So the shop (Hattar Moto) tells me I need a new chain.
It's a 06 Monster S2R 800 (SSS)
How much do I need to invest to change the chain myself.
So far I have
- Chain breaker
- C Spanner for eccentric swing arm
- Master link?
- Something to seal the chain back up?
Where can I find good cheap versions of these things?
i did this last night actually on an 06 S2R 800. a dremel to grind down the link on the old chain makes breaking it a little easier. I picked up a Bikemaster o ring chain. not the most expensive but ive never had problems with them in the past. you can look in to X ring chains too if you want top tier stuff. took me about an hour total including sprocket changes(which you probably should do at the same time). as for masterlink, a new chain should come with one, probably a clip style. if not, its a rivet style(stronger) usually you can modify a chain breaker to act as a riveter.
FWIW, i went from the stock 15/41 set up to a 15/44 setup with a 106 link chain. a LOT more fun.
if you want more specifics as to what i did, shoot me a PM or email.
go to the alternatives for exepnsive tools thread ( aka go find it). In there you will find a post by me with a link to a DID chain riveter clone.
If you dont have a clue on how a riveter works then do yourself a favor and buy an extra pin. People complain the pin breaks, but in reality, they just dont know how to use the tool.
you need to grind the face off the pin to remove the face plate on the link. you can cut it, but if you need to shorten the chain you still need to grind the pin off so there is no way around that tool.
once you measure up, just slide the master link on and rivet it and your set. wel.. you have to do chain tension and all that stuff.
I prefer rivet over clip. i feel its more secure.
+1 for the rivet. I had a clip let go on me at 100mph. Not fun. :o
Also if you go with an EK chain you can use their screw rivet link. Doesn't require a riveter, but the master costs about $10.
Do yourself a big solid and buy a decent chain. The DID gold chains are worth it. Why put a cheap chain on a good bike? DIDs aren't that costly, especially when you consider the life you get from them(when properly cared for). If you're obsessed with cheap at the very least do yourself a solid and buy a case saver insert; when the cheap chain breaks it won't cost you an engine, it will just embed itself into the back of your leg. Before I get flamed for dissing cheap shite remember this; you get what you pay for.
The exception to the rule is the DID chain tool clone. Roughly half the cost of the DID unit, the clone tool available on eBay or from Mike's XS works well, providing you don't hamfist it and misalign the pins. If you misalign the pins and crank down like a gorilla it doesn't matter if you have the $200 shop-grade DID or RK chain tool, you will break the rivet pin. Then you will blame the tool and complain that it's cheap when really its your own fault. Happens just like that every other time someone inexperienced tries to rivet a chain before making an honest effort at understanding what it is they are doing. They break the pin and blame the tool.
While your at it throw in a case saver for a little peace of mind [thumbsup]
Changing the chain is an easy job to do your self. I suggest changing out the sprockets at the same time good time for a regear. I also am a fan of the rivit master links, nothing worse then when your cleaning your chain & find the clip is gone. For tools you will need a stand to change the rear sprocket, a chain cutter or a dremmel to remove the old chain & cut the new one to length, & a rivet tool to install the new chain. Invest in a quality chain & sprocket & it is not a job you should have to do again for a while.
Just get an RK Chain breaker tool. It has an attachment to push the existing pin out so no need to use a dremel. Works great for 520's on my S2R. It also has the flare tip to put on rivet links.
FYI. Most did chains come with a rivet link in the package. A stand and a socket wrench will also help.
for the value/bling factor i got an EK chain.
the DID was about $20 more, and i could get the top top EK chain in gold for the same price.
http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/EKMVXZ/Chain-Sprocket/EKMVXZ.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/EKMVXZ/Chain-Sprocket/EKMVXZ.html)
i think i tried very hard to find a better deal, but i couldnt beat monsterparts price.
um ..DID 110 link chains are only 98 bucks. EK's are more expensive than that.
http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/products/final-drive/chain/did-chains-did-vm520-110l-x-ring-chain-w-rivet-did-chains (http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/products/final-drive/chain/did-chains-did-vm520-110l-x-ring-chain-w-rivet-did-chains)
There's no need to get gold on gold..
Quote from: EEL on April 13, 2011, 09:47:24 PM
There's no need to get gold on gold..
some people would disagree with that sentiment.
(i'm with you, hate the gold)
i think black is the way to go. doesn't look bad when it's gunked up a bit.
ALSO. I can tell you what you DON'T need:
(http://www.loftladders1.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/step-ladder.jpg)
dont forget the 41mm socket you will need.....ugh
$15 or so.
and the 12mm allen to loosen the cush drives
Quote from: corey on April 14, 2011, 05:00:07 AM
ALSO. I can tell you what you DON'T need:
(http://www.loftladders1.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/step-ladder.jpg)
LOLOL!!!!!!! i remember that one. where is the original picture? the dude riveted his chain to the make the beast with two backsing ladder.
Quote from: EEL on April 13, 2011, 09:47:24 PM
um ..DID 110 link chains are only 98 bucks. EK's are more expensive than that.
I quoted a mid tier EK chain and you quoted a low tier DID chain which is equivalent to the SRX EK chain for $83 (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/EKSRX/Chain-Sprocket/EKSRX.html (http://www.monsterparts.com/pc/EKSRX/Chain-Sprocket/EKSRX.html)). So how are you saying that EK is more expensive?
Also color is good. The stock chain has no anodizing on the chains face plates, so they rust. ANY of hte colored ones are anodized so the face plate does not rust. It helps the chain life if you dont clean it often. but not a big deal if you do. i just chose gold cause its blingy. but most of the time it looks black. :P
I'll just leave this right over here...
(http://inlinethumb46.webshots.com/14381/2475546750103537997S600x600Q85.jpg)
good deal if you cool with OEM sprockets.
http://www.ducati.ms/forums/129-parts-accessories/109200-ducati-996-sprocket-set-upgrade.html (http://www.ducati.ms/forums/129-parts-accessories/109200-ducati-996-sprocket-set-upgrade.html)