Motorcycle Repair: 1980 honda cb750c timing chain, 1980 honda cb750c, staking tool

Question
could u pls tell me what all is involved  with replacing the timing chain and the timing spec/marks on a 1980 cb750c? from what i can tell, it looks like u have to disassemble the entire engine to get the crank to cam chain installed. is it possible to take a pin out of the chain and fish it down and around the crank.

Answer
Nope, I wouldn't recommend it.  The cam chain is the same size and pitch as the CB450 chain so it would be possible to remove a link and replace it with the master link from a 450.  The problem is that you'll need a staking tool to install the new master link.  Even if you had the staking tool, there's no good way to make sure the chain is on the crank sprocket.  There are a number of grooves on either side of the crank sprocket and the chain may catch in the grooves and appear to be installed correctly.  Once you start the engine the chain will jump time and bend valves or worse.  

You have to pull the engine to get it to the point of replacing the chain and splitting the cases is not that much more work. I'd recommend doing it the way Mr. Honda intended it to be done.

Regards,
Rich