I should have put a new chain on a long time ago. The one that came on the bike was twenty years old and would shed o rings like it was its job. I hadnt done so yet because I thought it would be fine for awhile. But since I am riding it more than taking it apart now, it is becoming more of a problem.
One of the issues has been that the bike would start jerking when in 4th or 5th gear at highway speed. I just assumed that this was because of something carb or engine related. Or perhaps something with the transmission. I had cleaned and lubed that chain quite some time ago and it hadnt seen a lot of miles but I found that it was dry so lubed it again. I issue did seem somewhat improved but not gone completely. After rechecking the chain when I got home, I found some stiff links and what seemed like several bad spots. So it seemed like a new chain was finally in order. This is one of those things that in many years of riding bikes, I'd never really had an issue like this. So I am learning stuff that I probably should have learned a long time ago.
I think these links are a little stiff.
I ordered a chain that was a bit too long.
The old one was stretched by about half a link it seems. I am not sure if that is excessive, I think the stiff links and losing O rigns were more my problem. Which was also the reason that I am not bothering to change sprockets right now.
Adjusted lubed and ready to go
I did use the clip master link. Bottom left there is a link, marked with Sharpie, that seemed bent and kept squeaking when going around the front sprocket, so I flipped the chain over, problem solved.
I can only assume that a PO had the chain break on them at some point as this sprocket cover has a chunk missing.
