Topic: Master link missing?

[ewendkos]

After some great motivation from some folks on here, I've decided to stick with my build.

I pulled everything off the frame, EXCEPT the chain.  It looks like the PO welded a hard tail with the chain attached to the former swingarm?  I can't find a master link so I have a couple of questions...

1.  Assuming I'll have to cut the chain off so I can get to refinishing the frame, is this the way it's supposed to be?  That is, when I put it back together, should the chain be wrapped around the swingarm?  I couldn't find any pictures in parts catalogs/service manuals/SOHC forums to answer.
2.  If I am supposed to put it back together this way, that means I have to use a new chain that has a master link, right?
3.  Can anyone recommend sources for this chain?

[domer]

one link should be "pressed" (for lack of the correct term) together... looks a little different than the rest, grind the ends off and replace with a master link!

[HondaMan]

You can pull the swingarm off to free the chain. When Honda went to endless chains on these bikes, that became their recommended method. Watch out for the little end caps that want to fall out of the arm when you pull it out. Also check it for side-to-side slop: they can wear if someone did not grease them regularly, which makes for bad handling.

A better fix: get a Diamond Powersport chain with masterlink. There's none better or longer lasting. Kaman Indistrial sells them online. Stock length was 100 links, size 530, but 102 or 104 links will fit. Removing a link entails grinding off the pins that hold the sideplate on, then driving or pressing the other "half" of the link out. Then you can install the masterlink at that position. I usually run 102 links on stock arms with stock engine positions: a custom frame may change all that... 

[ewendkos]

Thanks HondaMan!  Unfortunately, I can't pull the swingarm off.  The PO hardtailed this frame by welding the original swingarm to the frame.

See?



So that being the case, recommended next steps anyone?

Should I cut it and get a new chain (thinking of doing that). 

And if I do - is the chain supposed to run around the rear end like this? 

Let me know if you need better pics and I'll get them up tonight.

[martin99]

Well that's an interesting way to make a hardtail! From your pics though, its not obvious the swingarm is welded - the spindle is visible and bolted at the front, and it looks like it uses the rear shock absorber mounts to bolt up at the back. If this is the case you can take off the swingarm and unthread the chain. If it is welded as you say, you will have to break (cut) the chain to remove it. Yes that is how it would go back on, personally I would use a chain with a masterlink for convenience if nothing else.

[Duke McDukiedook]

Jesus, what a hack hard-tail job, you gotta loves the PO's!!!! 

[Alan F.]

one link should be "pressed" (for lack of the correct term) together... looks a little different than the rest, grind the ends off and replace with a master link!

There are two types of master links, clip type and rivet type (which you have) notice the dimpled end on the master link in the pic, there is a c-clamp shaped tool that rivets the end of the pin to keep the link together, grind these dimpled ends off and slide the link apart. When you're ready to reassemble it use a new master link of your preferred style.

[ewendkos]

Thanks all!  Going to take a closer look now. 

Then I'll have to invest in a grinder when I find it!

[Alan F.]

you could probably file the ends off instead if you're careful, then tap the link out with a hammer and a nail.

[cb650]

You can cut the old chain and use a new chain with a master link.

[ewendkos]

So I just reexamined.  My wife has the camera, otherwise I'd have taken a picture.

First - OldSkool's right.  Only the top section of the swingarm has been welded.  That means I could theoretically unbolt the bottom, but I'd still have to spread the swingarm from the frame enough to pull that chain out.  I may try it or I may just go for a new chain.

Second - I looked again for a riveted master link.  I *may* have found it but I can't be sure.  Why?  Well I found one link that looks like the pins have been ground already.  But they're not ground enough to slip a link out.  As soon as I get the camera I'll snap a pic and get your opinions.

[cb650]

Someone probly put one in wrong and sued.  All the 650's (79?) came like that.

[Terry in Australia]

No offence intended mate, but that really is a horrible frame, can't you get a better one? It saddens me that some folks are allowed to own tools............... 

[Bluto]

Hey there again.........

Yep.  Continuous chain was stock.  I just got through replacing mine (cut the old one off with a dremmel) and replaced with new sprockets and clip style master link chain.  Got mine from Maverik (a board member) at what I think was a good price.

The 1st thing I noticed was how much quieter the bike was.  My old chain was making some awful noises.

Hurry up man.......It's gonna be time to hit the North Ga. mountains real soon.

[martin99]

No offence intended mate, but that really is a horrible frame, can't you get a better one? It saddens me that some folks are allowed to own tools...............   

To be perfectly honest mate, I've got to agree with Terry. Apart from the look of the thing, if the PO was satisfied with that, how reassured are you about the rest of the work? Are those welds good? Are they going to fracture when you try to pull out the swingarm? Or when you go over a bump at 70? No offence intended here either, but it shouldn't be too hard to find another frame

[ewendkos]

aha!  that's EXACTLY what I was concerned about over in the other thread that I posted.

I completely agree.  I think I'll have someone more skilled come take a look and let me know what they think.  In any case, it's worth continuing on the engine and other work that I've started just so I can continue to learn.

This thing is a basket case, but I figure I can at the very least figure out how it goes together.

Here's some pics of the chain with the one link that appears to be ground:

[the technological J]

if u wanna keep ur a hard tail frame i would cut where i marked yellow and get some of the same gauged steel and throw them in where the red lines are its what all the hard tails are doing and it'll clean it up for ya a little... just my .02

[ewendkos]

Yeah.  Though if I do that, I might as well just get a hardtail kit and weld it in top and bottom.

The only reason I didn't do that to begin with is that I like the stance as-is.  At any rate, I'll have some folks come give it a look and see where I am.

[Terry in Australia]

No worries mate, keep working on the engine etc, and if you can find a better frame, great, if not, then spend some time making that frame as safe as you can, I like choppers too, I just hate craap engineering!

[the technological J]

it looks like the top end is not too bad  and if u cut it where i pointed out it will keep it properly spaced and lined up for the bottom peice...and will be way cheaper... your over halfway there i personally wouldnt go backwards and chop the whole thing but its not mine... cant wait to see her back together

[bucky katt]

Thanks HondaMan!  Unfortunately, I can't pull the swingarm off.  The PO hardtailed this frame by welding the original swingarm to the frame.

See?



So that being the case, recommended next steps anyone?

Should I cut it and get a new chain (thinking of doing that). 

And if I do - is the chain supposed to run around the rear end like this? 

Let me know if you need better pics and I'll get them up tonight.

the blue on that frame looks awfully famliar

[ewendkos]

Bucky - I can't help but laugh...

It does look similar except mine is only painted where someone would have been able to see the frame when the bike is mocked up!  I'm actually trying to remove the blue.

And @gabriel - sure.  My issue is whatever I decide, I'm not a welder so I'm going to have to have help or bring the frame to a local shop and pay them for it.  Either is fine with me (I do have some budget for this) but better if I don't have to do anything.  I do like the bobber look so I'll stick with a chopped frame to that point, but all the better if I can make this one work.