ZX9R Cam chain

[Ixion]

I've used joiners on quite a few bike cam shafts (mainly Hondas). Not had one fail. Which is not to say that there wouldn't be a first time. In theory, the joiner is just as strong as the link in longitudinal force (which is resisted by the plate itself. It may be weaker in sideways force, where the clip may be less strong than the riveted over pins. But one would think there would be very little sideways force at all on a cam chain ? Joiners were always used on primary chains which DID have strong sideways forces sometimes, because of the clutch action.(EDIT: and the shock absorber) Doubt that rpm figure has much to do with it.

[nudemetalz]

yes, you are right, however, would the shock of back-lash (read:sudden deceleration) be enough to exert a temporary slight-sideways force?
Maybe I'm just splitting hairs.
I have to replace the chains in the VT so having a joining link would be awesome as there's not a lot of room to work with.

[R1madness]

There is nothing wrong with pushing the pin out on the old chain and then connect the new chain to the old one using that pin (from the old chain) pushed back thru to join the 2 together just make sure you mark it with something so you know what pin it was. Pull the chain thru , push the pin out again and use the joiner (you can buy them) or use the pin from where you seperated the new chain. Use the pin from the new chain though. Stake it carefully with a punch making sure you cleave it in 4 different directions and not too tightly (the joint has to move). I also stake the center of the pin with a center punch to flare the end once i am finished. It has been 100% sucessfull for me in the past.
However i assume that you have the tools and experiance to do a proper job and my advise is all care no responcability as i can not control the quality of your work. If you do not have the skills take it to a workshop and get them to do it for ya. Its not that expensive (as it should only take 4 hours or so and less if you arrive without the bodywork on) compared to a broken chain and smashed valves, piston and head.
Oh yea also are you sure its the chain at fault. The Zx series (ZX6, 7, 9, 10 and 12) all had problems with their automatic tensioners failing after repeated high rev downchanges and decelleration. It causes the little tooth on the ratchet mech to round off letting the spring loaded tensioner back off under the above conditions. If the noise comes and goes it is deffinitly the tensioner and not the chain. Pull out the tensioner and see if you can push it bach by hand without releasing the little tag. You can make your auto tensioner into a manual one easily and cheaply and the Kawasaki race kit came with a manual tensioner to prevent the problem discribed above. I have also seen the problem on a GSXR1000K3 recently so its not just the zx series.
Good luck

[crash harry]

It's all done now.

R1: Yeah, definitely the chain, it was pretty wanked. Measured it and compared to the factory specs, and it was worn as.
Bike's quieter now, and muchos peace of mind as well.

Of course, the reason that I started all this was to do the shims at the same time. Have to put in a plug here for Precision Shims. Really good pricing on the shims - about 1/3 the price of factory originals.

[Mattyc]

GAH

After reading this i wont attempt to change the chain on my zx9r - ill be taking it in to get done. when it gets noisey

Good luck with this crash harry, let me know how u get on, as i have the same bike !

GO THE ZX9r !! accidently popped a wheelie down nelson st this morning.....feel the power yeah!! (or lack of it)

I feeling all crazy today, must be the sunburnt scalp

[nudemetalz]

GAH


GO THE ZX9r !! accidently popped a wheelie down nelson st this morning.....feel the power yeah!! (or lack of it)

I feeling all crazy today, must be the sunburnt scalp

Yeah I accidentally did a (little) power wheelie on the '10 on Saturday. Didn't think it could do it being long and heavy but up the front came....
Quite exciting actually !! (and very naughty)


NDZ

[crash harry]

GAH

After reading this i wont attempt to change the chain on my zx9r - ill be taking it in to get done. when it gets noisey

Good luck with this crash harry, let me know how u get on, as i have the same bike !

GO THE ZX9r !! accidently popped a wheelie down nelson st this morning.....feel the power yeah!! (or lack of it)

I feeling all crazy today, must be the sunburnt scalp

Yeah, at the same time I changed my rear ratio - up 2 teeth on the rear and down 1 on the front. The acceleration is quite savage now! Still doesn't wheelie that easily cos I'm a fat prick...