Broke chain, what now?

[ryanschoebel]

Well, it happened. While riding, my chain decided it was done, and broke. With it, it took out the sprocket cover, cracked a rear fairing, bent the licence plate, and broke off both tabs that mount the starter to the engine. I have no concerns about any of it, except for the starter tabs. I am getting quotes for around $200 to weld the tabs back on, and getting told at the same time that there is no guarantee that the welds will hold.  I also don't have the tools to press rivet a new chain back on, so i would have to pay a shop to do that. All said and done, I'm looking at least $6-700 to get this back running again. And thats not including what i just paid to get the forks redone (which are perfect, btw, thanks RPM!!), or the $200 for the tow back home. So the question is, would I be better off simply selling this bike to someone who knows how to make the repairs, or going for the long haul? What do you guys think?  I love this bike, and would hate to see it go, but if it would cost less, or even let me come out a bit ahead to sell, and start new, then i have no hesitations.

Thanks,
Ryan

[Pat Conlon]

Your repair costs sound high. I think you're over reacting.
You need professional help on the starter tabs, no getting around that.
What would the shop charge you to install the chain? Look at the cost of a chain tool and compare.

You are out the cost of towing, that's gone. A used sprocket cover is chump change on FleaBay.

With the bike as it sits, no repairs, you might get $500, but I would not pay that.
For $1,000 more I would get this bike (with luggage) http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=17748.0

I would fix the bike and ride it.  (hint: buy a high quality chain and get some new sprockets)

Sorry to hear of this, but all and all, at least you did not go down or crack your engine case.
You're alive and unhurt.

Pat

[balky1]

Just as a curiosity - which chain was it?

[ryanschoebel]

Just as a curiosity - which chain was it?

It was the drive chain.

[Pat Conlon]

I figure around $200 for parts and $200 for welding and you're back on the road.

Here is a eBay sprocket cover $15 (you paint) https://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-1986-1987-89-92-FJ1200-1992-1993-FJ1200A-ENGINE-SPROCKET-COVER/183185501137?hash=item2aa6b4ebd1:g:xrYAAOSw9hRa17gM&vxp=mtr

Here is new oem front sprocket $10: http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A17t
Here is a new rear sprocket $43: http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=RearSprocket

Here is a top of the line DID ZVM-X chain $138 https://tinyurl.com/y7ome4xs

[ryanschoebel]

I figure around $200 for parts and $200 for welding and you're back on the road.

Here is a eBay sprocket cover $15 (you paint) https://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-1986-1987-89-92-FJ1200-1992-1993-FJ1200A-ENGINE-SPROCKET-COVER/183185501137?hash=item2aa6b4ebd1:g:xrYAAOSw9hRa17gM&vxp=mtr

Here is new oem front sprocket $10: http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=M%2FC%3A17t
Here is a new rear sprocket $43: http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=RearSprocket

Here is a top of the line DID ZVM-X chain $138 https://tinyurl.com/y7ome4xs

My sprockets look fine. Should I replace them anyways?

[Pat Conlon]

Yes, replace your sprockets. If that chain was stressed enough to fail, your sprockets are probably worn.

You're investing in a high quality chain, get new sprockets.

To sweeten the deal I will send you my DID chain tool to use. Makes installing a DID chain very easy. It Center punches those master link rivets dead nuts center.

As you may tell...I'm a fan of DID chains.

You're discouraged, but don't give up.

[ryanschoebel]

Pat, that would be much appreciated. RPM suggested a DID chain as well. I figured I would have to take it to a shop to have them mount the chain.

[Pat Conlon]

Instead of spending $200 on welding the starter brackets, if you add $30 more you could forgo the welding and get a new oem Yamaha 4 brush starter from RPM.
These are bitchen starters. No problem spinning up my heat soaked 1380 engine on a hot summer day.
http://rpmracingca.com/proddetail.asp?prod=4KG-81890-00&cat=39

[ryanschoebel]

It would be a good idea, but the issue isn't the starter. The issue is the tabs on the engine case itself, that the starter mounts onto. Or does that starter mount differently?

[Pat Conlon]

Oh, ok...yea, you clearly said starter tabs, my bad...

[balky1]

Just as a curiosity - which chain was it?

It was the drive chain.

Which brand and strength was it...? OMG.

[ryanschoebel]

Balky, my bad, I mis understood. I have no idea, it was PO. Pat,no issues.

[FJ1100mjk]

Work smarter, not harder

For $1,500, and all the bike that you're getting for it, you could take a bus or plane one-way to get it. Or have it shipped for $500. You could make it an epic ride back too, with some planning.

I'd bet that you'll need to pull the engine out of the frame to have a good shot at welding those tabs back on, to have any confidence in them afterwards.

[Mike m]

I've been watching this topic and this scenario has me concerned.a rivot  needs a rivot tool are they costly and what are you looking for in  the rivot to be sure its done correctly as I'm referring to a new chain replacement