Difficulty
Moderate
Steps
17
Time Required
1 - 2 hours
Sections
1
- Chain
- 17 steps
Flags
0
Back2018 Yamaha YZ 250f
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Introduction
Riding a dirtbike that has a worn-out chain can be harmful to both the bike as well as the rider. It is important to properly maintain these components prior to use for safe operations. The chain on the bike is very important as it is what drives the rear wheel to spin. The chain is driven by a front and rear sprocket. The front sprocket is connected to the dirtbike transmission and the rear sprocket is connected to the rear wheel. Together the sprockets and chain must function cohesively. Also, ensure the dirtbike is clean to prevent debris from going into places it does not belong. Give yourself a clear work area to help the process go along smoothly.
In steps 5 and 12 of the guide, you will be required to use an angle grinder to cut rivets off of a chain. Using a grinder can be very dangerous if you have minimal experience so it is important to exercise caution when using this tool. When grinding clear your working area of anything that is flammable to prevent a fire from starting. Lastly, before beginning, ensure the dirtbike is turned off as you can suffer traumatic injuries to your hands if they are caught in the sprockets.
Once you have done the steps mentioned above, you are now ready to begin the process of replacing your chain!
*When replacing the chain on a dirtbike it is also important to replace both sprockets to ensure the longevity of the parts. The steps to replacing the sprockets are NOT provided in this guide.
What you need
Step 1
Chain
- Place the dirtbike on a stand.
- Ensure that the proper stand is being used as the bike may become unstable.
Place the dirtbike on a stand.
Ensure that the proper stand is being used as the bike may become unstable.
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Step 2
- Shift the gear lever into its neutral position so that the rear wheel spins freely.
- Neutral is between first and second gear.
Shift the gear lever into its neutral position so that the rear wheel spins freely.
Neutral is between first and second gear.
Step 3
- Locate the master-link on the chain.
- The master-link has a safety clip on it in the shape of a C.
Locate the master-link on the chain.
The master-link has a safety clip on it in the shape of a C.
Step 4
- Use pliers to remove the safety clip from the master-link.
- If the clip is worn it may break.
Use pliers to remove the safety clip from the master-link.
If the clip is worn it may break.
Step 5
- Use a grinder to remove both rivets on the master-link.
- If using a chain break, ignore this step.
- Using a grinder can be dangerous. Ensure you are wearing eye protection and are not near any flammables.
Use a grinder to remove both rivets on the master-link.
If using a chain break, ignore this step.
Using a grinder can be dangerous. Ensure you are wearing eye protection and are not near any flammables.
Step 6
- Use a mallet and flathead screw driver to pry off the master-link side plate.
- Remove the master link.
Use a mallet and flathead screw driver to pry off the master-link side plate.
Remove the master link.
Step 7
- Remove the chain from the sprockets.
Remove the chain from the sprockets.
Step 8
- Use a 30mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the rear axle nut.
Use a 30mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the rear axle nut.
Step 9
- Use a 10mm and 12mm wrench to loosen the axle blocks.
Use a 10mm and 12mm wrench to loosen the axle blocks.
Step 10
- Slide the axle blocks so that it is on the center mark of the swing-arm.
- Centering the axle blocks will allow for the maximum life of the chain.
Slide the axle blocks so that it is on the center mark of the swing-arm.
Centering the axle blocks will allow for the maximum life of the chain.
Step 11
- Remove the new chain and master-link components from the package.
Remove the new chain and master-link components from the package.
Step 12
- Roll the new chain onto the sprockets until both open ends rest on top of the rear sprocket.
- The chain will contain extra links depending on the size of the sprockets used.
- There should be minimal slack, and no gaps between teeth on the rear sprocket.
- Place a mark on the extra links which will be removed.
Roll the new chain onto the sprockets until both open ends rest on top of the rear sprocket.
The chain will contain extra links depending on the size of the sprockets used.
There should be minimal slack, and no gaps between teeth on the rear sprocket.
Place a mark on the extra links which will be removed.
Step 13
- Take the chain off of the bike and use a grinder or chain-break to remove the extra unwanted links.
- Before cutting, make sure that you have marked the proper amount of links to be removed. Once the chain is cut this cannot be undone.
Take the chain off of the bike and use a grinder or chain-break to remove the extra unwanted links.
Before cutting, make sure that you have marked the proper amount of links to be removed. Once the chain is cut this cannot be undone.
Step 14
- Place the chain back on the dirt bike and roll it until both open ends are on top of the rear sprocket.
- Insert master-link into the chain from the inside out.
- Install side plate to master-link.
Place the chain back on the dirt bike and roll it until both open ends are on top of the rear sprocket.
Insert master-link into the chain from the inside out.
Install side plate to master-link.
Step 15
- Use pliers to install the safety clip onto the master-link.
- The open end of the safety clip should be opposite the direction of wheel rotation when moving forward.
- If safety clip is not installed properly it may cause the chain to fall off while operating.
Use pliers to install the safety clip onto the master-link.
The open end of the safety clip should be opposite the direction of wheel rotation when moving forward.
If safety clip is not installed properly it may cause the chain to fall off while operating.
Step 16
- Once axle blocks are in the correct position, tighten the rear axle using the 30mm socket and breaker bar.
- Use the 10mm and 12mm wrench to tighten the axle blocks.
- Ensure there is a small amount of slack in the chain. The 3 finger method displayed is a good rule of thumb when determining chain slack.
- Check to make sure wheel spins freely with new chain installed.
Once axle blocks are in the correct position, tighten the rear axle using the 30mm socket and breaker bar.
Use the 10mm and 12mm wrench to tighten the axle blocks.
Ensure there is a small amount of slack in the chain. The 3 finger method displayed is a good rule of thumb when determining chain slack.
Check to make sure wheel spins freely with new chain installed.
Step 17
- Chain replacement is complete!
- Make sure to check regularly for wear and make adjustments to the chain.
Chain replacement is complete!
Make sure to check regularly for wear and make adjustments to the chain.
By following the steps provided in this guide, you will have completed a chain replacement on a 2018 YZ 250f dirtbike.
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Justin Krupinski
Member since: 09/18/2019
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Team
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Team S4-G7, Ives Fall 2019
Member of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Team S4-G7, Ives Fall 2019
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