need new chain suggestion

newguy0220 · #1 12-11-2012, 10:35 AM

Time to replace my chain and sprokets, no idea what kind to get or where the best deals are. Any suggestions?

samill2 · #2 12-11-2012, 11:30 AM

I just put this kit on and have been impressed so far: http://sprocketcenter.com/index.php/...sys-07-12.html

It came recommended to me by user "twowheels" who appears to have a lot of experience. I selected the RK Chain since I had read some negative reviews on DID stuff on other forums. I'm sure there are plenty of good chains out there but there ya go. Good price, good components, good shipping speed (for being free).

newguy0220 · #3 12-11-2012, 11:47 AM

wow, i didnt realize chains were that exspensive. I saw a red one http://www.d2moto.com/p-31886-2007-2...FYZM4AodugEAsg for 43 bucks, is it a p.o.s?

Versystole · #4 12-11-2012, 12:16 PM

I've got one of the dmoto chains on right now... it only has about 1000 miles on it so far... we'll see. It's quiet and I haven't had to adjust it yet...

But, Looking at the link above- $160 for a chain and sprockets doesn't sound that bad...

twowheels · #5 12-11-2012, 03:48 PM

If you are going to do the replacement yourself you will need to buy a chain tool too. This is what I have http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product...kit/web1006916

You'll only use it once every few years obviously, but it will pay for itself the first time you use it. My dealer wanted more than the tool cost to change the chain and the chain and sprockets they supplied were of cheaper quality than what was available online for the same price. It's not difficult to change the chain and sprockets yourself. Lots of how to videos on this on youtube.com

newguy0220 · #6 12-11-2012, 07:48 PM

i went with the package deal that was recomended and got their red chain

newguy0220 · #7 12-11-2012, 07:49 PM

im gonna have to pay the local shop to put it all on for me, i dont have an impact gun or bike stands unfortunatly

Mursili · #8 12-11-2012, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newguy0220

im gonna have to pay the local shop to put it all on for me, i dont have an impact gun or bike stands unfortunatly

I do not believe that you need an impact wrench, although it can make removing the front sprocket easier. You do need stands in order to change the chain - at least that is my experience.

If you do this more than once, then I am sure that the stands and most likely an impact wrench will pay for itself. Then again, that may not make sense for some people who do not have the capital or storage capacity for such things.

By the way, I just used the set that sprocketcenter.com recommended for the Versys (other than I have switched to a 43-tooth rear) which included an alloy rear. About 4000 miles later and things are still working fine.

Good luck!

newguy0220 · #9 12-11-2012, 08:34 PM

what tools do i need to change all these parts?

Mursili · #10 12-11-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newguy0220

what tools do i need to change all these parts?

It depends. You would need a wrench that can get the front sprocket off, which means that you need a breaker bar with the appropriate size socket (if I remember 1 1/16" six-sided to be best) and perhaps a bit of pipe to provide a bit more torque. You would also need to deal with the rear as well, so a socket set might be required. If you go with a clip-type link, then all you need is one of these http://www.harborfreight.com/heavy-d...ker-66488.html

Some people do not trust clip-type links (and to be honest I have chosen to use riveted links), but they do seem to work pretty well. If you need to rivet in a new link, then you would need a more expensive tool. I could search for such a thing, but so can you. I remember them to cost upwards of $100.

In the end, the investment is not too great (but I understand that what is too great to some is not too great to others). Then again, people who have the least capital can use knowledge to help themselves in the future. Once you have the tools and have done the job once, the next time (and all future times) it is as cheap as it can be.

Fastoman · #11 12-11-2012, 09:57 PM

This may be of some help and there many thread on Chain , sprocket and how to get the front sprocket nut off as it can be some pain to get it off first time.

http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums...front+sprocket

kiwi 41 · #12 12-11-2012, 10:18 PM

Bit of a tip, even if you have a impact wrench and a 6 point socket its can still be hard to get the front sprocket nut off. I took my 6 point socket into local bike shop and with there impact wrench we still could not shift it so i stood on rear brake and young mechanic used the longest breaker even used down under and after 15 min we finally heard that beautiful crack as nut gave up the fight and young guy fell backwards on his butt. I wanted the shop to take it off for that very reason if anything went wrong then its up to them to fix it. I do not believe i would have same issues now as it was probably put on to tight from factory.

Bones · #13 12-12-2012, 06:15 AM

Redline's electric impact wrench did the job on his (now sold) Versys as well as mine, but even that torque monster of a tool* had to work at it.

* (the impact wrench, not Bob!)

fasteddiecopeman · #14 12-12-2012, 11:41 AM

My Sears Craftsman 1/2" impact wrench had mine off almost immediately.

twowheels · #15 12-12-2012, 12:06 PM

Ratchet socket set with pipe to go over handle to give you more leverage or an impact gun. I have an el-cheapo $50 one. Makes nice work of putting on winter tires too. If you first flatten the lock washer less work in removing sprocket bolt.

Also chain tool is required to if you want to rivit the chain. Chain clips don't require a tool but have been known to come off on rare occasions.

You Tube

newguy0220 · #16 12-20-2012, 02:25 PM

turns out my dad has a dewalt dc827 impact driver, does anyone know is this the same as an impact wrench and or up to the job? and does the lock washer need to be replaced and or any other bits?

Sprocket · #17 12-20-2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newguy0220

turns out my dad has a dewalt dc827 impact driver, does anyone know is this the same as an impact wrench and or up to the job? and does the lock washer need to be replaced and or any other bits?

No need to replace the lock washer. Just use a large flat head screw driver and hammer to bend it flat to allow loosening of the bolt and then bend it back.

If you can fit the correct size socket on the impact gun then yes it will do the trick. Normally they have a 1/2 square adapter.

fasteddiecopeman · #18 12-20-2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newguy0220

turns out my dad has a dewalt dc827 impact driver, does anyone know is this the same as an impact wrench and or up to the job? and does the lock washer need to be replaced and or any other bits?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sprocket

No need to replace the lock washer. Just use a large flat head screw driver and hammer to bend it flat to allow loosening of the bolt and then bend it back.

If you can fit the correct size socket on the impact gun then yes it will do the trick. Normally they have a 1/2 square adapter.

It WILL work IF it can supply sufficient torque. My air-impact wrenches will produce UP TO 500 lb-ft torque to remove things, and I really don't think an electric one will. BUT - try it and see if it will.

Time · #19 12-20-2012, 05:58 PM

Be careful about using a standard socket on a impact driver. I have split one or two. Best to get a impact socket there are much heavier duty.

I have a Tusk brand chain tool set that I paid about $40.00 for, same thing as the $100.00+ kits I have seen. It breaks the chain and rivets the new one together with ease. All I do to cheat id use my Drimal to grind the head down on the old rivets to make it easier to push them out. OR if you are in a hurry and have a great big set of bolt cutters they will make fast work of any chain! here's a link to it

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...-Riveting-Tool

David RSparky3 · #20 12-20-2012, 07:11 PM

I purchased the kit from the link post 2.

It came fast and fit perfect. I used the snap master link with stock gearing.

My front sprocket was worn on the inside and not at all on the out side. ,I will get a picture.

Good kit I used a torque wrench on everything.

I blasted the front sprocket off with a pneumatic impact. No problem. I put it back on 90 foot lbs then bent a different spot of the lock washer.
Bike in gear was not enough to torque the sprocket on, I needed a helper to step on the rear brake.

Sprocket nuts 44 ft lbs

Rear Axle 80 ft lbs.

Speedo pick up 87 INCH pounds.

I also did the valve adjust and throttle sync.

Smooth, sweet and quiet.

David