Possible to change chain without a stand?

[dazzaboy]

I need to change my chain and sprocket but don't have a stand. Anyone done this before?

[punyXpress]

Yes.
Bit of 4 X 2 across two chair backs under subframe.
Just make sure they're strong enough!

[DJ123]

what do you need a stand for? i changed my chain and sprockets not long ago without a problem. Only used the bikes side stand, an axle stand to hold up the rear end whilst the wheel was off.
I can't see why the say to remove the swing arm

[chrisinflight]

I use a block of wood under the RHS swingarm pivoting on the side stand.

[Jayneflakes]

I changed the chain and sprocket with out a stand, I used a car jack to hold her up and a strong mate to keep her balanced. However, it was such a pain, I went on E-Bay and bought a stand for under thirty quid including postage and some bobbins for a fiver! Saved so much effort, well worth the investment.

[Sid Squid]

As long as you can support the bike to remove the wheel there's no need specifically to use a stand, the chair method mentioned above will work fine.

Whatever method you use, it's best to do the initial loosening and final tightening of the various fasteners while the bike is on its wheels as it will be more stable that way.

I can't see why the say to remove the swing arm
Because the SV, like most modern larger bikes, has an endless chain as standard, and the OE replacement part is similarly endless, which is going to be difficult to fit without taking the swingarm off.

[DJ123]

so it is for a case of a premade chain going back on, rather than one with a split link being replaced?

[Sid Squid]

Correct. Unsurprisingly Suzuki servicing information and procedures are given based upon using Suzuki spare parts, and as the OE chain is endless the swingarm would need to come off to fit a new one.
This is essentially a universal procedure, certainly all of the major manufacturers fit endless chains to most except their smaller engined bikes, (and plenty of them too).

Similarly unsurprisingly most people don't purchase OE parts for consumables such as chains and sprockets, and most aftermarket not being endless* there's no need to remove the swingarm. But depending on which bike you have it can be worthwhile checking the cost of the OE parts, not all of them are as expensive as you might think, and they're excellent quality parts.

*Although most can be supplied endless if you want.

[yorkie_chris]

I would be surprised if even a dealer would get endless chain considering the extra time involved.

That said it seems a reasonable interval to grease the swingarm and linkage bearings.

[Sid Squid]

I would be surprised if even a dealer would get endless chain considering the extra time involved.
True, but does depend on what the customer wants, it's not an unknown request.

That said it seems a reasonable interval to grease the swingarm and linkage bearings.
Truer still, a much neglected service item.

[Destruktor77]

What are the benefits, if any, of an endless chain over a split link?

[yorkie_chris]

What are the benefits, if any, of an endless chain over a split link?

You don't need to buy chain tool, and your swingarm bearings get looked after better

[dazzaboy]

so can i buy a chain thats all complete where i don't need to join a link together?

[yorkie_chris]

Ask b and c express about buying one, might be off the shelf, might not be.

However considering the hilarious price of a chain from suzuki I suggest that bashing a rivet over really isn't that much of a hardship!

[dazzaboy]

wheres cheapest for a half decent chain?

[yorkie_chris]

I get mine from B and C express and usually get tsubaki sigma grade.

[Spanner Man]

However considering the hilarious price of a chain from suzuki I suggest that bashing a rivet over really isn't that much of a hardship!


Good morning all.


At the moment Suzuki are doing genuine SV chain & sprocket kits for £140 including VAT. Which isn't too bad, considering the O/E chain is of very good quality, & the sprockets are better than any pattern ones. As is the case with Honda, & Kawasaki etc.
I can't remember if the O/E chain comes in endless form, (getting senile):D but the kits definitely come with a rivet link. So, there's no need to remove the swinging arm. Unless you're up for a worthwhile greasing. MATRON!
Obviously, to use the rivet link, you'll have to remove a link from the chain if it comes in endless form.

Like YC, I use Tsubaki SG grade chain for most applications. B&C Express are the place for these.


Cheers.

[yorkie_chris]

My mistake, they are £170 on Robinsons