Chain missing retaining clip? (pic)

[pr1m3]

I've been out of the motorcycle world for a few years now, but just got back in by purchasing a S4RS.

I had chains on all my previous bikes that utilized a master link with a clip that fastened on to it. Upon inspection of the new (to me) bike, I came across this link and I'm hoping it's not the master link minus a retention clip. It is the only link that is different than the rest in the chain and the wear marks around each post have me concerned. The exposed posts don't have a notched ring on them that would hold a retaining clip like I am used to.

Any insight on what I'm looking at here?

[DarkStaR]

Looks like a rivet master link to me, although it don't look like the rivets have been "mushroomed" that much, but it could just be the pic.

[Bill in OKC]

The new master links are less likely to come apart at speed but they are more work to remove.  You need a tool to remove and replace them.  The S4Rs is a fun bike.

and it does look like the ends should be mushroomed more than it looks

[pr1m3]

Yeah they really aren't mushroomed too much at all, but clearly have been holding up for some significant miles; I've put around 400 on myself. What would explain the circular wear patterns around the posts?

Also, yes, the S4RS is definitely a fun bike, glad I waited until I found the right one...

[Bill in OKC]

The side plate is a press fit and if it is not mushroomed (not safe) could be removed and reused I guess...  the wear patterns look like the side plate has been flipped over, there is a rubber o-ring on the other side that would make a pattern like that.  Then it could be from the press used to press the plate on but I don't think it would cause that much wear.  

If I were you I'd get a tool to mushroom those out.  It means you'll need a new master link if/when you want to take the chain off but you'll be safe in the mean time.

[pr1m3]

Thanks for the heads up.

I'm planning on swapping the rear sprocket back to stock soon anyways so I might as well replace it at the same time.

[Speeddog]

That is indeed a rivet-style master link.

I doubt that sideplate has been flipped, the 'wear' mark on the aft end isn't concentric with the pin.

I've done a lot of those rivet-style links, considering how hard it is to press the sideplate on, the 'flaring' of the pins is mostly security.

Even the current clip-style master links require a substantial squeeze to press the sideplate on.
I had a bike come in with no clip, but the sideplate was still on.
Back in the day, no clip meant no chain in very short order.