[ash]

The Afam Chain is endless and comes with a soft link (don't attempt to use a split link on this bike, it produces too much power) which needs to be assembled and gapped correctly in width to corespond to the other links before being 'peened'with a ball peen hammer and a lump hammer across the back in absence of the correct tool (not as pretty, but just as effective). The old chain can be cut off carefully with an angle grinder, but be sure that the front sprocket is loose before attempting this as they are a nightmare to get off without the chain on. The easyest way to do this is to get someone else to do it for you with an air wrench, try a local auto shop and slip him a few bucks for the hassle. This is money well spent IMO. The rear sprocket is easy to remove once the wheel is out but be careful not to overtighten the spindle when reasembling it. Use either a tyre depth gauge or Vernier caliper on the back end of the swingarm to balance the adjustment on the wheel aligners. You are wise to replace them as a set as a worn chain will wear out new sprockets very quickly and vice-versa.

Ash

 

[Cary]

I recently picked up a '96 ZX-6R from a friend of mine. The bike needs a little maintainance work done, however. I'm getting ready to swap out the chain and sprockets and was curious if it is a difficult task or one that requires special tools? Do I need a chain breaker or is the chain an endless link that comes already assembled (I ordered an AFAM chain and sprocket kit with a RK 525 chain and 108 links as per the spec). Finally, is it really necessary to remove the swingarm to accomplish all of this?

Any advice on this topic would be of considerable value to me. Thanks in advance.

Cary

 

[Rob Lee]

Originally posted by ash

The Afam Chain is endless and comes with a soft link (don't attempt to use a split link on this bike, it produces too much power) which needs to be assembled and gapped correctly in width to corespond to the other links before being 'peened'with a ball peen hammer and a lump hammer across the back in absence of the correct tool (not as pretty, but just as effective).

I suspect this is a typo. Unlike the stock chain, the AFAM chain is not endless, which is why it requires a master link.

I also recommend a rivet master link.

 

[Cary]

Great, thank you for the info fellas. The chain is actually a RK unit and the sprockets are AFAM if that makes any difference.

 

[ash]

Rob, The AFAM chains are open when you buy them but comes with a soft link. The link pins are drilled on the ends to aid 'peening'. The correct tool for this makes it look pretty, but if your patient, can do just as adequate a job of it.

Terminology-Shmerminology

Ash