Master Link Chain Replacement

I replaced my chain and sprocket almost two years ago and after weighing the advantages / disadvantages of the pressed on master link. I went with the press on. After looking at several chain tools I bought the RK tool which I am very happy with. I bought the sprockets and chain from AFAM (http://www.dc-afam.com/dc-afam/usa/home.html) who were very helpful and I had no trouble replacing the chain. I did grind the heads of the old pins with a Dremel tool which no doubt helped get the old chain off. I later played around with the old chain and it works whether I ground off the heads or not. I do think that it is better to grind the heads. The VFR manual shows just how much the heads should be peened, easy to measure. Getting the front sprocket off is much easier with an air ratchet but I'm sure it could be done with a breaker bar or pipe. Turned out to be easier than I thought and the price of the tool will pay for the next chain replacement. After doing it I don't see any r!
eal reason not to use a pressed on link unless you plan on changing sprockets and chains frequently such as in race set ups.

Don Swanner
'99 VFR
Fremont, CA

>Hi All:
>
>Wanted to get some feedback on a replacement chain I'm putting on my 93 vfr
>750. I'm replacing the factory chain and sprockets with new EK 530 SRX chain
>and sprockets. The chain has a master link. Two questions: 1) The Haynes
>service manual says you should never use a chain with a master link that has
>a link connector. Instead, it says you should use a chain where you have to
>peen the link. However, I know of many riders who have used this type of
>chain without problem when the connecting link's open end is facing in the
>opposite direction of forward travel when installed. Comments please. 2) The
>master link only has o-rings on one side of the link. The other side has no
>o-rings and only the flat plate of the link is pressed onto that particular
>link, then the link connector is installed. How come there are no o-rings on
>one side of the master link? Should I grab a couple of o-rings from the old
>chain so that the new chain has o-rings on both sides of the master link?
>And finally, I'm going to be upgrading to a 45 tooth rear sprocket (factory
>is 43). What kind of steel rear sprockets does everyone out there run and
>like?
>Thanks!
>Mark


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