Master link removal

I am in the process of restoring my 78 kz1000 that has been sitting since 92.
I'm having trouble getting the master link off the chain.
The lock clip? came off easy enough but the link won't separate,I seem to remember using channel locks to press it out but that's about it.
Any tricks would be appreciated, thanks JD

When I took off my chain earlier this year I had to use a chain breaker tool to press out one rivet a little at a time until I got the link apart. I had to use a clamp with a socket over one end to get it back together later.
The tool I had was for small chains. Have had it years. Cheap

I just took a grinder to one of the links and cut it in half, done in about 5 sec, wasnt gonna use it again anyway

if the chain is old and pounded do like other people have said. your going to chuck it anyway's( with a chain that has been sitting since 92) cut it in half with a grinder that is what i do unless i'm saving the chain for some reason.

The chain and sprockets are in decent shape, just really greased up.
I was hoping to soak the chain in something and save it.
there is plenty of things to replace and I have more time than money right now, so I've begun cleanning and assessing EVERYTHING.
If I have to grind it off, I have a spare master link but it's one that doesn't have the clip, it's like a press fit,and I'm not sure exactly how it works.
I like that socket trick, thanks JD

Just becuse it's greased doesn't depict it not being stretched....

Do yourself a favor, buy a new chain.... Grind that SOB off and be done with it....

Had the same problem a couple of months ago. Ended up rotating the rear tire to where the master link sat on the rear sprocket towards the top, supporting the link. Then I took a crescent wrench and adjusted it so the two jaws sat squarely on the pins when the wrench is laid flat against the chain. One good smack with a rubber malet on the crescent wrench and the link popped right off.

If you can't remove the link and want to reuse the chain, you could just remove the swingarm and remove the entire chain that way. You could clean up and check the swingarm bearings while your at it.

Link14 wrote:

Had the same problem a couple of months ago. Ended up rotating the rear tire to where the master link sat on the rear sprocket towards the top, supporting the link. Then I took a crescent wrench and adjusted it so the two jaws sat squarely on the pins when the wrench is laid flat against the chain. One good smack with a rubber malet on the crescent wrench and the link popped right off.

Now thats a good one Link, I think that will work well for me, Thanks

I know the chain has to be stretched some, I wasn't easy on the bike back then, but when ever I changed the chain I all ways changed the sprockets at the same time and they look OK IMHO.
I just want to get her back on the road by spring,the essentials are going to cost enough.

Any body have a suggestion as to what I should soak the chain in? thanks JD

Soak the chain in kerosene.

Up here it's Coleman Camp Fuel

This is like the tool I used
cgi.ebay.com/Universal-Heavy-Duty-Chain-...?hash=item4837cf7bf0

If you scroll down you will see how to use. My chain and sprockets were were in good shape.