I purchased a new chain and sprockets for my '02 Bandit 1200 (from Dennis Kirk, Part# 805064
OEM Chain and Sprocket Kits, $207.99, free shipping) several months ago.
I finally got around to installing it over the Labor Day weekend (20K miles on the OEM chain, which was shot due to sporadic maintenance. Will be installing a "Loobman" shortly. Rear sprocket was barely worn. Front had minor wear, and yes, it does have rubber on it that the replacement doesn't - pics if you want).
After assorted trials and tribulations, including difficulty breaking the old chain (my first time doing so, and cleverly using the wrong tools for the job
), and rounding off one of the rear sprocket nuts (Craftsman "bolt-out" worked like a charm), I finally got everything put together.
Last step was to install the retaining clip on the master link, which I managed to do backwards. Realized the error, removed it and....SPROING! off across the garage...or driveway...maybe in the bushes. An hour later, and with the help of friends, the garage floor was broom-clean, but the clip remained missing. *Sigh*
Next morning I found Regina's US office on the web, called customer service, got an immediate answer, and explained my error. Keith Foster happily said it would be no problem to send a replacement clip, free of charge! That was Tuesday, 9/4.
Today (9/8) TWO clips (guess he figured I might make the same mistake again
) arrived in an envelope! That's my idea of customer service!
One funny aside - he had also promised to send a catalog. Which arrived the day before...sans clip. I was very disappointed that he'd forgotten. The second envelope (with the clips) contained an apology for forgetting them in the first envelope!
Thanks Keith!
Oh, how do I like the chain? No idea - haven't had a chance to ride it yet!