[markwilliamson]

I needed to change the (original O-ring) chain on my 2005 250 at 12K miles also, and didn't think that was bad. I had cleaned and lubed my chain around every 1K miles. I suspect that if the chain needs adjustment then it would wear more quickly. Also, If the bike is ridden or stored in wet or dirty conditions, it would need more frequent cleaning and lubrication (even O-ring or X-ring chains). I wish I would have changed the sprockets when I changed the chain, but they were little worn.

 

[Chris C]

Chain came in today. Now to find time to get everything gathered and installed.

 

[Chris C]

Got the bike up on the lift day before yesterday and started work on it yesterday. Got the rear wheel off and the OEM sprocket uninstalled. It was 22 degrees in the garage and my fingers were so frozen I almost couldn't maneuver the last nut I removed and put it in the magnetic bowl. That was my indication it was time to go into the house and warm up. Going to the gym this morning and come back to the bike this afternoon. Is supposed to be up to about 27 by the time I get home. We're headed for a heatwave this afternoon...............of 32 degrees. Anxious to get this finished. I sure do envy guys with heated and well lit work areas.............but I shouldn't complain...........I imagine a lot of guys don't have perfect areas to work in.

 

[Chris C]

Got the new rear sprocket installed and torqued. Went to get the front sprocket off and realized that when I dropped my bike off the stand (Well Patoot thread) I severly bent my foot shift lever. 🤬 The little rubber stub that I hook my boot on was pointing straight down the line of travel. Pretty screwed up, I'd say. Took an hour or more to get it off the bike and get it straightened. What an unexpected hassle!!!!! Murphy strikes again. Got the front sprocket off. By that time, my hands were so numb I couldn't pick up any tiny objects, i.e. nuts, bolts etc., etc. Shut it down for the day. This cold weather is sure taking it's toll on my bike project.

 

[Chris C]

Okay, now that I've both sprockets on and torqued down, I've a problem. I can't pull the chain together to put the master link in it. Is there a trick to it? The rear wheel is as far forward as it'll go. I've got the links tight enough I'm about a half a link from getting it hooked. I bought a chain that was 114 links long. Of course the Rebel uses a 108 link chain. So instead of just removing 6 links, I layed the old chain on the floor and the new one beside it. The old one had stretched about a half link, so it was easy to know where to cut the new chain. I didn't count to see if I had 108 links, but I see no reason to doubt that I do. But I can't bring the two ends of the new chain together to install the master link. Is there some kinid of trick to it?

 

[Emil]

I usually put the chain on the sprockets on the bike. Then insert the master link from the back on the center of the rear sprocket. That way the chain is held in place during installation.
If you're trying to do it in the air between the sprockets, I can see your struggle

 

[Chris C]

Can't get the chain ends close enough together to put the link in Emil.

 

[Emil]

The other option that I've used is to remove the front sprocket, put the chain together, put the sprocket in the chain, then put it back on.

But it actually sounds like you might've removed 2 links too many.

You can put more than 1 master link on a chain if needed.

 

[Chris C]

No, I could't possibly have done that, Emil..............I'm too perfect.

Okay I got it on. I just wasn't cursing loud enough! Now, I've got the O-rings and outside plate on...............but am puzzled as to how to compress the 0-rings enough to slide on the lockiing clip. Anything I use to compress them gets in my way of installing it.

 

[Chris C]

Any suggestions? I've never messed with chains before. I had a bicycle chain that had a bad habit of falling off of my bicycle when I was a kid.................but that was some 70 odd years ago. I have no earthly idea how to squeeze this chain tight enough to slip the clip onto the pins. I've tried every trick I've found on YouTube "University" to no avail.

 

[flitecontrol]

I use a set of needle nose Vise Grips, being careful not to bend anything by using too much pressure. Once the clip slips onto one end, getting the other one isn't difficult. A really small C-clamp might work too. Just be sure you get the clip facing in the right direction, or you'll be doing it again. Don't ask how I know this.

 

[Chris C]

I've had needle-nose Vise Grips on the link for the past 2 housr. Still can't see the slot..............much less slip a clip on it. I've tried putting a nut over one of the pins and using a C-clamp trying to expose the slot. No use. I understand which direction to face the clip.............but I've got to get it on a pin first .

 

[Emil]

Last time that I did it, it just popped right on. But that was a Niche x-ring chain. I struggled with other kinds before & am very pleased with the quality & ease of installation with these.

 

[Chris C]

Well this one isn't just "popping" on for me. I don't understand why all of this has to be so difficult for me. Oh well, I just put the C-clamp and nut back on it and will leave it for tomorrow. I'm hoping that O-ring will compress overnight. After I get it properly clipped I'm going to have to figure out how to remove the chain guard. I've got a neat tool to align the back wheel, but the chain guard has to be removed first.

 

[Emil]

When I was younger, I'd just leave the O-ring off on one side so that I could get it done. I guess that the X-Ring compresses easier than the O-ring style. That could be much of the difference.

 

[flitecontrol]

There are three bolts that hold the chainguard on. One of them is hard to see. Honda Motorcycle 2009 OEM Parts Diagram for Swingarm | Partzilla.com

 

[Chris C]

Thanks, flitecontrol. I've been trying to figure out where that "last" bolt was for a week now. I have severe Arthritis in my neck, along with degenerative vertebrae and the only way I'll ever be able to see that bolt is to have my bike up on a "real" lift about 24" off the ground. I've been searching YouTube University all this time and finally found a video last night a little past midnight that showed where that bolt was. I'm anxious to get the chain guard off so I have better access. I'll get it off today. Thanks.

Now if you could just tell me how to get this durned master link on I'll be in hog heaven. I've got the pins of the master link in the chain but can't get the clip on them. Haven't checked yet this morning to see if leaving the C-clamp on it all night has compressed the O-rings or not. Every project I do on this bike I find myself very eager to see the completion because I'm not a motorcycle mechanic!!!!!

 

[Chris C]

Catastrophe over! I finally compressed the O-rings enough to install the clip. WHEW! What a pain in the ARSE! Time to get her buttoned up and on the road. Hands are so cold I can't put bolts in holes and cotter pins in bolts. Can't feel my fingers. Where's the 70 degree weather?????? 🥶 n What a cry baby!!!!

 

[Kreuzi]

Good you found the Bolts but you didn't need to remove the Guard for alignment of the Back wheel.
You can measure at the Bolts, if they have the same length, Wheel should be aligned.

 

[Chris C]

Actually I did need to remove the guard. I bought this to align my wheel. https://tinyurl.com/7dexrezw Works great.