Questions come to us constantly about cam chains and master links over here at CMC. When the majority of these vintage Honda Motorcycles were put together at the factory, they used an endless cam chain that was installed with the crankshaft when the bottom end was assembled. If you are rebuilding the entire engine, this is still the best way to install your cam chain, master link or not. Motorcycles like the CB450, CL450, and CB500T have to use a master link because of the dual overhead camshaft setup and head design. You will also need a split cam chain if you are only wanting to do a top end rebuild or replace a stretched cam chain.
Whether you are installing the cam chain on your CT90, CB100, CB125, CB175, CB200, CB350, CB360, CB450, CB550K, or CB750, cam chains these days come split with a master link because it offers the most versatility with the install. If you want to install the chain endless, then you will install the master link on the bench first. Otherwise, you will do this when the top end is mostly assembled.
Our cam chains come with what is called a "press style" master link. What this means is that the master link is secured and held together by an interference fit between the master link center pins and holes in the outer plate of the master link. This is an incredibly strong connection that will last the life of the cam chain and is similar to how every link is assembled on the chain itself. You might also come across a rivet style master link. The OEM Honda cam chains used in the CB450, CL450, and CB500T used this style of master link which involved peening and mushrooming the end of the center pins of the master link as a method of securing the outer plate. Both styles work well, just be aware of which style you have so you install it correctly.
Installing the Press Style Masterlink
- Set up the chain breaker / chain press tool to install your press style master link by installing the large guide on the upper screw and the lower guide without the through hole.
- Cover any possible openings in your engine that you could accidentally drop a piece of the master link down before beginning to install it. The last thing you want is to have to go fishing for a master link in the bottom end of the engine.
- With the master link installed into the open ends of the cam chain, position the chain breaker tool so the lower guide without the through hole is behind one of the center pins on the master link to support it and hold it in place. Thread the large screw with the guide cap on it down onto the outer plate of the master link so that it is holding one side of the plate against the center pin you are supporting. It can help to use some grease on the outer plate of the master link to stick it into place while you are fiddling with the tool.
- Begin to thread the large screw so that it pushes the outer plate onto the center pin of the master link. Onto push on the plate enough that it begins to get started before backing the screw off.
- Switch the chain breaker to the other side of the master link and press that side of the outer plate in the same manner until it matches the other side.
- Switch back and forth between the sides of the master link to slowly press and wiggle the plate onto the center pins of the master link.
- When you are close to done, take it slowly as pressing the outer plate too far can cause the master link to bind the chain. If this happens you will need to use the chain breaker tool to press out the center pins of the master link and remove it. Contact us to purchase a replacement master link.
- You will know you are done when the center pins protrude out of the outer plate enough to feel them with your fingernail and the master link is also not bound and moves freely.
Purchase a replacement cam chain for your vintage Honda motorcycle here