Im new to the forums and I just traded a90 maxima with a blown motor for this 2001 500R with a bad link in the chain...Im wanting to go for an easy fix by just replacing the bad link but is this possible with these chains (I believe its the factory chain)???...If it is possible, where could I get a link and what would I need to take off the bad link and put a new one on???

 

Your going to need to replace the chain. You mind as well replace the sprockets while your at it. Its going to be like 220-260 for the parts. From what i know its generaly a good idea to replace the chain every 20k. How many miles are on the bike?

 

Theres only 11,XXX miles on the bike, Im on a tight budget and I had a chain priced for $50 what would that extra $200 go to???

 

The sprokets probably because when you change the chain it's good to change the sprockets also...

 

Penny-wise and pound-foolish.
If you replace the chain, but not the sprockets, that new chain will wear out much faster. You really want to replace them as a set.
If you can't afford $220, then you can't afford to ride, IMO. Sorry to sound like an effete frat-boy snob, but if you do this half-@$$ed and the chain comes apart while you're riding, it will probably punch a hole in your engine crankcase. Replacing that will cost a little more than 10 chain/sprocket sets.
And that's not even taking into account the safety factor of your velocity and freeway position when that little $20 link decides to give up the ghost. I'd honestly rather put it on a credit card and pay 19% interest than screw around with my life. But that's just one dude's opinion.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
-CCinC

 

I just did a quick search for prices. On avg your looking at about 40-60 for the sprockes each. then again the prices I saw when i got my chain were for a zx-6. My chain was a RK high end chain and the chain it self was 120.00. If anything just go with some stock sprockets. Look around the net see what you can find. do a search for sprockets you might be able to get all the parts for under 150. You don't want to really ride the bike with a bad chain. If the chain snaps while your riding it can do some major damage to your bike and you. I've seen pics of a chain slicing a good part of the rear tail off when it snaped.

 

As mentioned above, just buy a set.