Split link versus rivet link

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Hello,

I've just recently received a chain and sprocket set for my trackbike, and all I got with the chain (DID 428) was a split link.

Talking to my boss, who is a Kiwi and very knowledgable about such things, he says that I should be OK to use a split link on that bike as long as the split link is fitted correctly and in the right direction.

I always thought that you weren't supposed to use split links on bikes with over 40 or so bhp. Additionally, because this bike will be thrashed on track, I'm disinclined to use the split link. He told me that you can't use split links on 'o' ring chains, but its OK on normal chains.

What do the BCF Massiv' think about this? It has been quite hard to find a DID 428 Rivet link for sale...

The bike is a '89 FZR400RR and probably makes 55bhp on a good day... which probably came and went circa 1990!
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Pete. · Super Spammer Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Karma :

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

Hi

I have used them loads of times, and I know some drag racers use them with a hell of a lot more power.

If you are concerned then use a bit of lock wire around the link to hold the split link in place. There shouldn't really be any load on the split link clip anyway.

Surprised it uses a 428 chain.

All the best

Keith
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chris-red · Have you considered a TDM? Joined: 21 Sep 2005 Karma :

I would always use the rivet link if you have the choice.
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MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

UKRedwing · Trackday Trickster Joined: 16 Apr 2009 Karma :

My 95 zx6r had a split link 525 chain on it before I changed the chain and sprockets last week to DID rivet type

Kickstart · The Oracle Joined: 04 Feb 2002 Karma :

MarkJ · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Apr 2006 Karma :

I had a split link on my downgeared 92 CBR 600 track bike and had no issues, I just checked it looked OK after every session.

I would personally prefer a rivet link, but that's probably down to undue worrying.

Mark65 · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 May 2008 Karma :

My Afam x ring chain came with a split link.
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Minty · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Dec 2005 Karma :

Not sure what criteria/selection methods manufacturers use in the application of split links.

The chains I have bought for both my 125 and 900 always come with soft rivets?

I'd go on the basis that if the manufacturer stipulates a split link is fine, then so be it.
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