Change your Chain and Sprockets

[gsxbarmy]

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 !


Remove front sprocket cover.


Remove inner sprocket cover with clutch slave.


If you aren’t careful you get scratches on your frame! Use duct tape to protect!


Remove speed sensor from front sprocket.


To get things loose you need to lend your wife's foot for a while... I guess a friend will do too.


Remove front sprocket nut... I like to undo things with my impact wrench (rattle gun).


Use a chain splitter/riveter tool to split the chain


Another picture of splitting the chain once the splitter is in place


…and applying some strength to make it split!


Chain and front sprocket are now loose


Remove rear spindle nut and remove the wheel.


Remove rear sprocket


Use a torque wrench to refit the new rear sprocket (and everything else for that matter).


Now thread the new chain back on (missed the pics where I mounted the front sprocket but you get the idea)


Rivet type of connecting link


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


Finally refit wheel, check wheel alignment and adjust chain slack and so on...but that’s it. Job done!

[froudy]

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

[Kiwifruit]

Pardon my ignorance but what is the yellow gizmo attached to the lower shock mount ?

[gsxbarmy]

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

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!!!

[gsxbarmy]

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....

[froudy]

It's an Oxford Patriot disc lock 

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

[gsxbarmy]

Thanks Steve 

[froudy]

It's ok..I've got one, so I recognised it straight away

[mt.b]

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?

[Hooli]

22-24mm comes to mind, but it's been a few years since I did this job so might be wrong.

[Snapey]

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. 

[Hooli]

Grog is experienced with using grinders, just not very good at it...

[grog]

Mention away Snapey, im still paying for being a dickhead. Not sure ill ever pick one up again.

[Sweaty]

How's the healing going Grog? Ok, I hope.

[grog]

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.