Master link???

[SuperCell]

I'm replacing the chain/sprockets on an old GSX-R. I had the CUT the old chain off.

Should I be able to purchase a new chain with a "master link"??? I DO NOT feel like removing my swing arm.

[Killer2600]

I'm replacing the chain/sprockets on an old GSX-R. I had the CUT the old chain off.

Should I be able to purchase a new chain with a "master link"??? I DO NOT feel like removing my swing arm.

Yes that's typically the way it's done but you'll need a chain rivet tool if you wanna go the rivet route or you can just use a clip type master link. Riveting is the preferred way as it's less likely to come undone, clip types can come undone all by themselves especially if installed backwards.

[Steve]

Hey, I don't like removing a swing arm, either, but how else are you going to inspect your bearings or bushings in the swing arm pivot?

.

[Killer2600]

Hey, I don't like removing a swing arm, either, but how else are you going to inspect your bearings or bushings in the swing arm pivot?

.

bah screw that it's riding season not tear-down season

[Nessism]

bah screw that it's riding season not tear-down season

...typical attitude that has resulted in the death of many GS's.[-(

[JayH]

I'm replacing the chain/sprockets on an old GSX-R. I had the CUT the old chain off.

Should I be able to purchase a new chain with a "master link"??? I DO NOT feel like removing my swing arm.

Don't do it. Master links have been known to come off even when installed properly. Your GSXR revs higher than most of the old GS bikes and needs to have a endless chain.

The master link short cut you are talking about might let the chain come loose at speed which could result in a cracked case, locked up rear wheel, etc.

[Sandy]

The rivet links aren't all that hard to deal with. I just did mine with no special chain tools and without removing the swing arm. I removed the old riveted link by using an angle grinder (much quicker than a dremel tool) to grind the heads off the pins and then a small punch to push out the rest of the link. I then installed the new chain around the counter shaft spocket, installed the new master link using the old link plate as spacer and pressing the new link plate in place with a c-clamp. To peen the new link I have an old 18" piece of railway track that makes a great portable anvil. I just placed it on floor, butted the new link against it and peened the ends of the new link. The ends of the pins are soft and peen easily so don't over do it. The railway track is probably over kill but anything that has a bit of weight to it will work. This is obviously done before you install the wheel.

[80GS1000]

I own a current spec 06 GSXR 750 that puts down about 150 HP at the crank. Rivet masters hold the chain together just fine. Get a quality chain from a top manufacturer like DID, EK, or RK and a RIVET master link. Then beg/borrow/steal a chain riveter tool and rivet it together, you're good to go.

Rivet masters don't come apart. Having a clip type master come apart is no picnic, trust me.

Good prices/service here: www.sprocketcenter.com

[marz]

for youre sake as well as any one behind you

do it proper

NO MASTER LINK . JUST ENDLESS CHAIN . ( no clips )

pay the $ get it done profeesionally . its worth youre life or somone elses ..

[SPARKSS]

I'm replacing the chain/sprockets on an old GSX-R. I had the CUT the old chain off.

Should I be able to purchase a new chain with a "master link"??? I DO NOT feel like removing my swing arm.

I see a variety of replies to your post. Personally I've only been driving bikes 20 years....have put a couple of hundred thousand on quite a few chains which I've worn right out, but have never had any problems with master linked chains. I've tried rivited chains....good but the reliability is subject to the quality of the job - and even with the correct tooling I've seen the pin bind slightly. The clip type has already seen quality control.

I've also used clip type masters on a variety of industrial equipment with no issues.

What do I buy.....clip type whenever possible.

[Killer2600]

do it proper

NO MASTER LINK . JUST ENDLESS CHAIN . ( no clips )

pay the $ get it done profeesionally . its worth youre life or somone elses ..

You do know that the pros rivet the chain together right? Only the factory uses an endless chain. Taking off the swing arm just to replace the chain is a waste of time unless you are going to do more work.

As for the reply to my riding season comment: Well majority of our bikes are almost a good 30 years old and I know the newly acquired ones have not been through a complete strip down and rebuild before being put on the road so you can't tell me that you and others here don't just do the bare min to have a bike they can ride while the weather is good. If you have more than one bike then yes you can rebuild everything before riding the bike but for the rest that don't have "project" bikes as well as "riding" bikes we all know that we just do what is necessary to ride and work on the other stuff later.

[Agemax]

IMO there is absolutely no problem with clip type master links as long as it is from a decent make chain manufacturer and they are fitted correctly. i have used them on all my road bikes, including a HRC prepped cbr1000, my race bikes and a few mates use them on their drag bikes. none have ever encountered a problem. my gs bored to 1100 with nitrous runs a 530 H/D chain with a clip link and i aint worried about it!

[chuckycheese]

Clip

IMO there is absolutely no problem with clip type master links as long as it is from a decent make chain manufacturer and they are fitted correctly. i have used them on all my road bikes, including a HRC prepped cbr1000, my race bikes and a few mates use them on their drag bikes. none have ever encountered a problem. my gs bored to 1100 with nitrous runs a 530 H/D chain with a clip link and i aint worried about it!

My chains are both riveted but I agree with you. Most of my bikes have had clip masters and I've never had one come off. I've also known a great number of riders through the years and have never heard of it happening.

Now, I'm sure someone's going to come along and say it's happened to them....and I'm sure it could happen, I just think the chances are really remote...much less than a lot of other bad things that can happen when you're flying down the road. (I also think putting the clip on backwards would make very little difference.)

[Agemax]

My chains are both riveted but I agree with you. Most of my bikes have had clip masters and I've never had one come off. I've also known a great number of riders through the years and have never heard of it happening.

Now, I'm sure someone's going to come along and say it's happened to them....and I'm sure it could happen, I just think the chances are really remote...much less than a lot of other bad things that can happen when you're flying down the road. (I also think putting the clip on backwards would make very little difference.)

chances are they have bought a real cheap aftermarket chain with real bad quality or the spring clips have not been fitted correctly.