Topic: So my chain came undone as I was riding...now no start?

[Dave-and-his-550]

Luckily it did not bind with the rear tire or I'm sure I would have been grounded. I'm REALLY glad that did not happen. I trailored the bike home and forced off the sprocket cover. The chain was stuck inside against it. The master link on the chain came out. I don't understand why because I was certain to put the retaining clip on properly as I knew how important it was. I guess maybe if the chain was way to loose? Or not well enough oiled? Faulty clip? Evil rock? I guess its impossible to really know.

Anyway, there was some damage to the aluminum on the motor, and on the sprocket cover. I guess I'm wondering if there are any foreseeable issues with reusing the sprocket cover as is? Here are some lovely pictures of the damage:

[ekpent]

Really have to double check those clips that they are tight and fit into the groove nicely on the pin. Also mount so the open end is away or pointed towards the back of the bike. Different chains require different master links so make sure they are compatible. Very glad your ordeal turned out as well as it did 

[dave500]

if the link was old and had been on and off several times the clip can get soggy,make double sure the grooves it sits in is clean,also the wrong clip may have been used from a different brand?i always order another master link with new chains.

[Bob Wessner]

Also mount so the open end is away or pointed towards the back of the bike.

This applies if you are viewing the clip on the upper run. A better way of describing the orientation of the clip might be that the closed end of the "U" should face the direction of chain travel.

[ekpent]

Thanks Bob for a better explanation-after I thought that over I knew I muffed it depending on which part of the chain it was on,top or bottom. 

[Dave-and-his-550]

Thanks for the replies and the confirmation on how it is installed. I know I had it right. And the chain was brand new! Including the ML, and clip. Had no more than 150 miles ridden...Hmm, I think I just forgot to check the tightness of it before I rode off with it. Or maybe it wasn't well oiled. Maybe the clip was just fractured or not all the way on...It was my first ride of the season, I guess I was a little excited. Should have checked those things.

I did order a replacement 530 ML, I'm going to put it back on and ride it around. Oil the chain real good, check for proper tightness, and for now on I think I would be a little paranoid NOT to check that MC every time before I ride.

So I'm going with the assumption the cracks in the case and chain guide on the sprocket cover are no big worry?

[lone*X]

The case is a cosmetic and safety item to protect your ankle.  It doesn't seal anything.  If you can live with its appearance and it is sound in structure put it back on and ride.  If the damage to the cases was all external and didn't break the integrity of the lower end (no oil leaks) I would say you are lucky and ride it.  One question, did your 550 have the steel chain guide installed around the front sprocket? 

[KingCustomCycles.com]

About that clip facing foreward comment......it faces forward and rearward depending on its location on top or bottom as it rotates. 

[Dave-and-his-550]

If referring to the chain guide that mounts to the inner of the sprocket cover then yes. Actually, I had to take that out and put another one on from a spare sprocket cover. Because it would not mount up due to it being bent. No oil leaks luckily. Oddly though, my bike's neutral light will not come on all of a sudden  maybe a bulb popped coincidentally at the same time.

I got the chain back on and its ready to ride, gonna go take it for a spin now around the block, double check the chain etc,

[Greggo]

If referring to the chain guide that mounts to the inner of the sprocket cover then yes. Actually, I had to take that out and put another one on from a spare sprocket cover. Because it would not mount up due to it being bent. No oil leaks luckily. Oddly though, my bike's neutral light will not come on all of a sudden  maybe a bulb popped coincidentally at the same time.

I got the chain back on and its ready to ride, gonna go take it for a spin now around the block, double check the chain etc,

Chain probably smacked the neutral switch when it snapped.  I doubt it's the bulb, but ya never know.

[Dave-and-his-550]

Chain probably smacked the neutral switch when it snapped.  I doubt it's the bulb, but ya never know.

This probably happened. I was going to ask if there was something in there related to this dilemma. Anyway, out I go for a ride (Decided to go eat Chinese first)

[Dave-and-his-550]

WHOOPS, I guess that little neutral light dilemma is more of a dilemma then I thought. The electric starter wont work. I guess a logical safety precaution on Honda's part. But now I gotta figure out how to get it working again. Any advice where to start?



So the culprit might be #15, or so in this picture? "neutral switch stator" ?

[dave500]

15 and or 16 and make sure the wire is clicked into its position,dont distort the link clip when fitting it.

[seanbarney41]

...I've seen where guys have safety wired that little puppy!

[singedebile]

this is a really nice little simple video! not only does it show the direction it should be facing (i believe you can see the rear sprocket to the right), but it shows in a nice fluid way how to pop off then back on the clip! I am about to do this and feel a whole lot better about it!

15 and or 16 and make sure the wire is clicked into its position,dont distort the link clip when fitting it.

[dave500]

make sure the screwdriver has an edge as wide as the open end of the clip and is ground nice and square,a rounded of one will cause grief,the one i used here could have been a little wider.

[Greggo]

I just put on a new Tsubaki that required me to press the master link plate onto the pins.  I'd never come across that, but my neighbor let me borrow his breaker kit.

[Quorthon]

I just put on a new Tsubaki that required me to press the master link plate onto the pins.  I'd never come across that, but my neighbor let me borrow his breaker kit.

My master link plate had to be popped on also.  I was able to get it with channel locks/ vice grips, one or the other.

[skamagedon]

find the wire to the nuetral switch, in the harness connector from the stator area which i believe is the light green/red out of the starter solenoid, and ground it to the frame, if the nuetral light comes on, you damaged the wire to the switch itself

[skamagedon]

BTW, my chain cut that same groove to the left of the sprocket on that "plug" thingy

[TwoTired]

BTW, my chain cut that same groove to the left of the sprocket on that "plug" thingy

That is common when oring/xring chains are put on the Cb550.

[malcolmgb]

...I've seen where guys have safety wired that little puppy!

Yes we used to wire them on the 60/70's race bikes. Thin wire round the back/inside of chain link and twist the wire on the outer side by the waisted part of the link, it should clear the sprockets ok and be sure to bend the twisted wire in the direction of travel again so it doesn't snag.

[Fritz]

BTW, my chain cut that same groove to the left of the sprocket on that "plug" thingy

Using a standard non-O-X-W-any-ring chain will prevent this - not so cosmetic - damage.
I'd never use a clip-on master link on my chain. Rivet it or have it riveted or leave it

my 2¢

[bollingball]

I have not used any thing but clip on master links since 1967. Never has one failed me .It is not the link it is the installer. Pay attention to details Anyone who has spent much time reading this site knows you cannot put these fat chains in these tight spaces.

[skamagedon]

what is that plug lookin thing anyway? not to thread jack but .....