Chain/sprockets

[Mav617]

Should it be possible to remove the chain without taking the rear wheel out? I can't seem to get the chain back on with the rear wheel in since taking it out and changing to the six spoke rear with a sprocket 1 tooth higher.

I'll be miffed if I have to buy a new chain as just spent ages cleaning this one up!

[Wicky]

You can take the chain off without removing the rear wheel by just applying an angle grinder.

If you want the chain off in one piece remove wheel and left footpeg hanger.

[Mav617]

Thanks Wicky, I don't want it off, I just want to try and get the chain to fit but it seems too short/tight trying to get it on one the wheel is in.

[VTRDark]

You can take the chain off without removing the rear wheel by just applying an angle grinder.

Have you slackened off the chain adjusters to the max so they are all the way in. Get it on the front sprocket and feed it around the rear sprocket. You may have to spin the wheel around to get around the complete sprocket so jack the bike up or get someone to hold the bike over on it's sidestand so you can spin the wheel.

(:-})

[Mav617]

You can take the chain off without removing the rear wheel by just applying an angle grinder.

Have you slackened off the chain adjusters to the max so they are all the way in. Get it on the front sprocket and feed it around the rear sprocket. You may have to spin the wheel around to get around the complete sprocket so jack the bike up or get someone to hold the bike over on it's sidestand so you can spin the wheel.

(:-})

Thanks Carl, even with the adjusters all the way in and the chain round the front sprocket I can't get it to feed over the entire rear sprocket. Not knowing the history I wonder if it's had a link or two too many taken out.

Ah well, new chain it is then, if someone could loan me a riveter I'd be eternally grateful.

[8541Hawk]

What size rear sprocket are you trying to fit?

[Mav617]

What size rear sprocket are you trying to fit?

It's a 42 teeth, purchased from a forum member, not physically much bigger than the 41 standard that was on it til recently. I'll pull it all apart tomorrow and see if I've missed something dumb.

[Wicky]

Rivet the chain off the bike with a pin hammer into an endless chain, and then bung the chain on after taking the footpeg hanger off.

[8541Hawk]

What size rear sprocket are you trying to fit?

It's a 42 teeth, purchased from a forum member, not physically much bigger than the 41 standard that was on it til recently. I'll pull it all apart tomorrow and see if I've missed something dumb.

After rereading your post I believe the issue is trying to put the chain on with the wheel already mounted.
This is not going to work,

Drop the wheel, put the chain on, put the wheel back on is about the only way to do it with the chain already riveted.

[Mav617]

Rivet the chain off the bike with a pin hammer into an endless chain, and then bung the chain on after taking the footpeg hanger off.

Footpeg hanger bolt is seized and the allen head is rounded (starting to hate this fookin hound)

[Wicky]

Might be an idea to fix these and delve deeper to check your suspension linkages - just in case… http://www.vtr1000.org/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 31&t=11809

[VTRDark]

Footpeg hanger bolt is seized and the allen head is rounded (starting to hate this fookin hound)

Another little job to do there then. Persevere with it mate, your slowly working through all the bad bits on the bike and fixing them. Once you have fixed it once, with some maintenance it wont give you grief in the future Easier to sort the allen bolt out than go breaking links and re-riveting. You would need a new rivet link anyway as they can't be reused. It worries me when some folk do their chains as when they do their brakes.

With 102 link chains I have got the chain over the standard geared sprockets before by spinning the wheel but it is tight and maybe puts a little undue stress on the chain getting it on. Just drop the wheel as hawk says, it's no biggie! 10-15min job max. Have you not got an abba stand?

Getting the rear wheel on, I sit on the floor behind the bike, a little less comfortable if on a padlock stand , have the spindle and a hammer close to hand and use your legs/knees to support and prop the wheel up into alignment for knocking the spindle through. The left top hat style spacer can be a little fooker as that can fall out when putting the wheel into alignment but a little grease around it helps hold it in place.

(:-})

[Mav617]

Thanks Carl, I was happy to get the wheel back in with the spacers, rear caliper carrier, hopefully it'll go as well this time with the chain on first!

[Jazzscot]

Getting the rear wheel on, I sit on the floor behind the bike, a little less comfortable if on a padlock stand , have the spindle and a hammer close to hand and use your legs/knees to support and prop the wheel up into alignment for knocking the spindle through. The left top hat style spacer can be a little fooker as that can fall out when putting the wheel into alignment but a little grease around it helps hold it in place.

(:-})

Or get a spade or shovel and use it as a big lever to help push the wheel into position. This can be done with one hand while the other is free to insert the bolt

[Mav617]

Cheers guys, mission accomplished - mind you it has to come out again to fit the hugger but at least I know it fits now