Comments on: Can I fit a new chain and sprocket to a Suzuki Bandit myself?

By: gixx

gixx — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:07:51 +0000

invest in a motorcycle stand. pit bulls are the best.i did my own
kept the front sprocket stock because of vibration with the
aftermarket ones.the stock front has rubber cushions in it
2 up in the back jt sprockets good enough and a regina chain
take it to a shop and have them do it if you don’t have the tools

By: saffie d

saffie d — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 09:15:34 +0000

not sure how to do it but u can get a haynes manual for the bike and it will give u step by step instructions and correct size chain and sprockets u need try a after market source they r much cheaper than originals and do the same job the book should retail approx £19.99

By: CHRIS

CHRIS — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:42:54 +0000

where do you live, ill do it for you for a small fee

By: kymopar

kymopar — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:54:43 +0000

yes..its easy..but i would recommend getting a shop manual for this bike.basic tools are required..and dont try to cheapie out by buying a non-oring chain..

By: mfactor

mfactor — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 17:05:28 +0000

I would say yes if you’ve got the right kit but as you are asking i guess you don’t have the stuff here’s what you need at the minimum.

1) Large socket between 20-27mm (cant remember exact size probably 22mm)

2) socket handle and poss 2-3ft sleeve to go over it.

3)selection of sockets, spanners and Allen keys preferably kit.

4)lump hammer and ball pein hammer to rivet the joining link.

5)chain breaker or angle grinder

The procedure is quite simple if you’ve got the above.

1) take off front sprocket cover

2)take off locking tab on sprocket(different types some screwed on some bent over tabs

3)Put bike in gear (and get mate to stand on back brake) and take of nut (very tight hence sleeve)

4) now nut is loose cut chain

5)pull off socket and put new one on

6) reverse above remembering locking tab but don’t put cover on yet

Rear Wheel (easy)

1)take of wheel

2)remove nuts/Allen bolts holding sprocket on and replace.

3) put wheel back in

4)Thread chain on and loosen adjusters off

5)put rivet link through from inside to out and put the other side of the link on

6)Squeeze tight, there is a special tool to squeeze the link tightly but you can use a g clamp and a 10-12mm nut on the out side of the link to do the same job

7)put metal part of lump hammer behind link and use ball pein hammer to rivet over MAKE SURE IT IS WELL DONE if you are not sure don’t do it!!

7)put front cover on and adjust chain

Do not be tempted to use a split link, you can and it is easier to do but a 1200 bandit will throw it off.
A good idea if you don,t know how to rivet could be to put a split link in and go straight down the dealers very gently to get them to put a rivet link in but be careful large dealers will tell you that the swinging arm etc needs to come out (big job), but a experienced mechanic can do it on the bike in about 10 Min’s, your best bet is to enquire first.

Its a good earner for bike shops cause its easy with the right kit but heavy on labour charges.

Any probs email me

By: Phillip D

Phillip D — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:23:16 +0000

yeah its pretty easy, try someone like demon tweeks or M&P they can supply the correct size chain and sprockets and a chain tool that will split your old chain and also press the new link in when fitting refitting. Just count the links on your old chain and break the new chain at the same amount of links as long as you replace the sprockets with the same size. Place on bike so that the join is on the back sprocket use the tool to repress the chain together use the adjusters on the rear of the swing arm to tension the chain (losen axle bolt first) about an inch and a eighth to a an inch and a half of slack at the chain guide on top of the swing arm just before the front sprocket is about right I hope this helps.

By: scotabroad

scotabroad — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:41:22 +0000

It depends on a few things. Have you done mechanical work before, do you have the right tools? Also do you have something like a Haynes manual for the bike which will take you through the process step by step? If the answer is yes to all of the above then you can do it. But bear in mind it must be done properly. The 1200 bandit is not a slow bike so the chain needs to be fitted properly in order for it not to fly off. Critically the joining link needs to be fitted correctly. The other thing to bear in mind is often chains sold with a kit need to be cut to length either with a chain splitting tool or a grinder and punch.

That said fitting chain and sprockets for a competent home maintenance person is pretty straightforward..

By: shariwharton

shariwharton — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 20:45:45 +0000

erm…..i agree with the others!

By: Brian S

Brian S — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 19:11:49 +0000

It’s not too difficult. You’ll need some wrenches to loosen the tension on the chain, and a chain breaker/press to install the new chain. Since it’s a critical component, you’ll probably want to get someone who’s done it to help you the first time. You don’t want it to come flying off while you’re riding!

By: daveybabay

daveybabay — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 14:16:27 +0000

If your mechanical at all , yes. I have a good friend that has a 1200 Bandit and he does it .