switching out the chain

i thought i put this post up, but when i came back to look for replies, i couldn't find it. so sorry if i accidentally posted this as a reply on another post.

anyways, can anybody give me a quick overview of the procedure of replacing the chain? it doens't need to be too detailed, but it is definately more helpful. it looks simple, and i am trying to decide if i should go it alone, or wait for a friend to help. last thing i want to do is start it alone and realize later that i need help, leaving me ride-less for a while. thanks.

btw, glad to see the site back up!

 

First off, if you're replacing the chain, are you also replacing both sprockets? Most likely if the chain is worn out, the sprockets will need to be replaced as well. To check sprocket wear: Grab the pin of a chain link that is in the 3:00 position on the sprocket and pull it away from the sprocket. If more than 1/2 of the sprocket teeth on each side are exposed when you pull on the link, the sprocket is worn as well. If you're replacing the rear sprocket, replace the front one as well or you'll wear everything else right back out again, prematurely.

Now, to answer your original question, if the 400 is like the 550, the original chain is ENDLESS (has no master link) so you will need to use a chain breaker or grind away the pins on a link or two to get it off. NEW chains either come with a riveted link (so that you create a new "endless" chain) which is apparently the preferred method; chains are also available with a master link, which although supposedly less reliable work fine. My '81 has a master-link type replacement chain on it, as does my Norton and I've never had an issue. The actual operation is not difficult but if you do need to replace the sprockets you may need a manual for the front one, I'm not all that familiar with the 400s. Hopefully a 400 owner will jump in here and fill in some of the blanks.

 

I'm considering the same thing, new chain and sprockets, scouting for a larger front sprocket for a bit more bottom end, hoping it will make 1st gear a bit more useful in stop and go traffic

My temptations are for a new bike (The V-Strom 650 is very tempting)
But real-life budget thinks a few $$ into new chain/sprockets and a brake upgrade/rebuild is much more realistic...

That said, I believe we use a 100 link chain, though I've seen some 102's sold as Max 400 replacements as well.. and it's a 530 ....

You can get them from Dealers, Mikes XS and of course E-bay.
Stock Sprocket sizes are 16/35

Thoughts on sprocket sizes, 1st gear is almost useless, in crawling traffic I use mostly 2nd and a lot of clutch control, Would going to a 17 front help much in this? Or would changing the size of the rear also be needed?

uzivelli what are you thought about 1st gear/low speed control?

 

Ghost; A larger FRONT sprocket will give the same results as a smaller rear, LESS "bottom end" more "top end." If you want "steeper" gearing (more acceleration, less top end, motor will have to spin more RPMs for the same speed) then you want a smaller front and/or bigger rear. I can't give you any actual recommendation for the 400 though, mine are both 550's and geared pretty much optimally for that motor.

 

I need to do some digging and see what will fit the 400,
May be specific.... was hoping the XS 650 sprockets are the same as they have a wide variety available....

 

Looky what I found: http://www.jtsprockets.com/52.0.html Being a chain-drive kinda guy myself, your quest got me to poking about. These guys will show you what's stock and what's available, by bike. Includes a little gear-ratio chart on each page. Check it out. Then I found this: http://www.gearingcommander.com/ Interactive db to tell you what gearing changes will do in terms of RPM and speed, except the speed is in KPH so you'll need to convert.

 

KPH works up here in the great white north thanks
I found a ratio chart, but this sounds more practical, off for a browse..

 

I've got 17T front 35T back and new o-ring on order Za, i'll let you know how she runs in the spring if you wait that long

I agree with you tho, 1st gear is kinda useless, i'm hoping to bring down the rpms a bit in top gear as well. I'm not needing power in 5th, i'd rather it be an overdrive type of gear. If i need passing power, i drop to 4th.

Hopefully will help a touch with my mpg as well!

On a side note, the chain that was on it was a clip master link, NON o-ring chain. No idea if it was original, but it sure looked old. Really started to breakdown/stretch the last couple weeks of riding (like 2 inches of slack after adjusting, and riding for a week) Sprockets aren't tooo bad, but they are hooked a little.