HOW TO Change your Chain and Sprockets
NOTE: This thread is also available to download as a PDF file from the Downloads (General) Section
WARNING: If you are not sure ask questions before tackling anything SAFETY CRITICAL such as brakes, ask a more experienced friend to come and lend a hand the first time, but with care and a methodical approach, almost anyone can fit a new chain and sprockets.
Use an angle grinder !
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023444-1561205.jpeg)
Remove front sprocket cover.
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023445-1561190.jpeg)
Remove inner sprocket cover with clutch slave.
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023446-1581343.jpeg)
If you aren’t careful you get scratches on your frame! Use duct tape to protect!
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023447-1591910.jpeg)
Remove speed sensor from front sprocket.
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023448-159927.jpeg)
To get things loose you need to lend your wife's foot for a while... I guess a friend will do too.
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023450-161239.jpeg)
Remove front sprocket nut... I like to undo things with my impact wrench (rattle gun).
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023420-1381925.jpeg)
Use a chain splitter/riveter tool to split the chain
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023420-138113.jpeg)
Another picture of splitting the chain once the splitter is in place
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023423-142910.jpeg)
…and applying some strength to make it split!
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023424-142198.jpeg)
Chain and front sprocket are now loose
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023426-1441658.jpeg)
Remove rear spindle nut and remove the wheel.
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023429-1462400.jpeg)
Remove rear sprocket
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023429-146520.jpeg)
Use a torque wrench to refit the new rear sprocket (and everything else for that matter).
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023432-148166.jpeg)
Now thread the new chain back on (missed the pics where I mounted the front sprocket but you get the idea)
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023435-150862.jpeg)
Rivet type of connecting link
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023438-1521218.jpeg)
Grease the connecting link, mount the x-rings and press the side plate on... then rivet the end of the pins with the special tool
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023438-1521122.jpeg)
Finally refit wheel, check wheel alignment and adjust chain slack and so on...but that’s it. Job done!
(https://gsx1400owners.org/forum/gallery/0/9-050217023442-154508.jpeg)
Just a quick addition to this..
Once you've loosened the front sprocket nut, just cut the chain off with a grinder. It saves a bit of time having to use the chain tool to press it out :onya:
Pardon my ignorance but what is the yellow gizmo attached to the lower shock mount ?
Quote from: froudy on Sunday, 05 February 2017, 07:58 PM
Just a quick addition to this..
Once you've loosened the front sprocket nut, just cut the chain off with a grinder. It saves a bit of time having to use the chain tool to press it out :onya:
Don't disagree Steve, reason I didn't add that in was that some owners are not (how shall we say) experienced in using a grinder and if they press too hard on the chain with it could catch other parts of the bodywork when it eventually gives way. So for me grinding off the ends of the link and pressing the link back with a splitter was the safer option for those who may not have changed their chain and sprocket themselves before.
Else yes, absolutely an option!!!
Quote from: Kiwifruit on Sunday, 05 February 2017, 08:05 PM
Pardon my ignorance but what is the yellow gizmo attached to the lower shock mount ?
I wondered that too buddy, but these were not my pictures, they were the ones that came with the article. But if anyone has any insight I too would be interested!!!
It's actually bolted to the rear shock looking at the pictures, possibly made by Patriot, and has a switch on the back, but that aside, I can't see a use for it or what it may do even. Although I do know the guy whose 14 it was so may email him to find out, as I'm intrigued now....
It's an Oxford Patriot disc lock :onya:
http://www.thevisorshop.com/en/gb/Oxford-Patriot-Disc-Lock/m-14591.aspx?PartnerID=21&utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=UnitedKingdom&gclid=CKqW6erc-NECFRa3Gwodi7oGrA
Thanks Steve :notworthy:
It's ok..I've got one, so I recognised it straight away ;)
My mediocre socket set only goes to 19mm, what sizes do I need to buy to cover the removal of the speed senor and the front sprocket nut?
22-24mm comes to mind, but it's been a few years since I did this job so might be wrong.
Quote from: gsxbarmy on Sunday, 05 February 2017, 08:08 PM
Don't disagree Steve, reason I didn't add that in was that some owners are not (how shall we say) experienced in using a grinder
I don't think Grog would be upset if you mentioned him specifically with that statement Dave. :stir:
Grog is experienced with using grinders, just not very good at it...
Mention away Snapey, im still paying for being a dickhead. Not sure ill ever pick one up again.
How's the healing going Grog? Ok, I hope.
Healing fine. Stitches out tomorrow. Not sure im right but fr. nut could be 32mm. I know Busa & gsxr are that but also cant remember on 14. Only easy way to undo is impact gun IMO. I always clean off thread, apply some blue thread lock. While apart, clean up clutch push rod, make up some grease/ gear oil mixture, fit it in and out, spin it multiple times. Gotta take care of that seal.
Checked it. The front sprocket nut is 32 mm.
Thanks for the socket size. The speed sensor was harder to get off than the engine sprocket nut! I bought a 450mm breaker bar along with a 32mm socket. It did the job with ease. Thanks for the info on the clutch push rod. It's got the prescribed TLC :smitten:
Now it's a waiting game for the post to deliver a DID 530ZVM-X and standard tooth count RK front & rear sprockets.
mt.b, well done mate, superb result. Your bike will be so nice with new chain/ sprockets, i love that feel/sound. Dont forget some threadlock on fr sprocket nut, good insurance i reckon. Look after that new chain, will last a long time. 14 only chew chains because of negligence. Cleanliness the main thing, i use brake cleaner. Lots have diff ideas but thats life. My only lube is Castrol VMX, again lots agree/ disagree. Your a winner mate.
mt.b, as Grog said, you won't beleive the difference that the new chain & sprockets make. I swapped to the exact same chain & it took all the gear change surging away (could never get a smooth pick up, without the initial clunk) from the worn chain and it transformed it to a smooth beast.
Kerosine for cleaning & Penrite 85w-140 gear oil for me.
Check your rear sprocket carrier bearing while you're there. They never last as long as a chain for me & those failing is often what kills the chain.
Be careful not to overtighten the rear sprocket nuts. The correct torque is 60 Nm! Several places in the manual state 102 Nm - very wrong :thumbs_down:
It's Friday here in Australia and my parts didn't arrive. I did check all the rear bearings and suffered no casualties. I also managed to fit a rear Battlax S22. The front I did last weekend, so it's not all bad.
Mt.b, as advised, grab a sprocket bearing. Strange size, not at bearing shops. Cant rem where i got last one, will have a look. Interested to see how Bridgy goes, im not a fan of Bridgestone but get good reviews.
Bearing shops around here always have them, it's the dust seal (always replace that too as they wear out in no time) that no-one seems to stock near me.