1
Make sure you've got the right parts and a paddock stand if no centre stand is fitted. Some bikes may need a fairing panel and the gear linkage removing. Remove the sprocket cover and loosen the sprocket bolt by leaving the bike in gear, if the motor turns over use the rear brake too!! Dont remove the bolt yet, just slacken it.
2
Split the old chain, preferably with a chain splitter, but an angle grinder can be used too.A grinder will throw sparks so take care and wear goggles.Dont remove the chain just yet, just lift it off the rear sprocket.
3
Loosen the rear brake torque arm,loosen the chain tentioner nuts and remove the wheel nut. Tap out the spindle with a rawhide mallett or hammer and block of wood. Take care to note where the spacers go!!On some bikes the brake caliper will have to be removed, but leave the brake line connected and tie it up out of the way.
4
Remove the old sprocket.Its easier to do if you leave the sprocket carrier in the wheel but take care to avoid damaging the disc by placing the wheel on a pile of rags or cardboard.Clean the sprocket seat so the new sprocket will seat correctlyand fit the new sprocket. If you have a torque wrench torque down to manufacturers settings.Refit the wheel and caliper if it was removed.Grease the spindle first!!
5
In order to get the front sprocket out first clean the filthy gunge out which has built up in the sprocket housing. Remove the bolt and the sprocket by lifting the chain off the sprocket teeth. Dont remove the chain yet!! Fit the new front sprocket and tighten the bolt by hand, it will be torqued down later.The old chain should now be sitting on the new sprocket.
6
Fully loosen the chain adjusters and drop the top run of the old chain back over the rear sprocket.Link the new chain to the old one using the new link and pull the chain around the sprockets until the ends of the new chain meet up on the rear sprocket.The bike must be back in neutral for this !!Unhook the old chain and you're ready to fit the connecting link.
7
Make sure the new O rings are fitted to the link and slot it into the chain ends. Fit the O rings over the pins and fit the new side plate. Note: The new side plate will not slip onto the pins as its a very tight fit. If you have a chain tool position this and tighten to fit the plate,then insert the punch and hammer the rivett heads down a little at a time until the heads are bevelled.
8
If no chain tool is available use a G clamp and a small socket to ease each end of the side plate onto the rivetts a little at a time.Check regularly as if the plate is overtight the chain will have a stiff link. Place a lump hammer behind each rivett and flare out the rivett ends using a ball end hammer. Make sure the link doesnt work its way out or the sideplate will have to be squeezed on again.
9
Torque the front sprocket bolt to the manufacturers setting and refit the sprocket cover and fairing. Also the gear linkage if this was removed. If necessary use the rear brake again to hold the sprocket.
10
Adjust the chain then spin the wheel through half a turn and re check the tension, re adjust if necessary. Tighten the wheel spindle nut, fit a new split pin if applicable and refit the brake caliper. Tighten the brake torque arm bolts.Lube the chain and lower the bike to the ground.. re check the chain tension.
[5 of 5 Stars!]
