I love how you added the clips of all the failures to get the master link clip on. Probably makes this the most realistic chain install video on TH-cam. I used a needle nose vice grip to compress the link, and actually got it on the second try.
I have found that rather than use the manual's measurements for chain slack, put weight on the seat (lay over the bike) and check the tension that way. You want to find a point where there is no slack left at the tight point but you're not putting so much pressure you're going to stretch the chain. Far more accurate and repeatable.
is the tightest point on the chain at racers sag? When we sit on our bike if it is set up correctly, we will be using up 33% of the suspension travel while standing/sitting
@@basketball7677 My experience is it is lower in the travel than at proper sag. I lay across the seat and pull up by the rear axle to find the tightest point.
Good Day All : This video certainly brings back a lot of memory . I remember myself and my motorcycle friends all got together and bought a long length for our bikes . All of us were using the same size of chain . All our bikes were using .530's . I went to a heavy equipment parts supplier and ordered in a length of chain in that size . I remember we went a little farther on the chain length so as to cover all . As I remember 120 links X 3 Chains for each guy & 5 bikes was a grand total of 1800 links . With this I bought 1810 links so as to give enough for all chain breaking & master links etc . It was fantastic ! I would recommend this to any motorcycle owners . All 5 of us had enough chain for 3 years of motorcycling . This was to put on a new chain at the beginning of each motorcycle season . Good luck to all !
I dont know how anyone would run without a O Ring chain. I put one on my 23 TX 300 as soon as I bought it. I adjusted it one time after the first ride and haven't touched the adjusters since. It has 85 hours on it now. It makes your sprockets last waaay longer as well. A stretched chain is hell on sprockets!
Tip 2: If you press the plate then loosen the two outer bolts, you can slide the press down the chain, make sure the clip fits in both pin grooves and, if no, slide it back and press it some more. Go slow and don't press it too far. Make sure the squish on the o or x rings are the same as the rest of the chain.
I know Kawasaki calls these the 250x and 450x, but I was at the dealer today and they have one that says 450xc on the side. Definitely let some out of the factory before the name change.
I also completely dry wipe the chain out of the package to get all that tacky crap off the new chain before it goes on. I also do not lube oring chains. I just put a little ATF on a rag and wipe the chain after each ride. ATF has some detergents in it so it cleans the dirt off and then I dry wipe it. I hate chain lube. It either attracts all kinds of crap or flings all of the bike making a mess.
What happens to the grease on the chain pins when wd40 seeps past the o ring and starts thinning the grease? It is a penetrating fluid after all. I do it too. That chain looked loose? If you had had to adjust the stock chain a couple times and you put on a new chain with same number of links, seems you should have to loosen it a bit.
I think I was using circlip expanding pliers and a push tool like a screwdriver. I would expect a specific tool to expand and push. OEM sprockets with mighty chain??
Mixed opinions all over the forms I have a 2022 kx250 I believe stock gearing is 13/50 to avoid removing links etc should I buy a 110 or a 112 link? Thanks in advance yours seems to fit like butter unless you prefer trimmed it lol
@@charlesmiller7139 When the bikes come with aluminum sprocket I always change to steal sprocket. I don’t know if the X model comes with aluminum or steel.
I install the master link clip in the inside, much harder to do, but that way I get much less wear of the clip. I also use thin bisegrip to press the link.
I put an o-ring chain on my new bike over the summer, o-ring chain did seem to stretch out a bit on the first ride. is that normal? is it maybe just breaking in?
You don't use chain lube? Tho that NEW chain looks like it can use some. Looks like its stiff and has kinks at end of video. Some good lube has always fixed that problem and gets those pins and rollers flowing. You go through lots of chains? There's a reason why every bike manuel ask to lube every 2 hours of riding. . . Not just for your chain but your overall drive/sprockets/rollers.
do you directly spray chain lube on your sprokets as well? I think the reason people dont lube their oring chains is because there is already gease inside the rollers that are held in by the orings. chain lube is a mess and is not needed, it also attracts dirt and sand which will eat away at your chain and sprokets
Always put the masterlink on that way ive seen a guy bust the case hydraulic clutch area on his brand new ktm 300... he had is link on backwards... seems like a thing we all know but many do not....
Kawasaki has the worst fit and finish for stock parts. Most Kawi’s look roached after 10hrs of riding time. You have to replace a majority of the bike with aftermarket parts.
@@nvmcrider8475 that's good for the interior, but what about the exterior of the chain and your sprockets? The heat and friction generated will wear down both I would think.
@@nvmcrider8475 I blow out my chain with a pressure washer because all of our tracks are fine sand which is obviously bad on a chain but better than leaving sand in it. An oring chain wouldnt like that.
I installed a DID ATV chain for first time x ring chain. I ran into a problem, i pressed it together little by little using 2 sockets and c clamp, but it appear the non clip side plate separated from the pin on the master link smashing both orings on that side. Should i have pushed on the pin alternating sides and only use one socket on the clip side? How do i remove the master link to install a new one? Remove the clip and push the grooves side pin and socket on opposite side?
How does this work because I have a 520 oil ring chain on my Honda crf250f and it doesn’t have the clip to the master link on the chain but it came like that it just has a sharpie mark telling you where the master link is but it doesn’t have a clip is this normal for some bikes?
The real reason is cost. If they can save 5 dollars per bike, that is easy money for the factory. An o-ring chain might use an extra .1hp, not enough to be noticed.
Looks like he was wearing black nitrile. I typically use the Venom Steel version when dealing with chemicals. I like reusable nitrile coated gloves for working on anything else. Something with a nice fit for dexterity and a smooth grippy surface on the palm side. I used to be picky about those but then I just started buying the cheapest comfortable ones that I could source locally out of convenience.
Yeah those clips are a pain in the butt. "Butt" also it's good that they don't come flying off while riding lol. If I don't lube my chains, they begin rusting a few days after washing. So I lube them after every wash. Also, your grease quantity is very scientific.
Another example of how this is nothing more than an MX bike with an 18” rear wheel. Anyone had to change their chain after three hours on a KTM or Husky? 😎
It’s almost the same. It also has shorter gearing, A skid plate probably plastic, and a kickstand. You would think it would have a bigger tank but no same size tank.
Kind of unbelievable that an off-road bike like that doesn't come with an o-ring chain. My stock chain on my YZ250X has over 125 hours on it. Still tight and feels/looks like new. Seriously. But it is a DID o-ring chain. Seems like a stupid place to cheap out on a new bike. Makes me wonder how the rest of it will hold up...
@Johnny Blue Sorry I don't buy that. How many guys get on a YZ250X or 250FX or KTM 250XCF etc etc etc (that are direct competitors for this bike) and talk about how slow they are because of the o-ring chains? All those bikes (and likely the Honda 250RX ) come with good chains. It's a penny pinching thing, not a performance thing.
@@morley3810 man I do notice the difference between oring and non oring chain simply pushing my bike across a paved lot. Seriously. I’d think it would make a felt difference on the trail.
@@chadrides914 yeah, I can feel the difference pushing the bike too but that's not a great comparison to the 35-45hp your engine is churning out. If you are fast enough off road that you are WFO most of the time and the bike just doesn't have the stones to do what you need it to do then it may make a difference. Maybe. Perhaps. I doubt it. For the rest of us, no. It doesn't make a difference. I'd gladly trade 0.08 hp for a longer lasting essentially maintenance free driveline setup.
It’s cheaper and easier to buy a 120 link chain and cut it. Just buy a chain breaker for $10.00. Very easy to use. You don’t even have to take the chain off of the bike to cut the chain.
That install was painful to watch, you did not use that press correctly by the way. the relief in the press is supposed to be positioned so you clear the master link studs coming threw the linkage FYI the way you installed your press can mushroom out the studs on the link That's the whole point of the front and rear groves in the press FYI the more you know
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I love how you added the clips of all the failures to get the master link clip on. Probably makes this the most realistic chain install video on TH-cam. I used a needle nose vice grip to compress the link, and actually got it on the second try.
The idea of feeding the new chain by using the old one is brilliant. That was very helpful.
If anyone wants to learn about Jesus Christ reply
Thanks for taking a hour and a half +/- to complete a 10 minute job documenting this on our behalf. Don't know if I have that kind of patience.👊🏼
I love dirtbikes but never owned one meybe this channel will get me lucky
I love that you left the struggle part in there! The struggle is real sometimes especially with a tool to help lol
I have found that rather than use the manual's measurements for chain slack, put weight on the seat (lay over the bike) and check the tension that way. You want to find a point where there is no slack left at the tight point but you're not putting so much pressure you're going to stretch the chain. Far more accurate and repeatable.
is the tightest point on the chain at racers sag? When we sit on our bike if it is set up correctly, we will be using up 33% of the suspension travel while standing/sitting
@@basketball7677 My experience is it is lower in the travel than at proper sag. I lay across the seat and pull up by the rear axle to find the tightest point.
Good Day All : This video certainly brings back a lot of memory . I remember myself and my motorcycle friends all got together and bought a long length for our bikes . All of us were using the same size of chain . All our bikes were using .530's . I went to a heavy equipment parts supplier and ordered in a length of chain in that size . I remember we went a little farther on the chain length so as to cover all . As I remember 120 links X 3 Chains for each guy & 5 bikes was a grand total of 1800 links . With this I bought 1810 links so as to give enough for all chain breaking & master links etc . It was fantastic ! I would recommend this to any motorcycle owners . All 5 of us had enough chain for 3 years of motorcycling . This was to put on a new chain at the beginning of each motorcycle season . Good luck to all !
I dont know how anyone would run without a O Ring chain. I put one on my 23 TX 300 as soon as I bought it. I adjusted it one time after the first ride and haven't touched the adjusters since. It has 85 hours on it now. It makes your sprockets last waaay longer as well. A stretched chain is hell on sprockets!
Glad to see I’m not the only one that fights the clip.
I've been using rivet style master links lately...
Right... I said the same thing
Another great video. Your knowledge on TH-cam has saved me a ton of heartache and trouble. Keep doin what your doin, thanks.
Tip: After pressing the outer plate, see if the clip with go in both pin grooves. If not, press the plate on more.
I use 1 tool only - adjustable pliers. Works as a press and also it is a better clip tool.
Good video. I like all the green plastic on that bike. I think the green bikes look great.
Glad my Tpi 300 Chain is now on 140 hrs and still in spec ;)
That's a lot of hrs you're getting out of a chain.
Channel locks for the win!
Tip 2: If you press the plate then loosen the two outer bolts, you can slide the press down the chain, make sure the clip fits in both pin grooves and, if no, slide it back and press it some more. Go slow and don't press it too far. Make sure the squish on the o or x rings are the same as the rest of the chain.
I know Kawasaki calls these the 250x and 450x, but I was at the dealer today and they have one that says 450xc on the side. Definitely let some out of the factory before the name change.
What’s a good complete set of T Handle wrenches?
I have kx250 2022 I want to change a chain, I'm debating which is more professional, D.I.D 520vo or ek/rk
I also completely dry wipe the chain out of the package to get all that tacky crap off the new chain before it goes on. I also do not lube oring chains. I just put a little ATF on a rag and wipe the chain after each ride. ATF has some detergents in it so it cleans the dirt off and then I dry wipe it. I hate chain lube. It either attracts all kinds of crap or flings all of the bike making a mess.
I love your videos simple and clear, Thankyou appreciate the content 👍
Direction of the clip is important so that if the clip hits a stick or rock, it tries to push the clip on and not pop it off
Prayers for the people watching this then finding they need to remove a link and dont have the right tools XD
Yeh I just ordered a special master link plier so I can do my chain soon. Gotta wait on it to show up first though to do the job.
@@chadrides914 just use a screwdriver and a hammer
@@csongor_barosan I was being sarcastic. Thank you though 🙏
Ya gonna need those pliers and also a link pin remover tool, I've never got a chain that just fits like his did, always need to remove 2-4links
Another great video bang on!!
What happens to the grease on the chain pins when wd40 seeps past the o ring and starts thinning the grease? It is a penetrating fluid after all. I do it too.
That chain looked loose? If you had had to adjust the stock chain a couple times and you put on a new chain with same number of links, seems you should have to loosen it a bit.
I think I was using circlip expanding pliers and a push tool like a screwdriver. I would expect a specific tool to expand and push.
OEM sprockets with mighty chain??
Mixed opinions all over the forms I have a 2022 kx250 I believe stock gearing is 13/50 to avoid removing links etc should I buy a 110 or a 112 link? Thanks in advance yours seems to fit like butter unless you prefer trimmed it lol
thanks because my bike chain is so rusted i just got the bike its stuck together at some points
My current bike chain is stretched out to the back. Does that mean my new chain I move the axel blocks all the way forward. ?
All brand New dirt bike have a cheap chain , o-ring chain is the best ! 👍
Is there a correct way to put on the chain? Like does one side need to be down or can it face either way ?
I did this without the press on a o-ring chain (couldn’t get it in time) and it took me 3 hours of pain and suffering
I used a C clamp and the cap off my old master link to press the new one on. I didn't even know they sold a tool for it till just now.
Helped a lot
Neat trick on routing the new chain though typically I am replacing sprockets when I am replacing the chain.
I'm with ya, but he only had 3 hours on it so that factor isn't really in play.(no pun intended)
@@charlesmiller7139 When the bikes come with aluminum sprocket I always change to steal sprocket. I don’t know if the X model comes with aluminum or steel.
I install the master link clip in the inside, much harder to do, but that way I get much less wear of the clip. I also use thin bisegrip to press the link.
That’s just silly. Makes no difference
Lol 😂 ya im not seeing how this would make a difference?
@@dopedickinsonbb8359 my assumption would be that something is off with his chain guard that's causing wear on the outside of his chain.
I put an o-ring chain on my new bike over the summer, o-ring chain did seem to stretch out a bit on the first ride. is that normal? is it maybe just breaking in?
The chain sliders and sprockets are junk on Kawasaki’s also
And the frame and the engine, kawasucky
Thanks for the cool video
You don't use chain lube? Tho that NEW chain looks like it can use some. Looks like its stiff and has kinks at end of video. Some good lube has always fixed that problem and gets those pins and rollers flowing.
You go through lots of chains? There's a reason why every bike manuel ask to lube every 2 hours of riding. . . Not just for your chain but your overall drive/sprockets/rollers.
The reason it is stiff ,is because it is an 0-ring chain they are always stiffer then a regular chain.
do you directly spray chain lube on your sprokets as well? I think the reason people dont lube their oring chains is because there is already gease inside the rollers that are held in by the orings. chain lube is a mess and is not needed, it also attracts dirt and sand which will eat away at your chain and sprokets
Always put the masterlink on that way ive seen a guy bust the case hydraulic clutch area on his brand new ktm 300... he had is link on backwards... seems like a thing we all know but many do not....
Kawasaki has the worst fit and finish for stock parts. Most Kawi’s look roached after 10hrs of riding time. You have to replace a majority of the bike with aftermarket parts.
They don't make 'em like they used to...
Not always true, my 2020 KLX300 looks really good for 50 hours, and its previous owner (my nephew) wasn't exactly easy on it.
Pro Honda chain lube with moly will change the way you think about chain lube, best stuff I’ve ever used.
I’ve put over 500 hours on o-ring chains without ever living one time. The lube is sealed inside the chain.
@@nvmcrider8475 that's good for the interior, but what about the exterior of the chain and your sprockets? The heat and friction generated will wear down both I would think.
@@nvmcrider8475 I blow out my chain with a pressure washer because all of our tracks are fine sand which is obviously bad on a chain but better than leaving sand in it. An oring chain wouldnt like that.
what tire do you have on it? doesn't look like the at81 trying to find a good tire for my 2020 kx250 conversion to xc
I installed a DID ATV chain for first time x ring chain. I ran into a problem, i pressed it together little by little using 2 sockets and c clamp, but it appear the non clip side plate separated from the pin on the master link smashing both orings on that side.
Should i have pushed on the pin alternating sides and only use one socket on the clip side?
How do i remove the master link to install a new one? Remove the clip and push the grooves side pin and socket on opposite side?
Nice fix👍🇬🇧
where can i get that hoodie
How does this work because I have a 520 oil ring chain on my Honda crf250f and it doesn’t have the clip to the master link on the chain but it came like that it just has a sharpie mark telling you where the master link is but it doesn’t have a clip is this normal for some bikes?
What do you use to clean your bikes? They never looked like you get them dirty. haha
The reason why the factory doesn't put o ring chains on the bike is because they rob horsepower and if you racing a 250 horsepower is king
The real reason is cost. If they can save 5 dollars per bike, that is easy money for the factory. An o-ring chain might use an extra .1hp, not enough to be noticed.
what gloves are you recommending for wrenching?
Looks like he was wearing black nitrile. I typically use the Venom Steel version when dealing with chemicals. I like reusable nitrile coated gloves for working on anything else. Something with a nice fit for dexterity and a smooth grippy surface on the palm side. I used to be picky about those but then I just started buying the cheapest comfortable ones that I could source locally out of convenience.
Can u do some Kawasaki kx100 in 1990-1995
I hate how Honda did me dirty withou a master link. Like how did they even get it on
always change sprocket and pinon when changing chain guys 😇
Anyone else running the double master link
I guess we both have a chain a little too small😂
Yeah those clips are a pain in the butt. "Butt" also it's good that they don't come flying off while riding lol. If I don't lube my chains, they begin rusting a few days after washing. So I lube them after every wash. Also, your grease quantity is very scientific.
Another example of how this is nothing more than an MX bike with an 18” rear wheel. Anyone had to change their chain after three hours on a KTM or Husky? 😎
It’s almost the same. It also has shorter gearing, A skid plate probably plastic, and a kickstand. You would think it would have a bigger tank but no same size tank.
Kind of unbelievable that an off-road bike like that doesn't come with an o-ring chain. My stock chain on my YZ250X has over 125 hours on it. Still tight and feels/looks like new. Seriously. But it is a DID o-ring chain. Seems like a stupid place to cheap out on a new bike. Makes me wonder how the rest of it will hold up...
@Johnny Blue Sorry I don't buy that. How many guys get on a YZ250X or 250FX or KTM 250XCF etc etc etc (that are direct competitors for this bike) and talk about how slow they are because of the o-ring chains? All those bikes (and likely the Honda 250RX ) come with good chains. It's a penny pinching thing, not a performance thing.
@@morley3810 man I do notice the difference between oring and non oring chain simply pushing my bike across a paved lot. Seriously. I’d think it would make a felt difference on the trail.
@@chadrides914 yeah, I can feel the difference pushing the bike too but that's not a great comparison to the 35-45hp your engine is churning out. If you are fast enough off road that you are WFO most of the time and the bike just doesn't have the stones to do what you need it to do then it may make a difference. Maybe. Perhaps. I doubt it. For the rest of us, no. It doesn't make a difference. I'd gladly trade 0.08 hp for a longer lasting essentially maintenance free driveline setup.
@@morley3810 I agree. I run o rings as well. But man they do drag compared to regular Mx chains.
@@chadrides914 Once an o-ring chain warms up, the drag is negligible. The decision to put a standard chain on this bike is Kawasaki being cheap.
The video conveniently eliminates the worst part of replacing a chain which is removing links.
The chain was the correct length, so I didn't need to remove anything.
Plus, most shops cur it for free when you buy a chain from them. And if buying online, just purchase proper length chain so no cutting neccessary
It’s cheaper and easier to buy a 120 link chain and cut it. Just buy a chain breaker for $10.00. Very easy to use. You don’t even have to take the chain off of the bike to cut the chain.
a screwdriver is all thats needed to remove master link...
To the 1% reading this god bless, stay safe and have a wonderful day (my dream is to become a famous moto vloger) Thanks ❤️
Just one more reason why this bike will not sell.
Dang one dislike that’s good
Dude you have a crack in your cylinder on your kx!
That install was painful to watch, you did not use that press correctly by the way. the relief in the press is supposed to be positioned so you clear the master link studs coming threw the linkage FYI the way you installed your press can mushroom out the studs on the link That's the whole point of the front and rear groves in the press FYI the more you know
You lose hp with o ring
You gonna loss power in low rpm. Do a vídeo whid date. Put on hp meter
Bro. You’re good at making content but your mechanical ability is disappointing
Buy a new bike😅