Motorcycle Repair: honda cb400, little honda, arm area

Question
Howdy,

I'm changing out the drive chain on a little Honda CB400 (78 or 79) and it not something I've done before however I'm not inept with a socket set either. My Question is how would you go about it?

I've thought of just opening the "break" link and reattaching one end of the old chain to the new one, then pulling it through the engine and back out to the rear tire. Then just attaching the break link to the new chain and adjusting the tightening screw. Is it that simple and can I even reuse the break link after I open it?

Thanks for the help.

Ralph  

Answer
Ralph, you have cracked the code on chain replacement! All you have to do is loosen the rear axle, slide the wheel assy forward after you have backed off the adjuster bolts until the adjusters bottom out, then break the chain at the master link and attach the new one to one end and draw it though the sprockets and swing arm area.

Install a new master link and clip with the new chain and you are done, except for adjusting the chain again. General rule is about 1/2 to 3/4" slack at the middle of the chain (between the two sprockets). You should check the condition of the sprockets, as worn sprockets will wear out your new chain fairly fast. Do not reuse the old chain parts, especially the master link and clip.

Bill Silver