What exactly is the 520 conversion kit accomplishing for my bike? I did some reading but I'm not sure why I would need it instead of the set up I have

 

No, unless it is a clip fastener, in which case you need to replace it. Otherwise it is garbage once broken.

 

You can change sprocket size when doing the conversion to customize the bike to your riding style, and the 520 chain and sprockets bring less rotational mass and unsprung weight to the table.

 

So the chain on my bike is a master link that has a clip, not a riveted one. And I actually think I already have the 520 conversion kit (thanks to the original owner) which is cool, but I still havent gotten anywhere...I popped the front clip off the link, and now I'm stuck trying to separate the male and female ends. Afer reading a whole bunch of different how to's, they all say to take a grinder and shave off the 2 "posts" flush with the front face of the master link and then pop it out the backside...is this the only way to separate the link and still keep the chain useable? I had also read that you can bar across the 2 posts with the short end of an allen wrench and then press with a vice grip or something to pop the link out the backside but I am having no luck with it. It seems to be frozen in there real solid. Thanks for all the advice, I've been out in the garage messin with it everynight tryin to get back rollin, it feels to good outside to not ride!

 

NO!!! If it has a clip you just need to take it off and push the two male pins through. If you shave it you will need to buy another master link, they are pretty inexpensive in case you have already done it. Maybe a new chain isn't such a bad idea.

 

I definitely cant get the 2 pins through for the life of me, its kind of sad having such a little thing beat me like this. i will probably be buying a new chain here in a couple days...I need one anyways, its starting to leave a slight orange tint in my back wheel

 

The pins will go thru with a good tool. But getting everything matched up just sounds nicer and of course safer.

 

Thanks guys! I got my chain breaker tool and popped out the pins no problem, even fed the new chain back through without hooking it to the old chain. Now all I have left to do is adjust my tire in a little bit and connect the new chain. Got my swing arm masked and painted now too...thanks again everyone. You guys are always on point.

 

Now get a real link on that chain, the clip is a bad idea on sportbikes. Way to get it done man. I just jump into things with my bike as well, and it is always a learning experience.