Easy way to disengage a motorcycle chain?

Question

I recently bought a motorcycle hauler to transport my bike on weekend get-aways, the company I bought it from said they recommend removing or disengaging the chain. Is there an easy way to do this or is it not worth the hassel? I have a 2007 Vento Colt. Thanks

Answer 1

Lane K, you are doing pretty good, just a couple of small problems.  Many master link plates have to be pressed on, as if the bike has much power, the old style links where the plate was a loose fit would stretch.  Also many chains are endless,  so, no master link.

Now, Mr. question answer - how far will you tow the bike.  Five miles, 50 miles, 150 miles?  If no more than 50-75 miles each way, just be sure the chain is clean, give it a good dose of chain lube, and do not drive too fast.   If the chain is clean, and lubed, there will be almost no wear.  The front of the bike is higher than the rear, transmission oil will flood the rear shaft, so the tranny will not suffer, just be sure you put it in neutral.  I am not familar with your  bike, but you will have to tow it many miles to cause as much wear as you get on one weekend of serious trail riding.  Be sure to spray the chain off with carb cleaner, and relube before starting home.

Tomcotexas.

Answer 2

Isn't it a belt drive? Anyway I cannot see how disengaging the final drive would improve/aid transporting the bike.

EDIT; Sorry I based my question on these specs

http://www.motorcycle.com/specs/vento/cr...

and assumed this is what you meant by a hauler

http://www.joehauler.com/singlehaulers/s...

What you describe sounds a good way to square off your rear tyre, but I understand why you might want to remove the chain now, if you have a master link like this

http://faq.f650.com/FAQs/Photos/ChainPho...

then I would remove the chain, or at least release it from the rear sprocket (but remember to reattach it in the same direction), because it can be a pain to get it mounted on the front sprocket again it might be worth hooking it up with a strap but you would need to make certain that it couldn't come loose and hit the tarmac or the bike. To go to the effort of re-attaching a rivetted chain seems a bit much for weekend getaways, for that you will need a breaker and riveting tool and a supply of rivets.

http://www.toolparts.co.uk/acatalog/Moto...

Answer 3

Find the master link and take the chain off, piece of cake.

Answer 4

Man these people dont know what they are talking about on Y/A.

  Yeah the easiest way to get the chain out of the way would be to either loosen up the rear wheel, push the tire forward and just put the chain to the side, maybe get a bungy cord or some kind of strap to stop it from hitting the tire.

Or the most common way is to locate the master link on the chain and simply take it completly apart like that.  In order to find the master link u have to look really closley at your chain. One link on the entire chain will be different then the rest. Depending on the type of chaine you have. The master link may be a little bit wider, it may have a different connector or it may just be a different color.  So all you have to do is find that and take it apart.

Answer 5

for  weekend get-aways... ride the bike man what you thinking...cant seem to think right buy a bike and tow it makes no sense