[Travelon]

Thanks Krimp and Old Coot for the tips. I have some new lugs on standby for the battery cables and I'm lubing the chain on a regular basis. Hadn't thought about using the blue locktite on the nuts and bolts but it's a great idea since the thumper likes to vibrate some.  I'm going to remove the drive chain tomorrow and give it a thorough cleaning in kero and then re-lube it before putting it back on. It's getting a little gritty!

[JVS]

Are you planning to remove the RH cover so that you can get the chain back on? Otherwise not sure how you will get it back on the front sprocket. Or would you do it half chain at a time, with the other half still on the front sprocket? =O

[mattsz]

When replacing a chain, many recommend using the old chain to pull the new chain through.

But in this case, there is no new chain.  No matter... while troubleshooting, I have removed my chain from the front sprocket many times, and easily threaded it back into place with just my fingers.  The "old" G5 engine cover wouldn't allow it, but the B5/C5 cover makes it pretty easy...

[Travelon]

Planning on removing the master link (standard chain) and then threading it back though the front sprocket. The guard is open so it should be fairly easy do. Of course, paying attention to the correct replacement of the master link clip.

[johno]

When you thread the chain back on, make sure it goes above the lug at the bottom of the side case. I made this simple mistake when threading the new chain in after mine parted company with the bike. It can be done but is a bit fiddly, wear suitable hand protection or you'll spend weeks degreasing yourself!

[Travelon]

Thanks Johno! didn't realize there was a lug down in there. Appreciate that tip and will definitely wear gloves to keep the grease where it belongs!

[HUdson51]

I have a new c5 mil. and it is the best bike I have ridden on back country and twisty roads. The torque characteristics are perfectly suited for this type of riding. It has about 1000 mi. on the clock and I can feel the difference in engine smoothness and better fuel mileage.

[JVS]

When replacing a chain, many recommend using the old chain to pull the new chain through.

But in this case, there is no new chain.  No matter... while troubleshooting, I have removed my chain from the front sprocket many times, and easily threaded it back into place with just my fingers.  The "old" G5 engine cover wouldn't allow it, but the B5/C5 cover makes it pretty easy...

Yep, that's how I replaced the chain as well. But it's been a while since that has happened and I was under the impression that it will not be possible to replace the chain without taking off the cover. Thanks for letting me know. Less stress for the future 

[tenacres650]

I'm going to remove the drive chain tomorrow and give it a thorough cleaning in kero and then re-lube it before putting it back on. It's getting a little gritty!

I found these good to a good job cleaning and lubing your chain while on the bike
KettenMax Classic Chain Cleaner
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Motorcycle-Chain-Cleaner-KettenMax-Classic-Chain-Cleaner-Cleans-Lubricates-KET1-/251243745500
I use Kero in the bottle.