Driven Chain - Spring clip master link?

RodeoClown · May 17, 2008, 04:31:05 PM

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!

Mr Earl · May 17, 2008, 05:43:07 PM

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.

GeotheDuc · May 17, 2008, 06:28:10 PM

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.

Howie · May 17, 2008, 08:08:43 PM

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

Kaveh · May 17, 2008, 08:29:42 PM

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.

64duc · May 18, 2008, 09:24:27 AM

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.

Mr Earl · May 18, 2008, 10:23:21 AM

Scroll about 3/4 down this page: 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.

rockaduc · May 18, 2008, 02:08:29 PM

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.

clubhousemotorsports · May 18, 2008, 06:26:43 PM

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]

RodeoClown · May 19, 2008, 10:55:33 AM

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

BlackHills · May 19, 2008, 06:06:36 PM

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

bigiain · May 19, 2008, 07:35:13 PM

Quote from: rodeoclown on May 17, 2008, 04:31:05 PM
Does anyone use a chain that uses a spring clip master link on their monster?

I bet John Hopkins won't any more!

big

Speeddog · May 20, 2008, 12:37:50 AM

Quote from: bigiain on May 19, 2008, 07:35:13 PM
I bet John Hopkins won't any more!

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.

RodeoClown · May 20, 2008, 05:18:39 AM

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!

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Driven Chain - Spring clip master link?