questions about cutting

[primo]

hey guys

need help in a couple of things here. what is the best way to cut a couple of chain links for the final drive? i bought a new chain for my stock cb350g twin 1973. what was the original number of links anyway? the new one has more links so i'd like to know how many links to cut and how to do it at home.

also, would an air cutter from harbor freight do a comparble job in chopping the rear chrome fender?

thanks

JP

 

[pdixon81]

I have the exact same bike and will deal with the same issue shortly (waiting for my engine to be rebuilt). I talked to my uncle who is a motorcycle mechanic, and he advised me to not count the links to match the chain. He said that the best way is to get everything in place, then "string" the chain on the sprockets to measure length. After you determine length, grind one side of the chain rivets and press the pins out.

 

[primo]

i tried grinding with a file but it was a slow process. what tool is more efficient to cut chain length with a common tool? should i use a specific dremel tool?

 

[pdixon81]

I plan to use my angle grinder with a 4" disk. I can imagine that a file would take forever.
If i was to use a dremel, i would use my carbide grinding bit.

 

[crazypj]

Ay grinder will do, I use either bench grinder of 4.5" angle grinder.
Dremel will be slow but you ncould get it done with mini wheel or grindstone
A file is probably same or softer than link

PJ

 

[primo]

any answers for chopping the fender and number of links on the stock chain?

 

[Wee Todd]

Chuck in a cheap stone to your electric drill..grind off the rivets,,,,,,,,I did say cheap!!!!!!!!!! ;D

 

[Big R]

Try to find the master link in your current chain - you can grind the heads off of the rivets, pull the plate off, and push the link out the other side

An air cutter should work just fine for chopping the fender, just take your time with it since it can get bogged down pretty quick.
And check out www.sprocketspecialists.com for the chain. Should be listed under "catalog search".

 

[Rocan]

to find the length you must install the wheel and then drape the chain over both sprockets and see how much overlap there is. i invested in a chain breaker since i would hate to bugger it up and find im a link (or usually, a half link) too short and have no way of putting it back. doesnt happen often, and you dont get much use out of the breaker, but its nice to have.

cheap...
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=66488&xcamp=google&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cpc&zmam=33951326&zmas=12&zmac=112&zmap=66488

expensive...
http://www.jcwhitney.com/motorcycle-chain-breaker-and-riveter-kit/p2004180.jcwx?TID=8014524FT2&utm_source=Google_Product_Search&utm_medium=CSE&utm_content=product-14180G&zmam=15972153&zmas=18&zmac=129&zmap=14180G#