Chain Q

[Steve Bass]

Would you use a clip type master link on a superbike...

Discuss.....

[Tango13]

I can remember a Performance Bikes road test of a Bimota with a clip/link on the chain...

It fell off.

[airsafari87]

I would, while wearing shorts.

And the loud, straight through can would sound epic when the bike hits the limiter after the chain flys off.

[Discendo Discimus]

Would I f**k, it takes 20 mins to swap a chain using the correct rivet tool and it's a satisfying job.
I'd use a clip link on a 125cc or under.

Why are you asking? I can link you to the tools I use if you want to give it a go yourself.

[trickywoo]

Only if you clean the chain with a frayed rag in 6th gear engine running to get it done faster.

[catso]

I had a KTM500 motocrosser, fitted a new chain & sprockets and had (mistakenly) set the chain too tight to allow for the full suspension travel.

First ride out over some bumps & rough stuff on a local green lane and the chain snapped, rather the clip link broke/came off and the rest of the chain was fine.

Fitted a new link, loosened the chain and all was good again so, on that experience I would deduce that the link is in fact the weakest link.

As such I wouldn't fit one on a powerful/heavy bike though, I suppose you could argue that the link breaking on my KTM might have saved greater damage...

[Tango13]

airsafari87 said:

I would, while wearing shorts.

And the loud, straight through can would sound epic when the bike hits the limiter after the chain flys off.

I take it you'll be wearing a t-shirt with your shorts so you'll get the lovely sensation of skin on tarmac when the chain locks up the rear wheel and throws you up the road at .5 beyond warp speed?

[the cueball]

I know of a few guys that run the dragster type stretched out 'Busa / 14r etc with them... They don't seem to have any issues and thinking they'll be abusing the bikes/chains more than most.

[Condi]

All the chains on agricultural equipment are clip links, we put hundreds of HP and far more torque than a bike engine can produce through them without issue.

[Steve Bass]

So the last couple of replies kind of highlight the reason for this question.
Perceived wisdom says no but, as said, there are many examples where clip links are used with no issues.
If a 520 chain is OK on a 50hp enduro bike and a 200hp track weapon (accelerated stretching accepted) is the clip link such a weak link on a superbike but ok for the enduro....
Just thinking out loud like......

[Tango13]

My concerns would be based more on the speed the chain is moving at not the amount of power it's transmitting.

[Biker's Nemesis]

Steve Bass said:

Would you use a clip type master link on a superbike...

Discuss.....

I remember when I used to troll as good as this Steve.

[Steve Bass]

Biker's Nemesis said:

Steve Bass said:

Would you use a clip type master link on a superbike...

Discuss.....

I remember when I used to troll as good as this Steve.

We miss those days fella

[richhead]

i suppose it theory a split link shouldnt be any weaker than a rivet link, the clip is only holding the side plate on after all, but i would still prefer a rivet link for some reason.

[Steve Bass]

So...
Based on our survey......

What's the limit, capacity or BHP beyond which you wouldn’t use a clip link chain?

Given a 520 is a 520 where is the threshold for riveted vs clip??

[Biker 1]

I reckon it would be fine, so long as you are kind on the clutch. Get the revs right & all will be good.
Another thought: do cush-drive rubbers have any effect? i.e. if they're worn(?)

[richhead]

Steve Bass said:

So...
Based on our survey......

What's the limit, capacity or BHP beyond which you wouldn’t use a clip link chain?

Given a 520 is a 520 where is the threshold for riveted vs clip??

see my previous reply, it shouldnt make any difference, but for some reason i prefer a rivit, the plates arent any difference, so they shouldnt be any different torque difference, but would always prefer a fixed link than a clip that can fly off. there is no reason why a split link should be weaker.

[Triaguar]

Ah! So that's what that metal bendy thing is wrapped around my rear wheel.....always wondered.

[conkerman]

On the other hand, you know that a riveted chain will work without nomming on your calf/thigh/bawbag.(If it has been fitted properly of course).

[gareth_r]

Steve Bass said:

So...
Based on our survey......

What's the limit, capacity or BHP beyond which you wouldn’t use a clip link chain?

Given a 520 is a 520 where is the threshold for riveted vs clip??

When did the manufacturers start fitting "endless" final drive chains? 80 bhp? 90 bhp? When the O-ring chain arrived? My 68 bhp CB750 had a 530, or 5/8 x 3/8 as it was then, split link in 1975.