way I would trust my life to a pair of pliers.

[wct097]

That's pretty much what I thought. The pins aren't exactly flat.... not the way I think they should look, but they are disformed enough to keep the plate on temporarily. I'm not riding it until my sprockets get here, so I'll have the cycle shop use their tool on it after I change the sprockets.

[wct097]

Took it to the shop today and got them to correct the problem........... just waiting on sprockets now.

[chesus]

i looked up the specs for that chain and it says it has a tensile strength of 7400lbs and the maximum engine size should only be 400cc

a DID oring chain is rated at 8230lbs and for upto 750cc machine

you paid over retail for that chain and it's not too good, but if you didn't want to wait i guess thats all you could do...

[wct097]

Where did you find these specs? The Dennis Kirk catelog lists the Parts Unlimited 525 O-Ring Chain as being max engine size of 600cc and 8400lbs tensile strength. 120 links for $80.99, but I'd have to pay shipping too.... looks to me like it's OK, and the Honda shop was a dollar or so cheaper.

[chesus]

ooo your right i looked at the 520 specs, let us know how everything works out