Ducati Monster Forum

Does anyone use a chain that uses a spring clip master link on their monster? I just got a Driven chain and it has a spring clip instead of the stalked soft-link type? Is this a big issue? I am only concerned b/c the Haynes manual has a not not rec. spring-clip type? Any feed back is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Who Knows?  The prevailing wisdom is to use only riveted master links (which I just did) but there are lots of folks who ride lots of miles with clip-type master links.  Logically, it seems like a riveted link has to be more secure, but is the extra security really necessary?  I have yet to hear or read of a clip-type master link separating.

One interesting idea (not mine) is to safety-wire the clip.

I just got a new chain from California Cycle Works and Chris sent me a rivit master link to use instead of the spring clip that came with the chain. I had taken off the swing arm brackets so I was able to have the local motorcycle shop rivit it together, and I was able to install as a whole complete chain. I didn't have a chain breaker tool or a rivit tool either, so I couldn't do it in place myself. As far as I know the rivit link is better for a high speed bike. I have used, for many years, a spring type clip on my trials bike with no failures. However, trials bikes go two miles per hour, so seperation failure is a small risk.  Go with the rivit.

If you choose to use the clip link make sure you put it in the right direction.  I also reccommend safety wiring it.  Here is a good "how to"    http://www.ducati.net/faq.cfm?id=28

A nice proper chain breaking/riveting tool is less than $100.  you can pick up cheaper lesser quality ones as well.  A good thing to have if you have a motorcycle.  They are very easy to use.

I've been using spring clip masters forever (40 years or so) never a problem. Do be sure you face it in the proper direction.

Scroll about 3/4 down this page:  http://www.mikesxs.net/mikesxs-tools.php?category_id=7.1 (http://www.mikesxs.net/mikesxs-tools.php?category_id=7.1) and you'll see a D.I.D.-type chain tool for $16.  I just got done using it to install an RK chain with riveted link, and it worked nicely.

I have no affiliation with the linked site, BTW.  Just a deal I came across.

I have used a spring clip on the chains on my race quad for years w/ nary a problem...but I only use a riveted masterlink on the Duc.

I have used clip type masters on a bunch of bikes for the last 21 years. Tried it on my 851 once, bike spit it off. had the dealer put on a rivit link. years later I went to work at that dealership and found that it was a very common thing to see.

I was at a track once and told a friend that he should not use a clip type on his 748sps, he said been using them without a problem. later that week he needed a new set of cases as the chain made a nice big hole in his. I have a set of 916 cases that suffered the same fate.

For the cost and trouble of doing a rivit link I cannot see any benefit to not using them.

I still use a clip type on my kawasaki's [moto]

Thanks folk for the feed back. Even though it is about 50/50 :-\ I think I will look into getting a rivet link? I will let you know what I decide and how it works. I might try the safety wire technique?

Thanks DMF [thumbsup]

If you buy an EK chain you can run their screw type master link.  I've had one on my bike for over a year and I've never had a problem with it.  These are nice because as long as you have some basic tools you could use one to repair a broken chain on the road.

I'm not sure I trust the spring clips on a bike with a lot of torque. 

http://www.ekchain.com/access.htm (http://www.ekchain.com/access.htm)

I bet John Hopkins won't any more!

 [laugh]

big

Eh, that sucked, didn't it.  :(

I've used lots of spring clip masters without a problem.
Back in the day, that's all there was.

 [laugh] Too funny, I saw that and was like damn!

Then I had a buddy have a chain problem, not master link related, but enough to make me a little more uptight!