To properly mount a riveted chain link, you will need the proper tool and a certain amount of patience and care. The connecting link kit contains one connecting link, one side plate, four sealing rings and one bag of chain grease. Fit your new sprockets and pull on the chain to prepare it for assembly. The best place to do this is on the rear sprocket. This is the most practical place because the sprocket keeps the chain in the right place. In this article, we will explain to you how you can rivet the chain of your motorcycle.
Motorcycle chains - General information
On the market, there are a whole bunch of motorcycle chains that meet specific needs. So, before you get started, we advise you to take a look at our complete guide on the subject.
How does your motorcycle chain work?
Chains operating at high speeds comparable to motorcycles should be used in conjunction with an oil bath. For modern motorcycles this is not possible, and most motorcycle chains operate unprotected. Thus, motorcycle chains tend to wear out very quickly compared to other applications. They are subjected to extreme forces and are exposed to rain, dirt, sand and road salt.
Motorcycle chains are part of the driveline that transmits power from the engine to the rear wheel. Correctly lubricated chains can achieve 98% or more efficiency in transmission. Non-lubricated chains dramatically reduce performance and increase wear on chains and sprockets.
Two types of aftermarket lubricants are available for motorcycle chains: spray lubricants and drip feed systems. Spray lubricants may contain wax or PTFE. While these lubricants use grip additives to stay on the chain, they can also attract dirt and sand from the road and, over time, produce an abrasive paste that accelerates component wear.
Oil drip feed systems lubricate the chain continuously and use a lightweight oil that will not stick to the chain. Research has shown that oil drip feed systems provide the best wear protection and energy savings.
How to rivet the chain of your motorcycle?
Start with lubrication
First, lubricate the sealing rings with the grease, then push two rings onto the two pins of the link. Then lubricate the back of the chain plates and push the grease into the holes in the chain rollers. Then push the link from the back of the chain and try to push back as much fat as possible! You don't have to overdo it, the chain needs all the grease it can get.
Now put the last two rings on the front of the link around the side plates and position them correctly. The fat will help keep them in position.
Chain lubricant available on Amazon
Prepare your motorcycle chain
We need to properly press on the outer plate. To do this, you will need a suitable tool. The idea is to press the plate in exactly the same position as all the other links in the chain so that it has exactly the same width. Some chain tools provide you with spacer blocks for you help do it without over tightening, but if you don't have one, patience and caution will suffice. Measure the width of the other chain links to the outside of the two side plates. Not the axes, the plates!
Essential chain tools available on Amazon
Rivet the chain of your motorcycle
Now gently push on your rivet plate until the width of the rivet is the same as the other links in the chain. Be careful and patient with your measurement, and do not over tighten it.
All that remains is to rivet the axles. Most modern chain pins are hollow and must be opened using a suitable taper tool. Solid axes must be riveted using a suitable tool to reproduce the riveting of all the other axes. Either way, remember that you don't have to overdo it. The riveting is there to make sure that the plate cannot come off, but there is no force that causes the plate to come off, unless something is completely messed up. And there you have it!
Your installed riveted connecting link should be the same width and should be able to move as freely as any other link. It should not be tight or get stuck in any way. If this is the case, you have made a mistake somewhere and you will have to buy a new link and start over.
Our recommended products:
To conclude, here are some products recommended on Amazon to be able to rivet the chain of your motorcycle:
