Basic Maintenance - new chain
 

Hi guys, I am fairly new to bike maintenance and am not confident with doing things myself. But would like to give it a go. What is involved with replacing the chain. Do I need special tools, etc any advice would be welcome.
Also can you recommend a suitable chain?

thanks

A

Replacing the chain is easy enough.

Remove the old one via a chain splitting tool or an angle grinder (my weapon of choice!) to remove the rivets of one link.

Offer up the new one, and determine how many links you want to keep as they always come to long. Don't know how this works with a 749/999, but on the old 916 models you wanted the longest chain length you could get away with, as this equated to the longest wheelbase...which is a good thing for stability. I guess the same thing applies with the new model?

Cut the chain to length, and then rivet it in place with a riveting tool. Some recommend using a hammer and 'peening' the end over...but I have tried that several times and just find it hamfisted and not good practice. Lots of peeps on here have riveting tools, I'm sure if you ask nicely someone may be willing to lend you one for the weekend.

As for makes etc...you pay you money and make a choice.

From experience, I would recommend Tsubaki HD X ring gold (great price and look good) or the DID all singing all dancing SBK chain (can't remember the name right now)...looks real sweet, but is expensive.

Nelly or Robsom Racing do the tsuabki chains...JHP for the DID.

Why are you replacing? Is it worn or for looks? If its worn then you need to change the sprockets as well! Which is an opportunity to go up in size :D

And if you're changing the sprockets you may as well check and replace the wheel bearings and cush drive at the same time, and does the rear wheel need powder coating/ or a new tyre? And if you are doing the back wheel you may as well do the front..............................

Sorry ...... I got carried away

:D:D:D

Phil

Oh Dear!!!

Why new sprocket?? Do they wear at the same rate? Basically, I am changing it as preventative maintenance. I'm paranoid about it snapping, it has done 6k miles. To be honest I don't know what it looks like as the bike has spent the most part of 17 weeks in the dealers, but I hope it will be back before the spring and was thinking of any jobs that I might be able to do over the winter.
Any others you can think of?
I was hoping that it would be like changing the chain on my push bike....apparently not!

what about these?

Is this the DID one you mention Harv
http://www.ducati9.net/pages/perform...26+ sprockets

I think youll find, only a fool would change just a chain in the case where your replacing because its worn, as the sprockets would be just as worn and bugger up the new chain within a thousand miles!:frog:

If your changing for looks or cosmetic then you could get away with a chain on its own. But as they come in certain oversize lengths, it is an opportunity to fit a larger rear sprocket, as most find this beneficial!

Unless your regularly on your sports tourer at 170mph?:D

With 6000 miles id be changing the sprockets as well..........what do i know!:borg:

Id use

www.bandcexpress.co.uk

they look like they have loads of stuff.

if I were to get a larger rear sprocket......what noticeable difference will there be? it seems to make no difference in price.

so..., Can I fit a new chain, front and rear sprocket.....with the aid of a chain splitter and some instructions...or is it better/simpler to get the dealer to do it?

[Edited on 28-11-2005 by ak47]

well...you mentioned you are paranoid about it snapping...how paranoid will you be about the new chain and the fact you fitted it???

If its going to be a concern, then just get the dealer to do it all for the sake of an hours labour...

seeing as they have had it for 4 months, another hour can't harm. I presume that I can still take the back wheel off without having to split the chain. the pipes need a little elbow grease.

See I told you.....mechanics and me......shakey!

I went to a 38 rear on my 999r. In theory it will give better response at low revs, while you lose out slightly on top speed.

Obviously the bigger rear you go the bigger both effects are.

Yes the rear wheel can come off without touching the chain.

Why have they had it so long then ?

Personally I'm with Harv on chain replacement. Fine to do it yourself if you're an experienced home mechanic who's done it plenty of times, but remember your life is literally hanging on that chain.

I do change my own sprockets, though. Did it yesterday, in fact.

I am not sure that it is a good idea to post my experiences.....especially as they might not be the most flattering.

Either way.....let's just say 749s......and it stops from time to time

4 months!!!! I'm an easy going kind of guy but 4 months! Think I'd be kicking up a bit of a fuss over that! Dont be shy posting details, whats going on?

Andy , of course one should change the sprockets - that is a given - I was merely pointing out to ak the danger to the wallet once you embark on home maintenance, and say to yourself
'' Well while that's off I may as well do this ....:eureka:

That little sentence has cost me a fortune over the years:D:D

If only I knew!!
Do you think that 4 months is too long.....

I did the calculations on what it has cost me over the past 4 months for simply "not having the bike"......it is a real eye opener.

If its a uk bike....ring Ducati uk ask for them to request an update. .....and or a loan bike then a replacement!

I got a loan bike from them this week....after doing said calculations.... A Lovely KWAK zr-7!!! and that was after being refused by the dealer and having to go to Ducati UK to sort it out.

But I have to give it back in 14 days!!!!

Shame they csnt set the same deadlines with your bike!!

Whereabouts in the country are you and have you taken it local?:eureka:

local have jusst dissappeared DLC/S