Motorcycle Chain and Sprocket Replacement

[GrecoRoman123]

I have a 1999 Magna. I found a service manual online for the 1994 model. The service manual says "Drive chain with clip-type master link must not be used." Why not? The clip only keeps the tension-bearing master link plate from coming off laterally. If the chain is on the bike straight, there shouldn't be too much lateral pressure anyway. Am I missing something?

[MergeDammitMerge]

@GrecoRoman123 : I am guessing that most manuals recommend not using the "clip style" because of liability. Installing the retaining clip the wrong way/direction can have catastrophic results. Most of my bikes had the "clip-style" and I rode them for years without any issues. Yup, I think the answer is liability.

It's your bike your chain your risk.

[motorhead1]

I was really kind of surprised how good this bike sounds. Where did you learn how to repair motorcycles?

[XwP1ayawX]

Now that's a real woman

[nickvonstein]

How did you jack up the bike and maintain stability while putting torque to loosen the various bolts? And while removing the rear wheel? And what size bolt is it that holds on the front sprocket?

[MergeDammitMerge]

@nickvonstein --- I Jacked up the motorcycle using a motorcycle jack. I used ratchet straps to attach the bike's lower frame to the motorcycle jack. The bolt that holds on the front sprocket is a 10mm. The bike bandit part number is 720453 on bike bandits web site.

[jefflowrock]

Great Video, those rivets for the masterlink are they normal pop rivets? And where to get those spacers?

[MergeDammitMerge]

@jefflowrock No, The Rivets are not normal pop rivets. It is a master rivet link kit and the spacers came with my kit. NEVER use pop rivets.

[tman81000]

dude great video! so if i have a 14 sprocket coming off my countershaft if i put a 18 on it would that boost my mpg even more?...it's the whole bigger gears dont move as fast? what about putting a smaller sprocket on my rear wheel would that help my mpg? cause i heard if you put a smaller sprocket on the back it helps mpg...and you say bigger on the front is better for mpg...could you explain this to me?

[jefflowrock]

@tman81000 changing 1 front is about 2 to 3 rear, you can increase the front, or decrease the rear, but up from 14 to 18 is I think tooo much, you may loose pick up power, and your last gear may not have any acceleration power. I changed the rear from 44 to 39, my rpm lowers by about 600, it still has enough power, the 5th gear now is like the 6th before.

[atjays]

So my friend handed me his chain tools and said have at it. I became clueless with the rivet tool. This video was a lifesaver!

[HunterWarrior]

Wow she's good. I never heard a single curse through the whole video. Meanwhile I can't do an oil change without throwing a fit over small mistakes.

[son2of3heaven]

@MergeDammitMerge

Hey man, i need some help as im a complete begginer, soo it would be greatly appreciated.

I have a Yamaha YZF 125 and i would like to increase it's speed, what should you think i should do as you seem experienced with bikes (Sprocket changes, aftermarket parts etc.)

I would be greatly thankful if you could help me out. :D

THANKS IN ADVANCE! :)

[Metalunique]

Not bad for a chic!!

[coyotesnper]

The engine bolt should never ever be that loose.

[MergeDammitMerge]

@coyotesnper If you are referring to the bolt to the front sprocket, I had loosened it prior to filming. Thanks for your concern.

[MergeDammitMerge]

Motofrank2 - "better" is in the eye of the beholder. I wanted better gas mileage so I replaced the stock 16 tooth with an after market 17 tooth. This lowers the RPMs of the engine which increases the fuel mileage. If you replace with a 15 tooth you get higher RPMs and the bike will be faster off of the line. Whatever you think is "better".

[roninboricua]

@MergeDammitMerge Hey Merge how much has you gas mileage improved? And at how much did your rpm's go down? And can I add a 17 tooth sprocket on the stock chain? I have a 96 magna bone stock, I get 44mpg on the hwy and my rpms sit a 4500 going 65mph.

[MergeDammitMerge]

@roninboricua My RPM's at 65 MPH are at 4000, 75 MPH 4700-4800. My bike is not bone stock. My bike has bigger jets and aftermarket pipes. Full tank -Stock 16 tooth I would have to switch to reserve at around 100 miles. Now I switch to reserve around 130-140 miles.

[MOTOFRANK2]

hello.....why did you put a 17 tooth sprocket in your magna?........is better than the original with only 16?

[MergeDammitMerge]

@MOTOFRANK2 Motofrank2 - "better" is in the eye of the beholder. I wanted better gas mileage so I replaced the stock 16 tooth with an after market 17 tooth. This lowers the RPMs of the engine which increases the fuel mileage. If you replace with a 15 tooth you get higher RPMs and the bike will be faster off of the line. Whatever you think is "better".

[MOTOFRANK2]

@MergeDammitMerge thanks for your answer.....i live in venezuela, where the gas is too cheap.....so i want to leave the stock 16 tooth, i think so......this is a great video, when you do other thing to your magna please make a video also....congratulations....sor­ry for my bad english

[chromedknucklesmc]

Thanks, I found this educational.

[anthonyv6612]

fast hands

[Abraxsis2001]

ok....this video way to long. I fell asleep twice

[arashsiah]

Hi MergeDammitMerge,

Thanks for the quick response. Are you positive this was a 530 sprocket and not a 520 sprocket? The Canadian AFAM distributer told me that they only have the 17T that fits magna in the 520 size and not the 530 size. The 530 chain will fit onto a 520 sprocket but it wears more quickly since the sprocket is narrower than the chain. The 530 sprocket should be 1/8" thicker than the 520 sprocket.

Please let me know if you are positive your sprocket was a 530. Thanks.

[MergeDammitMerge]

@arashsiah

the sprocket from AFAM was definitely a 530. Check online at Bikebandit. I know they have them and can ship to Canada. I used to order from bike shops but online I get the right item and it comes right to my door.

[stalker7d7]

@MergeDammitMerge I know exactly what you mean...

[arashsiah]

Hi MergeDammitMerge,

Can you tell me what brand is your 17 tooth sprocket. I've been looking everywhere and I can't find one. Also if you could tell me where you bought it from. thanks a lot.

--Arash

[MergeDammitMerge]

@arashsiah I ordered the 17 tooth sprocket from bikebandit The brand was AFAM the item number was: 99295 and part number was 5282643-001

but double check before you order.

[HappyBirthdayBitches]

Great video.

[MrDrpepper777]

That is one ugly fuckin' bike...

[cobrachoppergirl]

Uh, do this at night in the rain by the side of the road....

[MergeDammitMerge]

@cobrachoppergirl

I had my chain break while riding across Florida (I'm from PA). I was on the side of the road but it was sunny day. Still not fun ...that's why I have become a stickler for chain maintenance.

[pablorambo123]

amazing video man, and you uploaded it on my bday!!!

[BlackaBeanJuice]

I Did This The Same Way To My 87 Honda VFR 700 Before I Seen This Video.

I Thought I Was Gonna Fucking Chop My Head With The Fucking Grinder.

It Kept Pulling On The Chain and Making The Grinder Jump.

[audiocable]

my chain is starting to clank up, i have over 60k on it, most likely il get the guy at the shop to do it for me

[motherboardmaster]

Did the spacers that were used during the rivet process come with the master link or are they a part of the motion pro tool?

[MergeDammitMerge]

The spacers came with the master link kit.

[MergeDammitMerge]

The spacers came with my master link kit. The kit I got was the EK Sport Quadra 530SRX X-Ring SJL Rivet Link off of BikeBandit or Kneedraggers,

Can't remember which one.

[john29302]

sling her up on the bitch pad...

[MergeDammitMerge]

I have know idea what you are trying to say to me.

[tom4342]

why are ya changing them?

[MergeDammitMerge]

tom4342, Like all mechanical things, they wear out because nothing lasts forever. If you ride you would be wise to maintain you chain and sprockets.

[MergeDammitMerge]

Corbin Seat. It is way more comfortable than the stock seat. Not comfortable for passengers though.

[ArchNomad]

Great vid, I actually saw a video here on youtube where the idiot was telling people to use a c-clamp to connect the master link.

[Pete89z]

Just to let you all know... There are ways to save some money while doing this. The chain breaking tool and riveting tool were going to cost me around $150 (more then I payed for my new sprockets and chain). Instead, I just used my angle grinder to cut the old chain off and bought a clip style master link from a local parts store for $5. Saved me at least $145.

[MergeDammitMerge]

That's great but I wanted a Rivet style Masterlink and since I own several bikes and plan on owning more it was worth the investment for me.

Everyone has a budget though. You have to do what is right for you.

[cobrachoppergirl]

@Pete89z I saw one the other day at Harbor Freight for $19.95 in their motorcycle stand section.

[latheworks]

Nice vid. I'm so tired with chain maint that I have started conversion to belt drive. Did it on my Venox and now cruching the numbers for my Magna!!! Will also change the freaking rear drum brake for disk

[MergeDammitMerge]

Would love to see a video on both of those!!!!

[cortedan2000]

i want to change my sprocket on my 08 gsxr 600 cuz i dont want to use the clutch to pop wheelies n i dont wanna trade it for a 1000, but i dont know if i put a bigger sprocket on the back will make a differences.... i dont need the bike for track use or to go over 120, i just need it to cruise n to stunt a lil bit, wat do ya think i should to?

[yellowbananas08]

there was no need for the angle grinder

[casper123]

Very good video, wanted to know how to do this.

BTW does that riveting set remove the chain as well or do you need that angle grinder? Is a hacksaw just as good?

[blaupf]

Great video!! Keep 'em comin'

[MergeDammitMerge]

Hey Briansongss, The spacers came with my master rivet link kit (EK Sport Quadra 530SRX X-Ring SJL Rivet Link) The Motion pro tool kit won't have them as far as I know. hope that helps.

[zotanoh]

kick ass job!Can you do a video on chain lube and cleaning with a brush.

[MergeDammitMerge]

Zotanoh, I think that video has already been done and my chain won't be dirty for a while since it's a cold winter where I live. :)

[briansongss]

Nice job. Where did you get the spacers for the Motion pro chain tool? I know they don't come standard with that chain kit.