Cam chain renewal

[dagda]

The factory service manual details measuring the length of the chain between a specified pin distance; if the chain is too long, replace it. No arbitrary mileage between changes or nonsense like that.

Many members here have big mileage on their GS bikes and have never changed the cam chain. I'd go so far as to say changing a cam chain at 30k miles is crazy (unless it measures out of spec for some reason - which is unlikely).

Cheers chaps [inc flying face] I will measure it and let you know.

[dagda]

Right chaps downloaded a manual but it doesnt have the run out allowed in the camchain in it. I know it is in the Haynes manuals as I had one for my GS850 years ago. So if you could help out and provide me with the dimension between the links you need to check the camchain wear I would be most grateful. Engine is a 1978 GS750.
Cheers

[Suzuki_Don]

Technically you have to pull the crank from engine and slip it off. You have to pull two piston rods to do it also. This is after the engine is out and the case is split. One person pulls the chain around the journals and one person holds it. I just did my 750 this weekend. New chains for this are whole. Yes it sux. But I had to tear the engine down for other reasons. WHAT REALLY SUX IS THE AFTERMARKET CATALOG THE CYCLE SHOP GUY ORDERED FROM SHOWS MY CHAIN IS A 120 LINK. IT'S NOT!!! I JUST LOOKED IT UP OEM AND IT'S 122!!!](*,) I've been going crazy and was ready to kill the cycle shop guy. This engine is assembled and in the bike and I can't get my cams in!! My dad has the chain riveter tool, but where can you get master links and can I just add one???

Not just the aftermarket catalogue, but also the GS750 Suzuki Parts Book says the cam chain has 120 links. You had better check again before you cut that chain and add links. Unless you have a different model than the ones I looked up. What model and year is your bike.