OEM is, I think, Regina chain. The 'soft link' for this I believe needs a staking tool to peen the rivets properly. DID chain has a different system. Each will need a specific tool as well as the appropriate link to securely join the chain. Not sure if you can use, for example, a DID link (and thus the tool), on another brand? Fundementally, to break and rejoin the chain will require some investment that will only be recouped over a few years and several chain changes. Might be best to struggle and curse a bit... It is possible. Just seems impossible for some time and then bingo, it's off. Be prepared to get quite filthy with chain grease in the process... Getting the 14T back on is a breeze by comparison.
I think I will do as you suggest and try to remove the chain without splitting it and see how that goes. Cheers for the input.
Firstly fold the front sprocket tab washer back and remove the nut. You'll need to remove the clutch slave cylinder. Then slacken the eccentric hub fully and drop the chain off of the rear sprocket. You'll need to pull the front sprocket as far up the output shaft splines as the chain allows. Getting as much chain as you can ahead of the vertical frame spar as possible will help. You'll need to find the sweet spot that allows the chain over the teeth of the sprocket without being fouled by the engine casing. As someone suggested above; using a dremmel you can cut the tips off of a couple of sprocket teeth. Once you start to think it's impossible it'll suddenly happen Good luck!
