Honda Chain

 I need to take a link out of my drive chain on my 2003 Shadow 600.
Found a yellow link but it isn't  like a master link that unclips like
on the old 74 Cow I changed back in the 80's.
The posts on the links look hollow ,I tryed an allen wrench but that
didn't work.I just can't figure this thing out .
Does anybody know how to shorten this chain? Help Please !!!
Jerry




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 On Oct 15, 11:42�pm, awoodbutc...@webtv.net (Jerry - OHIO) wrote:

Endless chains have riveted master links. For some reason, riders
*imagine* that riveted master links are somehow safer and stronger
than the old clip type master links.

Actually, the riveted part of the master link pin has to be softer
than the rest of the steel pin, so the manufacturer grinds through the
case hardened surface of the pin to get to the softer inside so it can
be formed with a riveting tool...

There is a special part of the tool for pressing out the old rivet,
and another part of the tool for pressing on the new master link side
plate, and another part mushrooms the soft end of the master link pin.

You could spend $100 to $200 for a tool with the necessary features.

Motion Pro makes a $100 tool set for riveting masterlinks.

I just use a grinder to remove the mushroomed head of my old master
link, then pry off the side plate with a screw driver.

Then I install a clip type master link. Modern clip type masterlinks
are about 20% stronger than the old masterlinks than were on
motorcycles in the 1970's.

The old style master link clip is still available. It has a slip on
side plate.

I don't use the ones with slip on side plates. I use the ones with
press on side plates.

I just use two small c-clamps and two 5mm or 6 mm nuts over the two
pin holes in the side plate.

The nuts provide room for the pins to slide through the side plate
while I crank down on the c-clamps.

I take special care not to squash the o-rings flat. I just install the
side plate to the point where I can see all of the clip groove
sticking through the side plate.

I don't just install the clip immediately.

I degrease the clip and the side plate with MEK (methyl ethel ketone)
or brake cleaner.

Then I put one drop of red Loctite on the clip and one drop on the
side plate.

Then I install the clip, with the open end pointed opposite the
direction of chain travel.

I have been Loctiting the master link clips for 20 years and have
never lost one yet.

HTH.

 


Or to put it another way, NO you don't.

Whatever caused you to THINK you need to do this........you need to re-think
it.

If the chain is stretched, replace it, along with the sprockets.

If you are putting a smaller front sprocket on, forget it; that's stupid.

If you are putting a smaller rear sprocket on, it is usually easier to
increase the front by one tooth and that can often be done without changing
the chain.

 Jerry - OHIO wrote:

You need a chain tool to press the pins out. Take it to the bike shop.
You can try it on an arbor press if you make a jig. Those chains can be
broken anywhere.