Opinions on chain types compared to engine sizes

[RickTaff]

Hi,

Simply asking this question as had differing opinions from various mechanics.

Is it ok to fit a chain which uses a split-link, on a motorcycle with a 500-600cc engine size?

Is the engine size a factor at all?; or is it simply down to how you ride and whether you ride the bike like an idiot, or sensibly.

Thanks

[chris-red]

Just get a rivet link, the tool to fix them can be had from £20-30. There is then no need to be concerned about it.
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[RickTaff]

[Ste]

I would never fit one on a bike that size due to having one snap on an R6 some years ago but I do use split links on mountain bikes.

[RhynoCZ]

The common rule says split links are only for engines of displacements upto 500cc (roughly 50 Nm of torque). Riveting is easy, quick and safe, if done right and you do not need any special tools for that. 600cc is roughly 60 Nm (modern 4 cylinder bikes even close to 70 Nm), and although 10 Nm seems like nothing, the difference is not negligible.

Rivet links tend to be a part of the chain set that you buy. Or at least the last time I bought a brand new chain the rivet link was there. I also bought a split link chain and there as well was a split link and the clip.

X-ring (no rubber rings) vs O-ring (rubber rings). X-ring is recommended for riding in mud and dust (track bikes use them as well), it's more durable for that, however the replacement interval is much shorter. O-ring chains are the high tech stuff here, that's meant to be used on the road, very long life if properly maintained, also quite quieter.

EDIT: I messed up a bit, but nothing important, in this case anyway. X-ring also has rubber rings there, I meant to say chains with no rubber rings (used in MX and racetracks).

https://www.did-coltd.com/english/products/images/wr/g001.gif

Feck, chains got quite complicated in the past few years. O-ring, X-ring, Square-ring...
https://www.didchain.com/images/xRingStreet2.jpg
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[RickTaff]

[RhynoCZ]

Oh that, yes you may rivet your chain. Instead of that split link (grooves for the clip) you will use the rivet link (smash with a punch and hammer until flat enough).

So you have O-ring chain? Rubber rings on each link? Then buy a rivet link with 4 rubber rings. They should also supply you with a lubricant you use, before you rivet it.

To be honest, I have never really thought about this before. One time I had to rivet my chain, because I was putting the final drive gear ratio back to stock (the previous owner was a joker), so I had to remove some links and I used whatever rivet link they had at my local motorcycle parts shop. The bike did many miles after that, then I sold it and the owner haven't called since, so alright there as well.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[Ste]

https://www.bandcexpress.co.uk/shop/transmission/chains/Joining+Links.htm?Brand=DID

I'd say give them a call in the morning and they should be able to help you out. They might want to know the part number on the box of the chain you've got as that would make it easier for them to be 100% sure what rivet link you need.

[Ste]

Oh and as much as I wouldn't use a split link, if you don't have a rivet link then I'd use the split link whilst waiting to get something better.

The R6 that broke a split link was also used as a race bike and track bike so it hadn't had an easy life. Realistically, you'll be completely fine using a split link especially if it's only to tide you over until you can get your hands on a rivet link.

What bike is it going on?

[RhynoCZ]

I'm going to agree with Ste. The 60-70 Nm I was talking about are quite before the top of the rev range of your machine. So you keep your riding nice and easy, it won't really be a problem.

Also, and I know this is something you were wondering about, do not try to smash the split link (for the clip) into a rivet link. It will not work, and you will break it.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[RickTaff]

[RickTaff]

[RhynoCZ]

Just use the split link.
____________________
'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[RickTaff]

[RhynoCZ]

Use the split link that came with the chain.
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'87 Honda XBR 500, '96 Kawasaki ZX7R P1, '90 Honda CB-1, '88 Kawasaki GPz550, MZ 150 ETZ
'95 Mercedes-Benz w202 C200 CGI, '98 Mercedes-Benz w210 E200 Kompressor

[Ste]

Use the split link and everything will be cool.

[RickTaff]

Thanking you both

[MCN]

[Ste]

n00b.

You're meant to carry spares.

[RhynoCZ]

[MCN]