Recommended Chain Type?

[oldktmdude]

    I bought a new EK ZZZ about a month ago and it came supplied with the rivet link. Be aware that you require a chain riveting tool to install this rivet link. It can be done with 2 hammers but I would not take the risk using this method.    Pete.     

Did the link come with the spacers/shims to prevent over tightening the link when riveted ?

If I didn't have the tool then I would rivet it off the bike using a vise or iron to back it up while riveting with a hammer and punch. If it comes with shims this helps a lot to avoid over riveting the link. You would have to remove the rear wheel and disconnect the swing arm to install. That's really not that difficult. (or maybe I have had to much experience doing that that....).

I haven't ordered it yet, but I am planning on the same chain. Its been well over 25 years since I have had to deal with a chain.
George

The chain did not come with shims or spacers. I measured the assembled width of the new chain with Vernier callipers and pressed the master link on to the same dimension. There are some good instructional videos on Youtube to refresh your memory. Worth a look.    Pete.

[SlowOldGuy]

If you need a riveting tool, check out the Stockton unit that Cycle Gear carries. 
Probably not the absolute "best" tool (that would be the $150 DID tools).  But you'll only use it a few times and it's usually priced well.

DavidR.

[racerman_27410]

Thanks for the input fellas.  

Will be going the EK ZZZ route for sure.  Since it will be my first time purchasing a chain (and I will be purchasing online) it isn't always clear if the rivet link is included with the chain...  Can you guys advise?  Just trying to get everything ready for the install and not get stalled up with what I like to call:  surprises.

Thanks for the feedback,  much appreciated.

my ZZZ chain came with nice install spacers so you dont press the side on too far and crush the o-rings....the EK ZZZ is the only chain i've used that comes with these..... really makes installing the master link a no brainer.

KOokaloo!

[andyb]

Other EK rivet links come with the spacers.  At least, some of them do, and they're really helpful to get things exactly right.

[movenon]

Other EK rivet links come with the spacers.  At least, some of them do, and they're really helpful to get things exactly right.

That's one of the reasons I am going with the EK over the DID. The shims/spacers take a lot of the guess work out of it. Just about imposable to end up with to tight of a connection.
George

[FJSpringy]

put on a RK XW-Ring-530GXW this morning, riveted with riveting tool  





funny morning, took the hugger off and put the old ali chain guard on didn't need to  ,  forgot the bobbins needed them  .

had a chat with my mechanic mate    took 2 hours to do a 10 min job bloody good morning all round.

geez I am getting lazy 

[NJona86FJ]

i just fitted mine ... same as yours fj springy... got it right then dropped it off the rear cog, using a pin punch or centre pop ( with a good correctly sharpened point... yes im fussy.... maybe) and the centrte stand as a base to "tap" against and a hammer. works. but then again i have run a chain with a joining plate and clip, lost the clip so used 2 circlips ( i dont recommend this!!! they get a bit "thin")

[fj11.5]

hey fjspringy,, just wondering what swingarm you've  fitted, and what year your fj is, , im guessing its 88 or later,  im hopeing to fit an xjr arm but will need to have some welding done

[FJSpringy]

hey fjspringy,, just wondering what swingarm you've  fitted, and what year your fj is, , im guessing its 88 or later,  im hopeing to fit an xjr arm but will need to have some welding done

It's a 92 with a T/Ace conversion been running it like this for nearly 10 years.

[fj11.5]

awesome, thanks mate, , any problems width wise at the mountin points

[FJSpringy]

 

awesome, thanks mate, , any problems width wise at the mountin points

You do need to machine bits off, from memory and it been a long time Marc Rittner's instructions are the best, just wish I had seen them when I did mine all those years back.

I started off talking to Barry Edwards and worked it out from there, very happy with it.

[fj11.5]

thank you, ill check out marks info,, will need to have mounts welded on for the shock linkage, ,unless i can find another way to do it,  as the 84,s dont have the dog bone style linkages

[ribbert]

i just fitted mine ... same as yours fj springy... got it right then dropped it off the rear cog, using a pin punch or centre pop ( with a good correctly sharpened point... yes im fussy.... maybe) and the centrte stand as a base to "tap" against and a hammer. works. but then again i have run a chain with a joining plate and clip, lost the clip so used 2 circlips ( i dont recommend this!!! they get a bit "thin")

I have tried every bush mechanics trick for joining links without a tool. The only one I have found satisfactory, that is, a perfectly uniform spread of the pin, is to stick a ball bearing onto the end of the pin with a bit of grease and then hit it with a hammer. Last time I used the one from the rear foot peg, it's the perfect size.

The hardest part is getting something solid and heavy enough behind it with no spring in it. I have an old artillery shell that I can barely lift that I use as a mini anvil that is perfect, it's about 5" in diameter.

In my view the centre stand is too springy.

Noel

[Steve_in_Florida]

I have an old artillery shell that I can barely lift that I use as a mini anvil that is perfect...

Oh, GREAT! I can just see it now:

, then: 

[PeteGLH]

Thanks for all the great info guys.   I definately do plan on getting the tool,  I don't think the FJ will be the only bike I will ever own (but for some reason,  I think I will own it for a lonnnnng time.)  I might need it for future projects

Looking forward to the kook,  another 3 weeks before I get her out and running,  can't wait.