Chain Gunk, road grime and OEM bolts.

Time for some more work to the XJR400. I mentioned in my last post that I'd been on a Yahoo Auction buying spree and accumulated a pile of parts in my living room. I got the new/old turn signals installed relatively easily and while I was doing that I was also working on this project. Unlike the turn signals, I didn't really need to do this project. There was nothing broken and it didn't improve visibility or safety. It was just something that was bugging me for a while for a couple of reasons. During my buying spree, I also picked up a new tool. Enough with the tease, lets get to the post!

First off the new tool I mentioned in my opener. I picked up a used stand from the local recycle auto parts store. I have a decent sized recycle parts store in my town that has a large motorcycle section. I have been needing a stand for the XJR as it doesn't have a center stand. For a race bike, an OEM center stand is big hunk of extra weight to slow you down. On a street bike, it is a great addition. I have one on the FZ1 back in the states. I also have one on the Super Cub. I didn't bring my Pit Bull stand with me to Japan. I didn't know how much space we would end up with. This stand when combined with the junk chock I picked up last year, will give me a stable base for this project and a couple of other upcoming projects. It will also be useful for more frequent chain maintenance. I live a mile or so from the coast. My chain gets rusty and gross from the salt air and wet roads from the frequent rain. This stand and this project will help fix that.

Now to the point of this post. On the left you can see one of the 'custom' touches that a previous owner installed. It is a custom aluminum countershaft sprocket cover. I couldn't find much about the WR brand in my searching. For a few commonly modified models of JDM bike, there are a couple of companies that make custom parts like this. On the right you can see why I want to replace it. The custom cover just bolts up to three of the six OEM bolt locations. It doesn't dress up the the stock cover location any. It also opens up the countershaft sprocket area to the elements. There is a big bunch of road gunk and grime built up just like my old ninja race bike. I like a nice clean chain and hate it when the crud builds up like this. Having an open sprocket cover like this just gets under my skin. 

One of the harder parts I had to find was an OEM sprocket cover. I think this is the part that started the auction shopping spree. I picked it up for the equivalent of $5.00. Of course I had to pay $12.00 for shipping, but it got here quick. It is in good condition. Not overly banged up or scratched, but also not in pristine condition. I am not trying to do a restoration of the XJR. I want to have it stock in good working condition that will look good from 3 meters away. What I really want to do is get it up on a lift and take it apart. I want to clean, grease and replace every seal and gasket I can. I like bikes that are ridden. A few scratches here and there are fine as long as the bike is mechanically sound. Ever wonder why the shift pattern is molded into the side cover of a Japanese bike? Well it is a requirement of Japanese road law. The Harleys that sell here have stickers put on them to show the shift pattern since they don't come molded in like the Japanese bikes have. I find that weirdly interesting.

So this project is just a simple parts swap. Not much to show or tell. My chain is of indeterminate age, but full of grime. I wanted to be able to take it off the bike so I could really get it throughly clean. I bought a clip type master link months ago, but never got around to installing it. I figured now is as good a time as any. Having left my grinder and Dremel tool back in the states, I had to use a manual method to remove the riveted master link that was on the chain. The file did a good job and it didn't take all that long. Once the rivets were smoothed down, I broke out my chain press that allowed me to press out the pins. I also used it to press the master link plate in place so that I could install the clip. I then used my chain clamp to hold the ends of a chain together so that it stayed in place to install the master link. Finally, I used a third chain related tool to help me align the chain when I adjusted the chain tension. While the chain was off, I broke out my rags and parts cleaner and cleaned up the countershaft sprocket area to an acceptable level for my mild OCD.

Much better! I know that this isn't some major change, but if you compare this picture to the first one of this post you can see that the difference is subtle, but clear. I like the blacked out engine look with the steely grey paint and brushed aluminum side panels. For me the bike has a very purposeful look to it. It doesn't necessarily make the bike look fast. It juts looks like it gets the job done. My next project, the last of the three for my parts stockpile, should enhance the OEM appearance. 

The weather is starting to turn to fall and the temps are getting perfect for some great riding. My base has relaxed some of the pandemic related restrictions that have expanded my riding area to include some beautiful mountain roads famous for their twists and autumn leaves. We have had a bunch of rain lately and work has been very busy as we end the fiscal year. I won't be able to get out to those hills for a while, but when I do, you know I'll try and get some content to post. If you can get out and ride, please ride safely. Until next time!

Mat