When fitting a new chain...

[DarrenSV650S]

Is it normal to have to drill out the holes in the split link?


Oh and now my clutch spins when I go on the power so I'm going to have to adjust that before tomorrow:smt092
Is that easy enough to do?

[DarrenSV650S]

It was a garage that fitted the chain by the way. Not me

[DarrenSV650S]

Can someone tell me what's wrong with this? He had to take off the two bolts to get at the sprocket bolt. What could be wrong?

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/DSCF0009-10.jpg

[rigor]

What? The two bolts that hold the clutch bit thingy on? From memory that's normal on the SV.....

[rusty76]

Looks OK to me (from memory). The clutch assemby normally needs to come off

[DarrenSV650S]

So why is my clutch messed up?

[rusty76]

probably cos lack care when reassembling to align with the slots on the spindle, or fecking around with the cable adjustment

it's not a big deal but if a garage did the work I'd get them to rectify it

[Dave20046]

Yes they need to break the chain, a drill to the link could be how normal people do it personally I use a grinder.

Clutch? Just adjust it as per a manual/sid squid. Slacken it off at both ends then turn out the flathead bolt surrounded by a locking nut that you can see in your pic of behind the front sprocket cover, then start doing it up until you feel it contact with something, then turn it out 1/8 of a turn and do up the locking nut. (IIRC)

[DarrenSV650S]

probably cos lack care when reassembling to align with the slots on the spindle, or fecking around with the cable adjustment

it's not a big deal but if a garage did the work I'd get them to rectify it
If I turn it so the slots are on the other thread on the spindle it's way off. Don't think the cable adjusters were touched
Yes they need to break the chain, a drill to the link could be how normal people do it personally I use a grinder.

Clutch? Just adjust it as per a manual/sid squid. Slacken it off at both ends then turn out the flathead bolt surrounded by a locking nut that you can see in your pic of behind the front sprocket cover, then start doing it up until you feel it contact with something, then turn it out 1/8 of a turn and do up the locking nut. (IIRC)
No the chain was already split when I bought it. They had to drill the holes in the link to widen them. He said it won't go on otherwise

[Dave20046]

If I turn it so the slots are on the other thread on the spindle it's way off. Don't think the cable adjusters were touched

No the chain was already split when I bought it. They had to drill the holes in the link to widen them. He said it won't go on otherwise
Oh I thought you meant to split the old chain.
Erm that sounds dodgy. What brand is the chain? The link is made for the chain it should fit through like a glove and then just needs to be rivetted

[7755matt]

Surely that cant be good? If the chain came split with the new link then it should fit?

[Dave20046]

Surely that cant be good? If the chain came split with the new link then it should fit?
Exactly my thinking, surely the new links are manufactured the same proportions of the other links :scratch:


He's not lost your link and just fitted a link he had lying round has he? lol

[Spikenipple]

I wouldn't use the chain if they've drilled out the links to get the new link to fit :| !!!
The side-plate of the new rivet link needs to be pressed on and it can be an incredibly tight fit, but if it's pressed squarely it will go on eventually. As mentioned previously, a mal-adjusted clutch pushrod is likely the problem. Undo the locknut and screw the centre screw in until there's contact, then undo it either 1/8th or 1/4 of a turn (depending on how you have the lever). Do all of this with the clutch-end adjuster fully screwed into the clutch lever housing, then set the cable up after you've adjusted the pushrod.

[DarrenSV650S]

I've got the clutch back to normal. Spot the difference? ;)
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/DSCF0014-2.jpg

It's a DID chain. He said that he has to do it with all chains

[Dave20046]

I've got the clutch back to normal. Spot the difference? ;)


It's a DID chain. He said that he has to do it with all chains
Was he an absolute moron?

[DarrenSV650S]

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/DSCF0010-7.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/DSCF0011-6.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/DSCF0012-3.jpg

[Dave20046]

Can't really tell from the photos (good camera though), if he has drilled it there may be a problem if not then maybe not. Doesn't look to me like he's used a chain riveter though. Was he a car mechanic by any chance?

[DarrenSV650S]

Can't really tell from the photos (good camera though), if he has drilled it there may be a problem if not then maybe not. Doesn't look to me like he's used a chain riveter though. Was he a car mechanic by any chance?
He did drill it. He used a riveter but it's one that needs a hammer. It's more of a bike shop than a garage but he is a mechanic

[Dave20046]

He did drill it. He used a riveter but it's one that needs a hammer. It's more of a bike shop than a garage but he is a mechanic
Right I could be wrong here but I've never needed to drill a chain and can think of no reason to do so providing your using the supplied kit, granted I'm thick but this really has confused me. The riveter I use doesn't need a hammer not sure if they make different types? But are you sure he didn't just hammer it instead of using a riveter?

Afraid you'll have to wait for someone clever to shed some light on the drilling.
BTW did he do that to your clutch mech?

[7755matt]

I dont like the look of it, but then Ive not done much tinkering with bikes for a while. Last bike I had used horseshoe clips.

I would get another link for it and get it redone, possibly somewhere else.

I managed to get my SV cheap as a cat C write off after the chain had snapped on it, but looking at it with mattblackone he reckons the link had been badly rivetted. Took out the undertray, swingarm, shocker. Right mess.

[Spikenipple]

Stick a flathead screwdriver in the gap underneath that and see if the sideplate moves. If it moves AT ALL, tell him to do it again. It looks like he's drilled the holes in the plate out and then barely hammered the ends of the pins over the holes.
There should not be any drilling of anything when fitting a rivet link (as long as it's the right link, if it's not then the correct type should be used). The sideplate needs to be pressed on, not drilled so it slides over the pins.

[DarrenSV650S]

Right I could be wrong here but I've never needed to drill a chain and can think of no reason to do so providing your using the supplied kit, granted I'm thick but this really has confused me. The riveter I use doesn't need a hammer not sure if they make different types? But are you sure he didn't just hammer it instead of using a riveter?

Afraid you'll have to wait for someone clever to shed some light on the drilling.
BTW did he do that to your clutch mech?
He said he always has to drill them out or they just don't fit on?
No he definitely used a riveter. Not sure what type it was but he said it was a good one. He took out the clutch mech to get at the sprocket nut, so he must have put it in backwards
I dont like the look of it, but then Ive not done much tinkering with bikes for a while. Last bike I had used horseshoe clips.

I would get another link for it and get it redone, possibly somewhere else.

I managed to get my SV cheap as a cat C write off after the chain had snapped on it, but looking at it with mattblackone he reckons the link had been badly rivetted. Took out the undertray, swingarm, shocker. Right mess.
I don't like the look of it either. It looks dodgy. I can see the edges of the drilled hole around the back of the rivet.
I had the chain come off of my tzr. It wasn't pretty either

[Dave20046]

He said he always has to drill them out or they just don't fit on?
No he definitely used a riveter. Not sure what type it was but he said it was a good one. He took out the clutch mech to get at the sprocket nut, so he must have put it in backwards

I don't like the look of it either. It looks dodgy. I can see the edges of the drilled hole around the back of the rivet.
I had the chain come off of my tzr. It wasn't pretty either

Did he look like this?




http://www.clown-ministry.com/images/bozo-the-clown-adult-costume.jpg
:razz:


Unless ofcourse he was just saying he did it to all chains to stop you worrying...
Still don't understand why he's done it to yours though...

[DarrenSV650S]

I'm really pi55ed off. I've been trying to get a new chain and sprockets for weeks now. Paid good money for a good quality chain. It finally arrives and now it's fooked. What's the point in taking it to a mechanic if they are going to mess it up. Meaning I've got to spend my evening fecking about with the clutch getting manket. And now I've got to get a new link for the chain!
:smt093

All I want to do is ride my bloody bike!!

[Dave20046]

I'm really pi55ed off. I've been trying to get a new chain and sprockets for weeks now. Paid good money for a good quality chain. It finally arrives and now it's fooked. What's the point in taking it to a mechanic if they are going to mess it up. Meaning I've got to spend my evening fecking about with the clutch getting manket. And now I've got to get a new link for the chain!
:smt093

All I want to do is ride my bloody bike!!
I know mate it's a pain, have you checked for movement in the sideplate?
TBH Though I'd go back and make him do it properly and watch (he'd hate you for it but meh), you don't want a chain to snap on you really...

[DarrenSV650S]

I know mate it's a pain, have you checked for movement in the sideplate?
TBH Though I'd go back and make him do it properly and watch (he'd hate you for it but meh), you don't want a chain to snap on you really...
There's not any more movement compared to the other links. I don't think he can do it properly, if properly means not drilling it. He said he always does it.
Running out of mechanics to try around here. I think I'll be safer going to the suzuki dealer

Where can I get a spare link?

[Dave20046]

There's not any more movement compared to the other links. I don't think he can do it properly, if properly means not drilling it. He said he always does it.
Running out of mechanics to try around here. I think I'll be safer going to the suzuki dealer

Where can I get a spare link?
If I was you I'd buy some tools, will pay off in the long run...and you know its done properly.

[7755matt]

I was going to say. A chain rivetter isnt a massive amount of money and will last for ever.

Sure there'll be someone who would help, but just following the instructions and youd do a better job

[lukemillar]

There's not any more movement compared to the other links. I don't think he can do it properly, if properly means not drilling it. He said he always does it.
Running out of mechanics to try around here. I think I'll be safer going to the suzuki dealer

Where can I get a spare link?

You can order spare links from a dealer - should only be a couple of quid.

[DarrenSV650S]

You can order spare links from a dealer - should only be a couple of quid.
DID ones?

[lukemillar]

DID ones?

Yep - they just sell them separately. I needed a RK one recently - cost me ~$8 kiwi money :)

You should find what you want in this list:

http://www.bandcexpress.com/cgi-bin/bc_page.pl?cat=CH-LINKS

[Bibio]

daz, you can borrow my riveter m8... usual 'break it, pay for it' applies. i dont think it has a press though (ages since i have looked at it but i'll get back to you on that) a pair of mole grips works just as well.

as said stick a screwdriver behind the plate and see if you can prise it off (just be careful of the o ring)

[Drew Carey]

Firstly, if the "spot the difference"!!!!!! Putting the mechanism back on upside down!!!!! That screams Plank / Numpty to me. Even doing this at home most people make a note of which way stuff goes back on.

As for the chain, I fitted a DID chain at home using a riveter (wind up kind) and under no certain terms was there any need to drill the split link. I am pretty sure that the link could be unsuitable now. I would look at getting the garage to rectify it, or go elsewhere??? (Not expensive to buy a DID chain (some good deals on fleabay)).

[BoltonSte]

Maybe e-mail DID customer services, tell them what he's done, voice your concerns. Then take the reply saying he's a plank and shouldn't have drilled it, back with you and get him to rectify.

FWIW I managed to get the link on and rivetted at home with a bit of brute force.


Ste

[yorkie_chris]

What the F###?!?!?

B and C express will sell you a new link to suit. I know they will for tsubaki stuff.

To put rivet on you can either use a specific tool, or a G clamp with a ring spanner over the pin end. Not just whack a drill through the f'ing sideplate so it will go on baggy as a wizards sleeve.

[timwilky]

A proper chain riveter has the press capability to push the side plate onto the pins. It then expands the head. That looks like it has been grollied.

Personally I would have no faith in it and get the job done properly.

[PoRk ChOp]

Jesus that looks a right mess mate.

Get the parts and do it yourself, it's dead easy

part 1

http://www.garagenight.tv/ep-7-changing-a-chain-and-sprockets/

Part 2

http://www.garagenight.tv/ep-8-chain-and-sprockets-part-2/

I did my old Z1000, just take your time and have the satisfaction of knowing you have done a good job

[Spanner Man]

Good afternoon.


Not the worst I've seen, but pretty fecking awful!

Report them to trading standards, & take your bike elsewhere.


Cheers.

[peddler]

If I read you right the garage drilled the holes out to fit the joiner link!!
Bad ju ju, that should not happen when fitting new chain. Cant believe they did that and I would not accept it if it were mine.Go back and insist on a new chain, but I wouldnt let those monkeys near the bike again!

[DarrenSV650S]

Just got a new link from B&C Express. It says on the invoice it's a rivet link. But on the packet it says

"clip type conn link has less strength than rivet type conn link. Endless chain or rivet type conn link are recommended at any time for o ring chains."

Is that just a standard warning on all packets?

Oh and it should be x ring. How do I tell if it is x ring?

[Spikenipple]

If it's not got a horseshoe clip like a split link then it'll be a rivet link.
To find out if it's X-ring or not, just look at the rubber rings that came with the link.

X-ring
http://www.satoriseal.com/x-ring.jpg

O-ring
http://www.alliedkenco.com/catalog/images/O_RING.jpg

[DarrenSV650S]

Ahh good looks like it is x ring:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/DSCF0018-1.jpg

[rusty76]

Just got a new link from B&C Express. It says on the invoice it's a rivet link. But on the packet it says

"clip type conn link has less strength than rivet type conn link. Endless chain or rivet type conn link are recommended at any time for o ring chains."

Is that just a standard warning on all packets?

Oh and it should be x ring. How do I tell if it is x ring?



Has it got a a elongated 'C' shaped clip that fits on one side of the link plate? If so then (IMO) you should only use it as a temporary measure, you really need a rivetted link on a chain and bike of this size

I would'nt be too worried if it's an X or O ring link

[DarrenSV650S]

Has it got a a elongated 'C' shaped clip that fits on one side of the link plate? If so then (IMO) you should only use it as a temporary measure, you really need a rivetted link on a chain and bike of this size

I would'nt be too worried if it's an X or O ring link
No it's just the plate with the pins attached and another plate. I think it's the rivet type. I'm just trying to get a shot of a chain tool now

[rusty76]

No it's just the plate with the pins attached and another plate. I think it's the rivet type. I'm just trying to get a shot of a chain tool now

yeah, sounds like a normal rivet type, don't know what the warning on the packets about

good luck with it, sounds like you've had a bit of a mare

[7755matt]

Sounds liek the warning is a general warning to go on all the packaging reminding people that the different types of closing link are not suitable for different bikes. Like a discalimer, if it says it on all teh packaging then no-one can say they never knew

[dirtydog]

only just read all this, are you sure he was a mechanic? I've fitted a few chains and never had to drill the side plate he sounds like a right moron.

If you're going to buy a chain rivetter don't buy cheap, I spent about £50 on a chain tool and it only managed to do 3 1/2 chains before it broke. Now I sue a spring link and take it to my normal bike place and they rivet it for a fiver

[DarrenSV650S]

He is supposed to be a mechanic. I'm getting a shot of a chain tool. If it is good I will think about buying one

[lukemillar]

If you're going to buy a chain rivetter don't buy cheap, I spent about £50 on a chain tool and it only managed to do 3 1/2 chains before it broke. Now I sue a spring link and take it to my normal bike place and they rivet it for a fiver

I agree, my old chain splitter/rivetter did 2.5 chain before snapping the pin. I then bought a genuine RK one. I'm only 2 chains in but still as good as new. Plus it has the side plate tool which makes it super easy.

Note. There are 2 different types of rivet - the hollow ended pins and the solid pin. You need a different riveter depending on which rivet you intend to use.

[dirtydog]

I agree, my old chain splitter/rivetter did 2.5 chain before snapping the pin.


Exactly what happened to mine, has to then grind off the head of the rivet that I had just done and fit the split link. Then order a new rivet link

[DarrenSV650S]

Sorted :thumbsup:

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k164/DarrenStewartTait/DSCF0003-24.jpg

[svdemon]

What tool did you use? I should really get one

[DarrenSV650S]

I got a shot from a mate at Dundee college. Not sure what make it is but I'll find out. It's a great tool

Oh and now that my chain is sorted it has started raining :(