GZ125 chain and sprocket replacement

[FirebladeRuss]

Hi guys

Just wondering if I need a bike chain splitter in order to replace the chain and sprockets on my lil' 125? Any other 'special' tools needed that I might not have in my collection?

Reason for asking, a local independant bike mechanic said he' only charge £40 to do it for me (obviously I'd supply the parts) - so if it's going to cost me around £40 in tools, then I'm not sure i can be arsed to get mucky...if you know what I mean.

I'm not entirely sure if they need changing to be honest. The chain fits the rear sprocket well, and there's loads more adjustment on the rear wheel to tighten it as it needs it. The teeth on the rear sprocket also look good and not too worn or curvey and sharp. I'm just concious of the fact that I doubt it's been done before, and the bikes just hit 13k

Cheers
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[Martay]

I dont think you'd need to split the chain.

Loosen the adjusters
Unhook chain from rear.
Remove wheel
Change sprockets
Put chain on front
Pass rear spindle through
Put rear wheel in
Put chain on rear
adjust

simples
EDIT: Sorry, looking at a piccy, you may have to, as its looped around the swingarm. I didnt have to when i changed mine on my 125, but its a slightly different design. Is there a split link in there atall?
https://www.doctordanger.com/projects/honda/forks/chainclip.jpg
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Drives: Cavalier 2.0 16v
Rides: Slightly ratted Honda City Express

[FirebladeRuss]

Yes I think it does., not quite sure how that works though!

Little addition to the story. I checked my chain tonight. It was a bit too slack, so I adjusted it.

However, it would seem that as I turn the wheel round, the chain seems to go from being loose, to very tight with almost no slack, then goes loose again.

Is this a sign that chain and sprocket are fubared?
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[Martay]

I think thats tight or frozen links. When was it last oiled? Did you tighten the adjusters evenly on both sides? Post up a pic of your chain and sprockets and we can tell you if they're FUBAR.

The split links are pretty simple, i think the correct way is to use a flat blade screwdriver to push off the first locking part, then it pulls apart:
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/images/products/medium/kmc-uni-connector-split-link-for-1-8-inch-chains-IMG18115.jpg

Im sure someone will be along to confirm it
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Eat well, poo hard
Drives: Cavalier 2.0 16v
Rides: Slightly ratted Honda City Express

[.....]

[FirebladeRuss]

I figured out the split link. Fun putting that bad boy back together with greasy hands!

As you suggest, I adjusted the chain with it at the tightest point.

Obviously riding with the chain slacker than it should be isn't ideal, but I'm planning on replacing the chain and sprockets on Wednesday, but is is safe to ride with the chain like this?

I mean, it's been slack for a few weeks now I guess, and hasn't caused any issues at all.

I'd rather leave the bike at home and take the 330 for a blast tomorrow if people think riding with a slacker than usual chain is a bad thing.

The sprocket does look ok - looks worn, but not excessively so (ie: teeth not proper spikey and 'dips'all look uniform), but if the chains fucked anyway (which i am pretty sure it must be, given the tight-loose-tight-loose games I've been playing this evening) then I'd be daft not to change the whole lot.

Cheers guys
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[Martay]

Personally i wouldnt ride it with a chain your not sure on. If you have to ask, 'is this safe' then no it probably isnt. They can skip off when slack and possibly jam the rear wheel or wreck something else, or worse.

A worn chain will also wear the sprockets, best to do them all as a set
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Eat well, poo hard
Drives: Cavalier 2.0 16v
Rides: Slightly ratted Honda City Express

[FirebladeRuss]

Agreed.

I bought the car to work today.

I've got the bike booked in at the local(ish) indy - for £40 i'd rather watch it being done so I can do it myself in future and know i've done it right, rather than fumble about and maybe not line something up or tension something right.

It's being done tomorrow afternoon. Happy days.

I'm hoping it'll feel a lot different to ride, as sometimes the downshifts were a bit clunky and acceleration a bit jerky, particulary when crawling along at slow speed then accelerating.

Thanks guys
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[.....]

I didn't realise but your location dot on the map is near mine, you could have come here and I would have helped you.

[FirebladeRuss]

[FirebladeRuss]

Just for the record, new chain and sprocket set fitted and it feels like a new bike - so much smoother!

The front was indeed a lot more worn than the rear, and didn't look like it'd ever been changed, so glad I got it done.
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[Martay]

Awesome!
____________________
Eat well, poo hard
Drives: Cavalier 2.0 16v
Rides: Slightly ratted Honda City Express