Honda CRF450RX 2020 Owner's Manual & Competition Handbook page 130

4. Inspect the drive chain for possible wear or
damage. Replace the drive chain if it has
damaged rollers, loose fitting links, or
otherwise appears unserviceable.
5. Measure the drive chain plate (4). If the height
of any of the drive chain plates is less than
0.55 inch (14.0 mm), the drive chain must be
replaced.
Chain:
Size/link:
RK520TXZ/114RJ (CRF450R)
GB520TXZ/114RJ (CRF450RWE)
0.55 in (14.0 mm)
(4)
(4) drive chain plate (inner)
6. Inspect the sprocket teeth for wear or damage.
We recommend replacing the sprocket
whenever a new chain is installed.
Both chain and sprockets must be in good
condition, or the new replacement chain or
sprocket(s) will wear rapidly.
Excessively worn sprocket teeth have a
hooked, worn appearance. Replace any
sprocket which is damaged or excessively
worn.
Worn Sprocket
Damaged Sprocket
Teeth
Teeth
REPLACE
Normal Sprocket Teeth
GOOD
Use of a new chain with worn sprockets will cause
rapid chain wear.
7. Install the chain.
8. Measure a section of the drive chain to
determine whether the chain is worn beyond its
service limit. Put the transmission in gear, and
then turn the rear wheel forward until the lower
section of the chain is pulled taut. With the
chain held taut and any kinked joints
straightened, measure the distance between a
span of 17 pins, from pin center to pin center.
If the measurement exceeds the service limit,
replace the chain. After the chain is measured, shift
the transmission into neutral again before
proceeding with inspection and service.
Service limit: 10.12 in (257.0 mm)
MEASURE A SPAN OF 17 PINS (16 PITCHES)
9. Lubricate the drive chain (page 123).
10. Pass the chain over the sprockets and join the
ends of the chain with the master link. For ease
of assembly, hold the chain ends against
adjacent driven sprocket teeth while inserting
the master link. Install the master link retaining
REPLACE
clip so that the closed end of the clip will face
the direction of forward wheel rotation.
11. Recheck chain slack and adjust as necessary.
More About Drive Chain
(CRF450R/RWE)
• The master link is the most critical element of
drive chain security. Master links are reusable,
as long as they remain in excellent condition.
We recommend installing a new master link
retaining clip when the drive chain is
reassembled.
• You may find it easier to install a new chain by
connecting it to the old chain with a master link
and pulling the old chain to position the new
chain on the sprockets.
Drive Chain
125
Servicing Your Honda