Question on replacing Cam Chain KZ1100

I've been assured I can replace pistons with the engine still in the bike.

Can I do the same with the cam chain?
Does it have a master link?

Bike is a '82 KZ1100 shaft

You will have to buy the correct length cam chain, then split it, and buy a master link. You will have to split the old cam chain in place, use the master link to attach to the new cam chain (don't put on the side plate and pull vertically so the master link can't fall out), pull the new cam chain through, remove the old cam chain, then finish attaching the side plate to the master link to both ends of the new cam chain.

You guys are great!
It is nice to find a forum that is useful, and not over-run with distractions.
Thanks for the help.

Just for giggles;
why are you replacing the cam chain? Have you actually measured it, or were you just getting a lot of cam chain rattle?
When I tore mine down one of my concerns was a lot of rattle when it was parked 17 years ago. The cam chain tensioner/guide blocks were all worn deeper than spec(front and rear about 1/4", top not as bad) so I wondered about the chain. Since it's a Hy-Vo chain, you do compromise its strength by splitting a link and using a master, so I went ahead and tore it down. Result: New chain and old chain are almost identical lengths!:pinch:
Got ahold of a retired Kaw mechanic, he said he wasn't surprised. Said those Hy-Vo's wore very well, but really seemed to wear out the cam blocks. Duh. He remembered seeing a memo when the J's came out with the Hy-Vo chain that said that the factory was trying to move the wear from the chain to the tensioners, so it would be easier to replace. So you might want to double-check your cam chain stretch. It might just need tensioner blocks.
Oh, and what's this about not being over-run with distractions?
The Easter Bunny Distraction
:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:

pstrbrc wrote:

Just for giggles;
why are you replacing the cam chain?

Basically, I screwed up. With the tensioner removed for replacement the bike was on the center stand, IN GEAR. I needed to move the bike. The sudden lurch as it came off the center stand put a kink in the chain.

Oh, and what's this about not being over-run with distractions?

Oh, I am talking about the lack of flamers and similar ilk.