New chain installation issue

[nudemetalz]

Heya,

Had an issue today putting a new o-ring chain onto the wife's RF-400.

When I put the 2 o-rings onto the connecting link, then put the other 2
o-rings on the other side once I'd pushed it through I couldn't squeeze the link through far enough to put the plate and fish on. I tried and tried and tried, despite bits and pieces flying around my garage as it flew apart with my failed attempts.

In the end, after much frustration I decided to put only 2 o-rings in one side.
It was the only way I could get the link connected.
Will that be okay, or will that give me trouble with the chain?

Cheers,
NDMz

[merv]

So you are using a joining link with a removable clip then. Was the side plate a press fit? They need the plate pushing on with the right tool or by tapping it on nice and evenly while a mate helps by holding something like a heavy hammer behind the back of the link to compress the O-rings.

On an RF-400 I'd be using a rivet link myself and fitting it with the proper tool.

The way you have left it will leave it as the weak link in the chain for sure.

[nudemetalz]

Yeah, I thought as much. The side plate slipped on easily.
I guess that was the issue.
Might drop it into the bike shop and either get a soft-link or a new connecting link put on.

[James Deuce]

I saw the thread title and was so looking forward to a bit of Guzzi owner mockery.

It's a shaft drive (titter)

[nudemetalz]

Yeah was going to include a bit of lop-sided Guzzi humour but decided not too.

I went out into the garage just before and had another go, this time successfully able to put all 4 o-rings on and the plate and fish.

I really didn't feel good about the shortcut I did earlier.
Amazing how easily you can rebuild things when you're not frustrated.

[James Deuce]

"Lop sided"?

Your not going to do that old joke about BMW twins being Guzzis with saggy tits are you?

[nudemetalz]

"Lop sided"?

Your not going to do that old joke about BMW twins being Guzzis with saggy tits are you?

Ha ha ,...I've heard (and seen) that joke before.
Well, the Guzzi is a little lopsided, you do a gentle right hand lean when you're gassing it whether you want it or not !!!