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Endless Chain Question

cschew

cschew

New member
Joined
May 27, 2011
Location
Daly City
Moto(s)
f4i
Name
Collin
Hello all! I'm about to buy an RK XSO X-Ring chain from a fellow barfer. http://bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=405497

He has informed me that it is an endless chain with 108 links.

Before I buy it, I was wondering if it is okay to cut one of the links and replace it with a master link. Is that safe/recommended? Or is the only way to install a endless chain correctly is by removing the swing arm?

I've looked up that my 2004 cbr600f4i requires 108 links.

Thanks,

-Collin
 
RK should make a master link for that, no problem. I have an RK 530XSO on my ZX12R. Bought it at 120 links for $99 brand new, cut it to 116 links for my application. I buy all my chains in sections, and install with master link. Just an FYI, I would highly recommend a Rivet style master link for a street bike. It helps a lot to have a good chain cutter/installer. I just bought the $100 one RK sells since I knew I would use it over and over again for my bikes and friends.
 
cschew said:
Okay, sounds good!

I think this should be the rivet style master link. http://www.motorcycle-superstore.co...SO-Rivet-Connecting-Link.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

I'm going to cut and replace one of the links with a rivet style master link.

Also,the service manual says the chain should be 108 links(which is including the master link then right?).

Thanks,

-Collin
Click to expand...

Yep, that looks to be it.

And yep, you include the masterlink in your count. Cut to 107, make sure you have an "inner" link left on each end, then install master link.
 
Hibs said:
Yep, that looks to be it.

And yep, you include the masterlink in your count. Cut to 107, make sure you have an "inner" link left on each end, then install master link.
Click to expand...

Thanks everyone for the quick replies!
 
Hibs said:
Yep, that looks to be it.

And yep, you include the masterlink in your count. Cut to 107, make sure you have an "inner" link left on each end, then install master link.
Click to expand...

When you count "links", don't you count the rollers? If so, the master link wouldn't add to the count and it would be impossible to end up with an odd number, anyway. :dunno
 
Turn your swingarm adjusters in, lace the chain onto the sprockets, and cut off the excess where the 2 ends meet. This way you don't accidentally cut one too short and screw yourself!
 
SikMoto said:
Turn your swingarm adjusters in, lace the chain onto the sprockets, and cut off the excess where the 2 ends meet. This way you don't accidentally cut one too short and screw yourself!
Click to expand...

Yup, that's how I do it. :thumbup
 
OldFatGuy said:
When you count "links", don't you count the rollers? If so, the master link wouldn't add to the count and it would be impossible to end up with an odd number, anyway. :dunno
Click to expand...

Waiiiiiiiiiit the master link doesnt count? :((((( The guy already grinded one of the links.
 
Yes the maser link counts. You count the number of links, not the rollers. There are two kinds of links, inner (skinny), and outer ( fatter). All chains have to have even numbers of links, counting the master. When breaking a chain to reconnect you have to end up with an inner link on each end, that is then joined with the master (outer) link. Best bet is like the previous post, hanging the chain on the bike, and cut to fit. That will eliminate problems with different gearing, or anything else.
 
Counting the rollers will give you the correct number of links and is easier than counting inners and outers or counting side plates and multiplying by two, etc.
 
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