Chain master link?

[TravisBickle]

Can someone help me please?

I booked my 2002 Fazer 600 in to have the chain and sprockets changed, I supplied the parts, now the garage has rung me saying I've ordered the wrong chain because it doesn't have a master link and so it won't go round the swinging arm.

Am I being dumb or is it him? I wouldn't have thought threading the chain through the hole in the swinging arm with the chain doubled-up would have been a problem?

If I need to order a new chain is there something specific I need to enter into the search in order to get one with a master link? The chain I ordered was DID gold X-ring 530 with 110 links https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DID-Gold-X-Ring-Drive-Chain-Pitch-530-110-Links-Yamaha-XJR-1300-2011/292356397379?hash=item4411cc9943:g:80MAAOSwWCZaJHZ2&frcectupt=true

It's the model before the fox eye face lift in case that makes a difference! The first incarnation with the square headlights.

Cheers!

[Pete.]

The chain is endless out of the box? Seems odd but I suppose it could happen. Usually the master link comes in a packet in the box.

I wonder if it actually HAS got a rivet link fitted but not riveted and they haven't spotted that?

If it is the case then they are right they will not be able to fit the chain without cutting it. One option you have is to buy a rivet master link and ask them to cut one link out and use that. Make sure you get the correct one.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[TravisBickle]

Ok that's interesting, thank you.

He did mention that although the chain is clearly unused, it was loose in the box and said they usually come shrink-wrapped. Could this possibly be an item that someone has riveted closed into a complete loop before fitting, realised their mistake and returned it to the seller I wonder...

[Pete.]

[TravisBickle]

Will do, thank you.

Sounds increasingly like either a fake or a returned item

[davebike]

Looks like a chain sold as a loop A few owners like them Swing arm has to come out to fit Or you order the Correct soft link and cut and rejoin

I REALLY love customers that get the parts I take the Swing arm out and fit say 4 hours and £200 !
____________________
Dave
NC750Xdct + others at work !
davebike1@gmail.com

[Bhud]

I have an endless chain in storage. It's vacuum-packed and a genuine item (Honda stamp and serial number). However, it's not a DID chain.

[stinkwheel]

As above, you CAN buy endless chains but the swingarm needs to be removed to fit it.

In fairness, it doesn't need to be entirely removed, you can simply take the long bolt out and move it to one side a bit in most cases, you just need a big enough gap to feed the chain through. I've done it at the side of the road before when all I could get was an endless after my chain snapped. When I've done it, I never removed the wheel or shock, just the swingarm pivot bolt and one of the chainguard bolts. From memory, I might not even have taken the pivot all the way out.

If it's for an XJR, you'd need to take one of the shocks off too.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say it might actually be quicker than fucking about with a chain rivetting tool in many cases.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[TravisBickle]

Thanks guys, input much appreciated.

No it's not for an XJR, that's just what it's advertised that it's for on their eBay listing. I done some research and decided on the chain I wanted and typed the specs into the eBay search and that was the cheapest one that came up. I just assumed if the pitch, width and number of links were correct then it would be compatible regardless.

This is the response the seller gave:

[Bhud]

What they wrote to you is correct. However, you are also correct insofar as any chain with the right pitch and number of links will do the job. I would just recommend never going for the cheapest chain - even if it's DID. DID's cheapest tends to rust fast (in my experience) and doesn't last that long. Not that it will cause a problem - it's just something I found. As I don't use garages for regular maintenance tasks I prefer endless chains because the thought of one breaking on me while riding because of a failed master link or because of a bad rivet contorting it fills me with dread. However, if a garage is fitting your chain it doesn't matter.

[TravisBickle]

Sorry I should have been clearer, this wasn't simply the cheapest compatible DID chain (of any type) I could find, I chose the best DID chain available for my bike and then went about finding the cheapest place to get it from. It's the gold-coloured heavy duty X-ring chain. Cost just under £100.

[TravisBickle]

Not that I suppose it makes a difference but the gold coloured ones are slightly more expensive than the grey ones. But it matches my red and gold sprocket so I'm happy :-p

[Bhud]

[TravisBickle]

With the mileage I do (not very much), to be honest I'd be perfectly happy to change it once a year just for peace of mind. Not that expensive really.

[TravisBickle]

So what was the substitute you were using?

[Bhud]

Used engine oil, applied about once a week, after the bike had been ridden back home. It prevents some rust and cleans off some dirt but I don't recommend this because the oil gets flicked away as soon as you ride away again. I believe, and I haven't tested this, that chain waxes offer the best chain protection because they stick to the chain. Chain cleaning, on the other hand, is just to wipe away particles and moisture. As you say, chains are consumable items and they will deteriorate and need replacement anyway. If you ride in the rain (I used to commute by bike) then chain cleaning and protection should be a major concern. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry about it apart from a wipedown because the links are sealed and you know the chain is wearing away anyway. Everyone has their own attitude about chains but it matters the most to commuters, who ride in all weathers and especially in the winter.