How do you replace the chain?

[78gs1000]

I searched the forums couldn't find any sort of step by step process. My chain is in need of replacement, if anyone can tell me how I'll create a How To with photos when I do mine.

Thanks!
p.s. I have a 79' gs 1000

[cowboyup3371]

Do you have a Clymers? Great step by step procedures in there on how to do it. Basically, you'll need to have an assistant to help step on the brake while you loosen the nut on the front sprocket. Do this with the chain on or you'll be cussing yourself.

Do a search on here looking for just titles as this question has been asked a lot. In fact, check out this one.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=142657&highlight=change+chain

[Big T]

Did you download your free factory service manual from BassCliff's site?

If you want to stay with a stock 630 x 96 O ring chain, you have to pull the swingarm and the left engine cover. You can get a chain with a master link, just be sure it has a clip and not a peen on master (since it appears that you lack the proper chain tool)

[Agemax]

if the chain is knackered then most probably the sprockets are as well. you should replace them all at the same time

[mike_of_bbg]

This is from doing it on my 550 - yours will be a little different but similar. Sprocket and chain replacement.

First I removed the shift linkage and peg.



Then removed the bolts holding the sprocket cover:



The sprocket cover should pull straight off. Your chain should still be on at this point. On a 1000 I don't think you have to worry about the clutch cable. Flatten the lock washer.



Have someone hold the rear brake (it is quite possible to do this yourself) and use a 32MM socket and breaker or torque wrench to loosen the sprocket nut.



Now you can remove your front sprocket and chain.

Chain removal may depend upon your old chain type and your new chain type. If it's the original "endless" chain you can cut it. As noted, an aftermarket chain should have a master link - either clip or rivet. If it's rivet you'll need a tool to press it (I was able to borrow one, but 530 chain riveting tools are much more common than 630). If you get an "endless" chain, you'll have to separate the swingarm from the frame for installation as noted by Big T.

That's all the pics I have up right now - I did take a few pics of the rear but didn't put them online (at least not yet). Was trying to get a doc together. For the rear you need to loosen then remove the axle bolt. On my bike that means I have to un-bolt the shock tops and prop the rear wheel so the axle can clear the exhaust. Mine has a drum brake in the rear so the linkages need to be removed. The chain adjusters should be loosened all the way.

Once the rear wheel is off the whole assembly will probably fall apart. All those spacers are necessary so try to remember where they go, or look at a parts fiche. The sprocket carrier just pulls off. Check the sprocket carrier and wheel bearings, replace if they're anything other than buttery smooth.

My sprocket carrier had six bolts holding the rear sprocket to it, more lock washers, and square nuts on the inside. It's a pretty straight-forward process to replace them. Use blue loctite and torque to specs.

Re-assembly is the reverse of the above process.

If your bike is using a 630 chain, you might want to contact Z1 Enterprises about the parts you'd need to do a 530 conversion.

[mighty13d]

This is from doing it on my 550 - yours will be a little different but similar. Sprocket and chain replacement.

Great write up. I'm sure that helps a ton more than words alone.

[81GS750]

Basically, you'll need to have an assistant to help step on the brake while you loosen the nut on the front sprocket. Do this with the chain on or you'll be cussing yourself.

+100000

If yours still has the stock sprocket like mine did, be sure to get a can of PB Blast or your favorite penetrating fluid.

[sedelen]

If your sprockets are good you could grind off the end of a link to separate the chain (if you have an endless, no master link chain), then use a master link to connect the new and old chain and as you pull the old one off the new one goes on, yes it can be that easy! That's if you don't want to mess with pulling off the swingarm. You can either use a clip master link or the one that you have to mash the ends on so you have a new endless chain.
As far as getting a new chain, here's a premo at bargain prices, a new
630 RK XW (superior to O ring) chain, believe it's the best 630 chain out there that's still available. They are doing away with these chains I was told as they're suppose to be going to a 530 conversion, that's why they're on close-out, and there's only a few left. Believe it does include a master link but don't know if it's the clip or mash the end down type for the endless chain. This is what I used and how I did it, didn't even have to pull the chain guard of sprocket cover off.
You may have to take out a couple of links as this has 98 links and I think what we use is 96, no biggie. Hope this helps.

Use the link below and scroll down to RK chains, then look for the XW-Ring-630 Chain 630GSV-98, part no BL404. $68.

http://www.rkexcelamerica.com/blemished_dirt_atv.html

[78gs1000]

Thanks for all yalls help, I'm going to go ahead and go with the RK Excel Chain, thats one heck of a buy! They only had one left and I just ordered it

The guy said it was 98 links that should be fine right? Since Sedelen you said yours was 96? I am unable to return this so hoping that's enough. The Master Link included is a rivet style and since its a discontinued item there is no way to get a clip style. Is it safe to rivet it on without the designed tool via vice grips? I'm sure its possible, if not I'll buy the tool!

Also thanks Mike those photos helped and the rest of yall
Thanks

[Souske]

Just cut two links off and viola, 96 link chain.

You might want to start looking for a chain tool, peening it over with the too wasn't too bad, but I don't think vice grips stand a chance.

[Joneman]

Chain tool a must

I have to agree with Souske, vice grips dont stand a chance. I just bought a motion pro, 3-in-1 tool from Z1 that worked ok (MP08-0058 http://www.z1enterprises.com/Chain-R...-Tool-382.aspx). I don't have any affiliation with Z1 - I am just a satisfied customer). The tool is good enough for the odd use, but I didn't heed the reccomendations and broke the "breaking tip". If your old chain doesnt have a master clip to remove it, grind off the rivet head before trying to push it trough with this tool, otherwise you will break the tool like me . Any force on the tool will break the tool, and not push the old rivet through.

I just bought a 110 link chain for my 550 that requires 108 links, and I just took two off.

The flaring is minimal, and the tool gives you instructions on how to do it as well. Here is a properly flared pin according to them:




Good luck!

[mike_of_bbg]

When I flared my pins, I used my digital calipers to measure the before/after peen. It was about 0.025". It's also good to ensure they're even.

[sedelen]

Thanks for all yalls help, I'm going to go ahead and go with the RK Excel Chain, thats one heck of a buy! They only had one left and I just ordered it

The guy said it was 98 links that should be fine right? Since Sedelen you said yours was 96? I am unable to return this so hoping that's enough. The Master Link included is a rivet style and since its a discontinued item there is no way to get a clip style. Is it safe to rivet it on without the designed tool via vice grips? I'm sure its possible, if not I'll buy the tool!

Also thanks Mike those photos helped and the rest of yall
Thanks

According to the service manual 96 links is the standard length chain with
STOCK sprokets. If you have any doubt, count your links from the master link, even if your absolutely sure, count your links, make certain that you get the same count twice. Also, I was able to order a clip master link when I ordered my chain, just in case I couldn't figure out a way to rivet on the clip. (Big C clamp with small ball bearing). There are 630 master links available, here's a DID
Clip Conn Link for $6.16, but I'm not sure the pins are the same size, so..
you may want to take that into consideration, before placing your order.
Remember a clip type master link is not as strong as a rivet type, and there is a certain direction the clip has to be facing (I can't remember though).
Anyway, here's the link for the clip type master clip. Part number, (you got to scroll down once on the link) DC603002.

http://www.shopmotorcycleonlinestore.com/Professional-O-ring-630-V-Chain1-detail.htm?productId=-100007&ex=Professional+O-ring+630+V+Chain~q=ssaaProfessional+O-ring+630+V+Chainzz~r=~&source=searchbar

[78gs1000]

I contacted Z1 and might go ahead and change my sprockets (although they are in great condition, and switch to a 530 chain. My chain is actually better then I thought so will probablly hold off on this temporarily, but the price is a lot cheaper then I thought, about, Not even 50 bucks for both sprockets, and then whatever the price is for the 530 chain I choose!!
Thanks for the help guys, If I change the sprockets, I can just get an endless chain can I not?

[sedelen]

Thanks for all yalls help, I'm going to go ahead and go with the RK Excel Chain, thats one heck of a buy! They only had one left and I just ordered it

The guy said it was 98 links that should be fine right? Since Sedelen you said yours was 96? I am unable to return this so hoping that's enough.

I did remove a couple of links to make it the right length. So, did you order it?