chain split links.

[devojunior]

can we have a little chat about split links in chains please ?

i would like to remove my chain and clean around the swingarm and get some parafin on the chain as its due a good scrug but iv never needed to take a chain off a big bike chain off before,

do i just buy a chain tool and use that to remove a link as there is no split link or will there be a specific link that was used when the chain went on.

when i come to refitting the chain should i put anothe rsolid link in or would i be ok with a split link thanks adam.

[stinkwheel]

If it has a split link on, you can take the clip off and remove the chain then put it back on again. It is critically important that the closed end of the clip faces the direction of rotation.
https://www.teebeemotorcycles.co.uk/ProductImages/renthal_link.jpg

If it has a rivett link, you would destroy it when you remove it. You need a special tool to fit a rivett link which pushes the pins through then deforms the end to stop them coming out. You would need to fit a new one having removed the old one.

A rivett link can be harder to identify, look for one with dimples in the end of the pins.
https://www.sportbikes.net/forums/attachments/help-me-fix/199521d1273395186-rivet-link-chain-ruined-rivet-link-done-small.jpg

You can also get endless chains where all the links are the same. To remove this you would need to remove a link (which would destroy it) then refit with a rivett link.

The other way would be to drop the swingarm and remove it in one piece.

My personal oppinion is that split links are dangerous and have no place on a bigger bike having has several fail in the past.

My advice would be that if it is endless or has a rivett link, you should just work around it.

If you take the wheel out, you'll be able to get most of the chain into a tub to clean it.
____________________
“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.

[whitedevil]

+1 for remove wheel and use a tub with paraffin in.
____________________
GPZ500 sold ~ CBR600FS-2 sold ~ ZX6R sold ~ Street Triple R

[Fizzer Thou]

I took the right opportunity to clean the chain while I had the swingarm out to lube the bearings.
https://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv23/WiNot_Rhencullen/BikesBikesBikes348.jpg
It was easier to do without being on the bike,but not difficult to clean when the back wheel is out.
____________________
Just talk bikes.What else is there?

Always have a 'Plan B'

[devojunior]

bugger doing it the lazy way through swingarm,when i buy a chain tool where would be a good place to buy one,machine mart ?

i dont wanna buy a cheap one that wil break but im not made of money.

i really want to get round front sprocket and clean as i think i have that cleaning disorder,it just bugs me how dirty it is under the sprocket cover.

so to refresh you cannot push the pins in and out like on a push bike ? the chain tool will only remove a link destroying it and will only put anothe rback on ect ect ?

[Tenko]

Any decent pushbike shop will sell you a chain-splitter for about a tenner... Just don't lose the pin!!!

[stinkwheel]

[whitedevil]

You can get a DID chain splitter/riveter for around £20. Ive used mine a few times without incident.
https://bikespeeduk.com/WebRoot/Eclipse/Shops/steer2916/4C4E/FAAC/390D/67F0/E8EC/5299/FE62/47FB/DID_chaintool.jpg
____________________
GPZ500 sold ~ CBR600FS-2 sold ~ ZX6R sold ~ Street Triple R

[Tenko]

I wasn't meaning a small chain splitter - one that is large enough to get the link into!!! I bought one from a pushbike shop years ago and used to use it without any problems until I lost the pin. I was in a pushbike shop on Wednesday looking for one as my lad has broken the chain on his BMX, and the larger ones would be fine for a motorbike chain. Whatever, you need to look at the splitter first to ascertain this yourself!!!