Well I bought a new chain, and do not have the tools to re-rivet the chain.. The chain is an OEM Kawasaki chain that is sealed (aka not broken) The only way I can think of to replace the chain without "breaking it" is to remove the swingarm.. Am I correct in thinking this? I already tore the bike down. It is sitting up on blocks and I really don't want to take it to the dealer.. I can rig up a stand to hold the bike up without using the swingarm (via the access holes for the rear coilover) and remove the swingarm, replace the sprockets and the chain, and put it all back together.... Am I nuts?

I have decided to replace the chain, sprockets, and the rear brake pads while I have it apart. I may also paint the inside of the rear wheel... Any help is appreciated.

BTW: I know the cinderblocks are ghetto.. But I don't have stands or a motorcycle jack.

T-

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https://www.kawasakiforums.com/m_11072/tm.htm

This how-to by NS covers it pretty well if I remember correctly.

 

Yeah he has a bunch of cool little tools, like the $100 chain breaker/riveter, and that way cool alignment tool... Not to mention the stands.....

I am attempting to do this without breaking the chain.. Very cool DIY if you have the tools though.

 

Jebas... I added up all the money I spent on this "maintenance" I had to do...

OEM CHAIN- $40 shipped
NEW SPROCKETS- $86 shipped
REAR BRAKE PADS- $30 shipped
--------------------------------------
= $156

Jeez, who knows what else I will add by the time I am done. So worth it though, peice of mind is priceless..

 

You kidding, right? The OEM chain comes endless? What kinda crap is that?

 

I am pretty sure.. I haven't recieved it yet. But the picture looks like it's endless.

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You are kidding right meanstrk! hahaha Yes, oem's are an endless chain. No big deal. But yes, removing the swingarm would be the only way of removing and endless chain unless you had the breaker and the riveter tool. But the tool is really a time saver!

hahaha, like the cinder blocks, that would work. I used a strap over the raftersand car stands for the first or second engine removal.

 

This is my preferred method anymore.

 

Someone you know must have a rotary tool (, dremel)with a cut off disk. You can use the disk to grind the rivet, or cut the chain. Just be mind full of the sparks, they will ruin your plastics.

 

I am just going to remove the swingarm, It looks like only 1 bolt, and will be a great time to re-lube all the moveable parts.