Clip-on master link questions

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Well had to get a new chain and sprocket for the YZF. ORdered JT steel sprockets (streetbike. No need for aluminum ones.) and a RK XSO chain. Well got the chain in and lo and behold it came with a clip style masterlink . Every other RK chain I've bought came with a rivet master link.  No idea why I get a clip style one.

Personally I dont like these for street. Prefer to rivet them on. Exactly how much chance is there of tossing the clip while riding on the street? How hard would it be to safety wire this? Would you even trust one on an older 750?

[spyderchick]

You shouldn't throw a clip just street riding. You'll be fine. If you're really paranoid you can safety wire it, but you need the really fine stuff.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Just a bit paranoid. Never had a clip style one on any of my bikes (including my old racebike).

[spyderchick]

Roger's never had a clip fail in over 60,000 miles of street riding, and he'll ride "aggressively" on occasion. Just make sure the clip is on there properly and you should be good to go. Happy riding!

[cardzilla]

I freaking hate those clips!  I've never had one NOT pop off... but I don't ride on the street either.  I always wire mine in a figure eight pattern and leave the clip in the box.

[Jeff]

Use the clip.  The plate is pressed on and the clip holds the plate.  The only time I've seen a clip link fail is when the rear wheel of a bike was cocked VERY sideways.  It flexed the chain and popped the masterlink off.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

SO can you use the clip and yet still safety wire? From teh looks of the master links posts it looks like I could mushroom teh heads a bit and still not bother the clip.


Started changing it this morning at 6am (before the heat). Found out that I lost a screw in teh kickstand safety switch mount. Had to find a new one. Was a machine head with a phillips. Replaced both screws with a socket head cap screws and drilled them for safety wire. And people say Harleys vibrate bolts loose.

[Jeff]

Rob.  If installed correctly, you will not likely have a problem.  If you start trying to mushroom the ends out, or safety wire instead of the clip, or all of the other hot tips, you're inducing a variable which can cause failure.

Install it as directed...  The MFR obviously has a vested interest in ensuring you stay safe, so they will make sure the installation is as sound as possible.

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Usually thats what I do Jeff. Probably just order a new rivit type later. Right now I need the bike running (main transportation due to gas)

[spyderchick]

Usually thats what I do Jeff. Probably just order a new rivit type later. Right now I need the bike running (main transportation due to gas)

Yeah, no one wants to carpool when you have that much gas. 

I crack myself up!

[DAmico]

I used nothing but clip type master links. I have never had one fail even using cheap chains. For the past seven years I don't even use the clip, I just wrap safety wire around the posts (must use .025"). Tom Mason told me to do it once when I needed a clip and said wera endurance guys have been doing it for years.

Stop freaking and go ride!

[Woofentino Pugrossi]

Stop freaking and go ride!

Yeah but I want this bike to at least hit 75K miles. At 69,100 right now, original motor, 2nd clutch pack, 5th chain and probably around 15 sets of tires. Oh and 1 set of forks (original lower slider's chrome wore through causing a major leak at 57K) and fork seals (on the new forks).

What really bothers me is if the chain does let go and hit the case, well this bike is screwed. Probably take a while to even find a new case for it being how hard parts are to find for it.