When replacing a drive chain, which is a key component of a motorcycle's drive train, the number of links (frames) must be adjusted when purchasing a packaged product sold at a retail store. On the other hand, some sales channels allow you to specify the number of links at the time of purchase. This is especially beneficial for clip-joint chains, which are often used on moped models.
Packaged products for versatility and order-made products that can be purchased with a specified number of links
It is not acceptable to continue to use a drive chain with rusted plates and bushings or leaking seal chain grease, whether it is an old or discontinued motorcycle.
If the chain is stretched or rusted, the condition of the sprockets should also be checked and replaced if necessary.
General-purpose boxed chains are numbered in "kiri (satisfying number)" numbers, such as 100, 110, 120 links, etc. If the number of links on your motorcycle is the same as that, there is no need to cut the coma. If your motorcycle has the same number of links, there is no need to cut the coma, but otherwise, the link pins must be pushed out, requiring a chain cutter, which is a specialized tool. Chain cutters can not only cut but also press-fit joint plates and crimp pins.
There are a number of points to consider when replacing a drive chain, such as the difference between non-seal and seal, the shape of the O-ring, and the color of the plate even for seal types, but the most important thing is to make sure the number of links is correct.
If the number of teeth on the front and rear sprockets are OEM, the number of links will be the same as OEM. On the other hand, if the number of teeth is changed, the required chain length changes, so the number of links must be changed.
In order to accommodate changes in the number of links, and because the number of links in the chains of production vehicles varies from model to model, the chains sold in boxes at motorcycle accessory stores are set up in such a way that they can be used universally: 100, 110, or 120 links.
Therefore, if your motorcycle has a 106-link chain, you will need to buy a 110-link chain and cut four links to use it. Cutting the chain means removing the pins that connect the links and separating the links, and a special tool, a chain cutter, is used to remove the pins that are press-fitted into the plate and crimped at both ends.
(Incidentally, if you purchase a chain from a supply store and ask them to replace it, you do not need to worry about adjusting the number of links, and some stores even have drum-wound chains for sale.
In contrast to the boxed general-purpose type, which has a fixed number of links, Webike's supplies shopping site allows you to specify the number of links you need. Product pages categorized by chain size and brand name have a pull-down menu for selecting the number of links, which can be selected for every two links. Since the price is also determined by the number of links, you can purchase chains for the amount of 106 links, eliminating the waste of 4 links that would have been thrown away by purchasing 110 links of generic products for a 106-link motorcycle in the previous example.
If the sprocket is replaced at the same time as the chain, and the number of teeth is changed at that time, it is safer to make an order for the actual sprocket.
POINT
Point 1 - Packaged drive chains, available at motorcycle accessory stores, have a number of links that emphasize versatility for many models.
Point 2 - Web-based mail-order sites are developing services that allow users to purchase chains with a specified number of links.
No cutting tool is required, but the seal chain requires a caulking tool
The chain for the Yamaha Chappie 50, a 1970s moped bike, has 88 links for the 420 size, which gives you 12 extra links even if you buy 100 links, the lowest number of links in the boxed product. Ordering from Webic's website may take longer because it is a manufacturer's order, but it is not a waste of time.
If the number of teeth on the front and rear sprockets is as stock, the stock number of links listed in the parts list can be used to stretch the chain without excess or deficiency. If the number of links has changed due to an increase or decrease in the number of teeth, you can manually count the number of frames to determine the number of links before ordering.
For non-seal chains, there is a clearance between the joint plate and the pin, so the plate can be set by hand. The clip that prevents the plate from falling off can be simply snapped on with a pair of pliers, so no special tools are required. When installing the clip, the U-shaped part of the clip should face the direction of travel.
If chains can be purchased with a specified number of links, a chain cutter is not needed to cut the extra links from the general-purpose product. However, special tools may be needed to connect the chain. The clip joint of the non-seal chain for mopeds shown here has a clearance between the outer plate and the pin, so the plate can be set by hand. The clip that prevents the plate from coming off can also be attached with general-purpose tools such as pliers.
In contrast, a seal chain that uses an O-ring between the plates to seal the grease in the gap between the pin and bushing requires a dedicated chain tool both for attaching the plate to the pin and for caulking the pin tip to prevent the plate from falling out. Some types of seal chains, such as clip joints and screw joints, do not require a pin crimping tool, but most seal chains are designed to be connected with a dedicated tool.
Therefore, while purchasing the exact number of links eliminates the need for cutting, it does not eliminate the need for special tools for seal chains. However, by purchasing the exact number of links needed, even if it is only for a few frames, the extra cost can certainly be reduced, so non-seal chain users in particular should consider using this option.
POINT
Point 1 - Non-seal chains that do not require special tools for joint installation to connect chains can be installed with hand tools for chains purchased by ordering the number of links.
Point 2 - When connecting a WEB seal chain, a special tool is required even if you purchase a chain with a specified number of links because the plate must be press-fitted and the joint pin must be tightened.
