First timer, chain question 05 SV

[RodsSV650S]

My bikes approaching 23k the chain adj. is full out. looking to invest in a kit (chain and gears front and rear) trying to stay in a stock theme on this bike. Its my first bike but not my last. I'm a weekend mechanic, pretty decent with a wrench in my hand. Changing the chain will be my first. I'm equiped with wheel stands front and rear. Any "what to watch out for" will be helpful.

[RayOSV]

You need to decide if you want a rivet type chain master link or a clip type. Most believe that rivet is more secure, but you need a tool to press/smash the rivets on the master link and the tools aren't cheap. I had an '00 sv650 with a clip-type master link on my second chain that was at about 24k miles when I sold the bike (47k miles total). You'll also need to cut the OEM chain off.

I'd stick with steel sprockets and get an X-ring chain all of the OEM width (525?). If you can't find out the number of links on your stock chain, you can always carefully count them. Most chain suppliers will have packages for your bike as it's a popular model. It's a good idea to replace the chain and both sprockets together.

If you have removed and replaced the rear wheel for tire changes, replacing the chain is only a little more complicated. The hard part may be getting the front sprocket loose. Use the old chain with the rear wheel blocked somehow to hold the front sprocket while you loosen the nut.

If you don't have a service manual, the Ron Ayers microfiche can be helpful:

Ron Ayers Motorsports - Discount Motorcycle Parts

[Nefarious_SV]

I'd really go with a rivit type chain, I'm sure if you look around in the local bike scene where you live you'll find someone that has the tool and will let you borrow or rent. You might even see if any of the local dealers rent tools.

I buy almost all my sprockets from SPROCKET SPECIALISTS-Sprockets for all makes of bikes. One of the first mods I did to my 03 650 was to loose the stock chain and throw on a 520 X ring chain. As Ray said, most suppliers will have sprocket + chain kits for the SV as it is one of the more popular starter/race bikes.