Newbie Chain and Sprocket fitting advice

[tintin]

Fairly new to all this

Passed my test just under 2 yrs ago and this is only my 2nd big bike after an '83 Honda VF750 FD

Had my 2005, and as far as I can tell, pretty standard Falco for just under a year and it now needs new chain and sprockets
After trawling forums and such I now find myself in possession of Renthal 16/43 cogs and a DID chain but I'm no mechanic and was after any advice/torque settings etc that can be had before I undertake this

I do have a biker friend assisting me in this, though he has no experience with Italian bikes

thanks
The Tintin looking fellow

[Falco Frank]

I always used to count links until I was asked 'Why'...

Best advice then followed, put the chain ON the new sprockets, move the wheel all the way forwards (but watch for the sprocket carrier nuts hitting the arm welds) and actually SEE how much chain you really need.

Old adage No2: "Measure twice, cut once".

Others, slacken off the sprocket carrier nuts by putting the rear brake on and getting to as many nuts as you can before rotating the wheel to get the others.

Pull your rears pads and check em while busy in the area

Falco workshop manual and lots of loveliness is still available here:

http://www.martinpoll.dk/div_april.htm

[Falco Frank]

Sorry - Welcome on board!

Always good to see someone with taste

[tintin]

Thanks for the welcome =)

And thanks for the info

Nice to see a dedicated and regularly used Falco forum

I had seen mention in other places that the swingarm needed to be removed but wasn't sure if this was really the case just to fit a chain

Thoroughly enjoying the Falco Experience

[fatboy]

Hi and welcome,
If you bought a chain and sprocket set then the chain should be right.
Before you dismantle anything,remove front sprocket cover and loosen the retaining nut with the bike in 1st and a foot on rear brake.
With rear adjusters slackened off,chain will easily lift off rear cog, no need to remove swing arm !
While its in bits clean up chain adjusters and apply copper grease/anti seize to threads
Just make sure whoever rivets the 'soft'link in knows what they are doing,then ENJOY
ps rear sprocket lifts off wheel, is bolted to sleeves that fit into cush drive in r wheel, lift off, push back in, simples

[blinkey501]

Thanks for the welcome =)

And thanks for the info

Nice to see a dedicated and regularly used Falco forum

I had seen mention in other places that the swingarm needed to be removed but wasn't sure if this was really the case just to fit a chain

Thoroughly enjoying the Falco Experience

Nice to see you made it
The swingarm does not need to removed, but when joining the chain using the link. The link must be fitted correctly.
If you fit the link incorrectly you can snap the chain and in some cases lock the back wheel.
If you are not that mechanically minded, I would advise you have the chain fitted by a bike shop. Your life may depend on it.

[D-Rider]

Hi and welcome.

Ignore all this nonsense being talked about soft links and joining the chain. With a standard Falco swinging arm there is no problem in fitting an endless chain - it doesn't need cutting and re-joining (assuming you have got one of the right length)

If you fit Mille swinging arm you do need to cut it to pass through the swinging arm

[slickliner6]

Thanks for the welcome =)

And thanks for the info

Nice to see a dedicated and regularly used Falco forum

I had seen mention in other places that the swingarm needed to be removed but wasn't sure if this was really the case just to fit a chain

Thoroughly enjoying the Falco Experience

If you are not that mechanically minded, I would advise you have the chain fitted by a bike shop. Your life may depend on it.

+1,,,,,, it doesnt cost that much in relation to youre health !!!!

[tintin]

Thanks for all your prompt responses - very informative

Next stop, unwrap those shiny tools and see how I get on

Then see about some other pertinent mods - still living with lovely original, 'will-I-fall-over, won't-I-fall-over' sidestand and iffy starting even on new battery

But what do I know
New to all this biking malarkey so this is all normal isn't it? ;)

cheers
That Tintin looking bloke

[Falco668]

Welcome to the fold. Might I say a very good choice of bike! I am sure you will sort the sidestand sooner rather than later (unless you want an expensive repair bill) and an optimate is a must for these beasts, even with a new battery, as they require a really big hit to crank over properly. Enjoy.

[slickliner6]

Thanks for all your prompt responses - very informative

Next stop, unwrap those shiny tools and see how I get on

Then see about some other pertinent mods - still living with lovely original, 'will-I-fall-over, won't-I-fall-over' sidestand and iffy starting even on new battery

But what do I know
New to all this biking malarkey so this is all normal isn't it? ;)

cheers
That Tintin looking bloke

Yep its normal for falco's anyway.lmao

[Falco Frank]

A dremel is a damn handy tool to have in a workshop, for cutting a knackered chain off.

But as has been said, fitting a new chain takes patience and normally a special chain tool.

However, I have heard of links being refitted with pin-punches and nails - wont ever happen on my bikes!

[wannesd]

Hi and welcome.

Ignore all this nonsense being talked about soft links and joining the chain. With a standard Falco swinging arm there is no problem in fitting an endless chain - it doesn't need cutting and re-joining (assuming you have got one of the right length)

If you fit Mille swinging arm you do need to cut it to pass through the swinging arm

True, but you'd need to remove the swingarm for that, which is more labour-intensive than rivetting a link.

However, great time to lube those bearings...

[D-Rider]

Hi and welcome.

Ignore all this nonsense being talked about soft links and joining the chain. With a standard Falco swinging arm there is no problem in fitting an endless chain - it doesn't need cutting and re-joining (assuming you have got one of the right length)

If you fit Mille swinging arm you do need to cut it to pass through the swinging arm

True, but you'd need to remove the swingarm for that, which is more labour-intensive than rivetting a link.

However, great time to lube those bearings...

Ah yes - good point - the frame gets in the way LOL

[fatboy]

Im fairly sure most chainsets these days will come with a split chain and soft link, making them more 'universal'
An 'endless' chain must be something of a rarity,and all kits will come with some basic fitting advice like 'take it to a repair shop '