Ron_S Posted July 28, 2001 I never had an O ring chain before, and I dropped to a 13 tooth primary. I lowered my front forks 1/2", and that seemed to make a difference in the turning. I want to take a link out of my chain to shorten the wheelbase a little more, but I'm unsure if the old technique of just grinding the link pin down then punching it out is the way to do it. I see link breakers, but never used them. Thanks, Ron Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MOmilkman Posted July 28, 2001 Its very possible to do it this way. I have had friends tell me thats the way they do it and they would never buy a chain breaker bacause its just a waste of money. Quite the contrare - monfrare. I tried breaking my chain using the ol' grinding method the first time and I was out in the shop grinding and slamming it with a punch and sledgehammer untill I was blue in the face. Im sure it works if you have the patience and time but if you think you might do this again in the future then I highly suggest the breaker. Motion Pro sells one for about $25 I believe. (Be sure and get some instructions on how to use it properly or you can break the pin in it. (Although that is replaceable too) Good luck! Darin ------------------ Darin in Missouri - 1999 WR400F Enduro Heaven - Ozark Mountain TrailRiders Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PMAUST Posted July 28, 2001 Its very interesting. My 00WR400(Canadian) came with the o-ring chain with the old fashioned Master link. My friend who got either a 00 or 01 WR250 has none! I don't know why the difference. I pull my chain off pretty offen to soak it. I also bought a chain breaker. Good investment. They don't cost very much and if you ever need one they come in real handy. Personally, if i had to grind it, I would only do it once, then get a Master link. Good luck, P Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motoman393 Posted July 29, 2001 I always use the grinding method...the key is you have to punch it out when it is still hot (you can you a propane torch to ease it out). You also have to grind it down a little more than one might think! I have done this probably 10-15 times and it has worked great every time on O-ring, x-ring, and regular chains! It takes around 5 minutes to do! Garrett ------------------ I get my kicks on a 426! Motoman393's MX Site Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YamaCazi Posted July 29, 2001 What are you guys talking about....Chain Brakers and sledge Hammers....Man what overkill. Dude I change chains almost every weekend...Mostly for others that come up to my race trailer asking for help.... Do yourself a favor go out and purchase the cheapest Dremmel tool you can find and a box of grinding wheels. Grind the heads off the link you want to change and then pry the link apart with a flat tim screw driver. If your working on a 400/426 chain (520) it is a snap. If you are going to put a new master link in you will need a cheap hand held chain compressor to get the locking clip back on.... It's not rocket science.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MOmilkman Posted July 29, 2001 Originally posted by YamaCazi: Do yourself a favor go out and purchase the cheapest Dremmel tool you can find and a box of grinding wheels. Grind the heads off the link you want to change and then pry the link apart with a flat tim screw driver. Yea, yea, ....you COULD do all that. Or, you could simply push the pin through with the turn of a wrench on the chain breaker. ------------------ Darin in Missouri - 1999 WR400F Enduro Heaven - Ozark Mountain TrailRiders [This message has been edited by MOmilkman (edited 07-29-2001).] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
motoman393 Posted July 30, 2001 I agree with YamaCazi! ------------------ I get my kicks on a 426! Motoman393's MX Site Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John_H Posted July 31, 2001 I was reading on the 250 forum and it seems the chain on the 250's doesn't have a master link. Just one more thing you'd have to do, putting one on. [This message has been edited by John H (edited 07-30-2001).] Share this post Link to post Share on other sites