In order to change the chain you need the special socket type tool to remove the swing arm shaft .It is a four point crazy looking Kawi part ...but I am wondering if any know its dimensions and if it is readily available else where than kawi..or am I hoooooped and have to get it through them alone ?

* Last updated by: painterdude on 7/31/2009 @ 12:34 PM *

Buy a cheap socket the size of the nut head. Take a grinding wheel that cuts thru metal. You slot the socket and match grooves to the swing arm nut. That's what I used to do.

what I had in mind if no replcement possible re Kawi part which is a. not in stock ..b NEARLY A $$100.00!!!
grinder here we come.
One last question ..my chain is not quite at the service limit ..the sprockets are good ..no real wear ..not pointed
Change or no change???? this is the question as I start out on a mega trip .

* Last updated by: painterdude on 7/31/2009 @ 1:32 PM *

Okay will answer my own question ..
Yes painterdude you should change your chain ..

* Last updated by: painterdude on 8/1/2009 @ 8:30 AM *

I think changing the chain and sprockets for the long trip was a wise call

if I need to change the chain only and not the sprockets just cut the chain with a dremel put the tranny in neutral and tie the new chain to the old one and pull it through

humm...the nut on the front sproket is impossible to break free..Is this an impact wrench thing ??
Crap I want to change everything at once...Any ideeeers you wrenching brainiaks..I have wired the rear break on as far aas I could and still the tire rotates when wrenching on the stupid forward sproket nut...Man I hate being thwarted after coming so close ..

Good thinking. I was about to add some clay imprint so you can work off the clay not the bike. Yes, better remove with an air tool. Have the compressor over 100psi. Have all that air pressure go into the gun. Stop the gun once you hear the compressor refire. Wait for the big air bust you need, not the 80lbs. that may have set the compressor on.

Yes, you are too high a mileage rider. You'll smoke that chain/spro soon enough. Change to new parts like you said is keep answering your own Q'z.

sooooooooo for you folks who do not have a Handy dandy impact wrench here is the way to get the front sprocket bolt free.
1. Get a holt of one of them smashem on the backside impact by hammer blow devices.
2 Get a deep 27mm socket
3 Place soocket on said offending bolt ..Wack it a couple of times to shock turn it.
4.Take your Torque wrench ..attach it to your socket which is on the bolt..
5 Place your right foot on the brake pedal and give er all ya got down ..whilst leaning over the bike and hauling up on your torque wrench ( like the torque wrench cuzz it applies pressure in a nice build up..)
6. Celebrate when the sucker finally gives up the fight
7 begin to wonder how in the world you are going to now drop the swing arm ..Are there more factory made DIY blockers ??

* Bliss out and go on ..we can see the last slopes to the peak!! hurrah

* Last updated by: painterdude on 8/1/2009 @ 8:25 AM *

So you already got your new chain, and it's pre-riveted in a continuous loop? I have to ask, 'cause I've just never seen that before. People don't usually drop the swingarm to do a chain and sprockets, usually you have to rivet the new chain together anyway, so it wouldn't make any sense.

yup..I have to rivet the chain so the dropping of the swing arm aint a prob I have to worry about ..Was getting ahead of myself ..just following the book blinbdly but heck by the time I realized I was pulling a tyotally brain dead move I had figured out how to drop the sucker ..so bonus there.
I am begining to think I will be able to rip this sucker to its last bolt . Just takes time.
Never done this before with a four banger ..sensored wonder..so its all new to me. I could strip ny two stroke moto cross bike motor and transmission apart fully and put it all back together in 2 hours..

so..any ideeeeeeeers as to how to safely and cheaply rivet the chain ..I have some ideerrs..open to suggestions...except for buying the $100-200 chain rivetter..This Cannot be that specialized a job ..

* Last updated by: painterdude on 8/1/2009 @ 8:35 AM *

you can always use a c-clamp to push the rivets through and do the job, but i would invest like 40 bucks with the tool from motionpro to put the chain together, makes like so much more easier with less hassle

Actually it is a very specialized job, and there isn't really any good way to do it without a chain tool. Getting the side plate pressed on just right, and the ends of the rivets flared out properly, is critical to your safety and the longevity of your chain. You can get the side plate on with some creative use of sockets and a big c-clamp, but flaring the pins would be a serious challenge without the right tool. The also need to be flared enough to hold the side plate in contact with the o-rings, but not so tight that they get squashed.

Maybe there is someone local you could borrow/rent one from? Also some people have installed a clip type link just to drive it to the shop, and have them install the rivet link.

* Last updated by: BigDave on 8/2/2009 @ 5:44 PM *

thanks for the responses guys ..I choose to not try and mickey mouse the like rivetting. I ran out of time to get it done so I risked a few more thousand miles on my old chain which was right at service limit ..It did great. Will change the chain mow properly.

* Last updated by: painterdude on 8/17/2009 @ 9:49 PM *