New Chain Install ***This isn't my write up, its my husbands.***


One of the negatives with a chain drive bike is maintenance and at some point the chain will wear out. The poor chain on the SV had reached the end of its adjustability and it was past time to change it. It got noticeably worse while waiting for all the part to be delivered.

I Started with an RK X ring chain from the SV board, added a set of Renthal ultra light sprockets and a rivet tool/chain breaker borrowed from friends. I stayed with the stock gearing because it seems to be a good compromise.

First, here is the sagging worn out chain.



First order of business is to loosen the front sprocket nut. I used a 32mm socket and a 2 foot breaker bar on the nut. I wedged a piece of wood through the wheel and the swingarm to stop the wheel from moving while I loosened it. You can't count on leaving the bike in gear because the motor will turn over.

Now its time to remove the old chain. Used my borrowed chain breaking tool which now has a new press pin on the way since the original snapped — sorry guys. Once the chain is off, the rear wheel and old sprocket come off.

Naked



Here is the old sprocket



New sprocket installed



Now its time to put everything back together. First the rear wheel, then the front sprocket go on. Next, the new chain needs to be cut to size. Make sure to count the links and measure against the old chain, you do not want to cut it too short. This is where a Dremel would have really useful. The Dermel would have helped to cut the old chain off and resize the new chain. The breaker that I was using broke trying to push the pins through the chain. If I had the Dremel, I could have ground off the pins of the chain and pryed the side plate off.

Thread the chain around the sprockets and connect the two ends with the rivet link. Tighten the front sprocket nut and make sure the washer is bent over the flat of the nut to keep it from backing out. Adjust the chain, and tighten the rear wheel back up

New chain and sprocket



This took me most of the afternoon, I think the next one will go smoother. After a quick test ride the bike is noticeably smoother.

Sorry the pictures are a little fuzzy.  ¶ 7:30 AM 0 comments  

  Helmet Envy Right now I have helmet envy, it seems like everyone is getting a new helmet and I'm jealous. I did just get a KBC from work but that doesn't count because it's not something I would ever have picked out. Nor is it particularly cool.

I want a cool helmet!

Here are the helmets that are currently striking my fancy that I probably won't get.

First up is the Ti-Tech in the special limited edition White Zoo.


I think it's cool because it looks like nothing else on the market. It's a refreshing change from the tribal and flames styling that is so prevalent right now. The problem with it is that AGV is a hard helmet to come by to try on. I tried a lower end one on and it was pure torture. I've heard that one of the things that AGV did was try and make them more wearable for more people. I can't take that chance on a more that $680 helmet. They also had a less than stellar review on WebBikeWorld.

Suomy Spec 1R in the new white or maybe the black.





I love this helmet! It has glitter!

I can't make up my mind which color I like better though. I really like that they have the BSI Euro standard. Hands down Suomy has the best graphics by far. I need to try it on for real, tried it on in Laguna last year but I wasn't shopping seriously. They do run a bit smaller than other brands. I've read really great reviews of this helmet. It has a reputation for being noisy but I'll take venting over a quiet helmet any day.

Shoei X-11 Byrne



I like the X-11s, from store try ons, its one of the best fitting helmets for me. Goes to show that different models do fit differently because the RF 1000 does not fit me at all. I love the look of this; the only problem is that it totally clashes with my bike. Call me shallow but I can't do it. Another thing is I'm not a Shakey Byrne fan, I can't ever see myself buying a helmet of a rider I don't like.

The other Shoei X11 that I really like is the Kagayama in silver. Nice looking design, goes with my bike and I like Yukio Kagayama, he is a madman.



Of course I could just change my mind tomorrow.
I do think its funny that every helmet I put up is on the flashy side and I ride in a flat black helmet.  ¶ 9:14 PM 2 comments