Chain and sprockets on my FJ are coming up on 11,000 miles. I happened to ride it a couple of miles with no ear plugs in and the chain noise was VERY noticeable.
Took the countersprocket cover off and did a good inspection. Front sprocket shows definite signs of wear. Rear sprocket shows no signs whatever. Chain was a little dry. Decision needs to be made on what all needs to be replaced.
Option 1: Lube chain, replace nothing, wait until riding season is over.
Option 2: Replace front sprocket, lube chain, ride.
Option 3: Be a good little boy and replace chain and sprockets as a set ($200-ish...ouch...)
Contemplating replacing the chain led me to a question: The stock 525 chain is a riveted master link type. Most of the replacement chains I see recommended are as well. Is there a particular reason they don't use the old face-plate-and-clip type links any more? If I were to guess, I'd suspect it was horsepower related. The FJ chain is handling roughly 3 times the power my XS chain had to deal with.
If I must (should) go with a riveted master link, what's the best tool for staking the rivets?
Took the countersprocket cover off and did a good inspection. Front sprocket shows definite signs of wear. Rear sprocket shows no signs whatever. Chain was a little dry. Decision needs to be made on what all needs to be replaced.
Option 1: Lube chain, replace nothing, wait until riding season is over.
Option 2: Replace front sprocket, lube chain, ride.
Option 3: Be a good little boy and replace chain and sprockets as a set ($200-ish...ouch...)
Contemplating replacing the chain led me to a question: The stock 525 chain is a riveted master link type. Most of the replacement chains I see recommended are as well. Is there a particular reason they don't use the old face-plate-and-clip type links any more? If I were to guess, I'd suspect it was horsepower related. The FJ chain is handling roughly 3 times the power my XS chain had to deal with.
If I must (should) go with a riveted master link, what's the best tool for staking the rivets?