Vintage Dirt Bike Q & A

First off, thanks to Michael for referring me to Sprocket Specialists, I just recieved new steel sprockets and a DID standard chain. The only hitch is that it is a 120 link chain, and stock is 110. What is the best way to shorten a chain? I've heard of die grinding or dremeling off a pin and punching it out then using the master link on the new 'open' link. I'd love to hear some suggestions.

Thanks in advance
Ryan

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1980 CR250R Elsinore

They make tools for breaking a chain which basically look like a clamp that slides over the chain. You turn a bolt with a wrench or socket and it drives the pin out. Personally I like the grinder method. I use a 4"disk grinder then drive the pin out with steel nail. I have also used a bench grinder. You can use the portable grinder while the chain is looped over the sprocket on the bike.

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74 MT-250
06 Husky TE-450

I have gone the grinder route previously, but being congentially ham-fisted I now have a good quality chain-breaker...

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Michael Stiles
1979 Honda CR250R Elsinore | 2006 Husqvarna SM510R | 2007 Service Honda CR500R-AF

As far as chain breakers go, I have had excellent results with the Motion Pro breaker that many cycle shops carry. I just broke 6 links out of a 530 X-Ring DID chain tonight with it and it didn't even flinch.

The basic and continuing problem with chain breakers and the modern "quad-staked(peened link pin)" chains is that unless the pins are first ground smooth(flush with the side plate), they very likely damage the inner bushings with the remaining burr from the pin's "staked" points, while the pins are pushed thru the inner links. Best advice is to grind the pins flush with the side plate, then use a chain breaker to finish the job. The more expensive and stronger the chain you use the more you have to lose in reduced chain life and strength. I have literally sold thousands of chains and personally installed many hundreds, I learned from experience.
OD

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74 AMPI CZ125
73 CZ400
73 CZ250 Basket case.
72 SherpaT 350
75 Montesa King Scorpion
72 Rickman 125 Enduro
70 Honda CL70
72 Honda Z50
00 DRZ400E Baja'd

Nathan's right! I use a Motion Pro Chain Breaker & it pushes that pin out with ease. I didn't even spill my Corona in my other hand!!