DID standard chain?

[sledge]

You do what you think is right my friend but I hope YOU are not doing 80 down the freeway when it lets go, particularly if you have dropped the front sprocket size and like to pop wheelies. BTW, the little fishy. Its for the benefit of those people who choose  to fit split links and cant remember which way the clip goes,(unlike yourself for which I give you credit) all you have to do is imagine a fish swimming upstream, the closed end of the link is its head, the open end is its tale. Does that make sense? Regarding silicone  . Its ok if your fuggin` bathtub leaks but a few turns of fusewire threaded between the clip and the linkplate is a much better option if you want peace of mind.

[runsilent]

"Before you put the clip on you slide a link plate on over the 2 pins agreed? There is a very slight clearance between the pins and the holes in the link plate...there must be otherwise it wouldnt slide on"

NOT TRUE!!!!  ABSOLUTELY NOT TRUE!!!!  THERE IS NO CLEARANCE!!!!  IT WON"T SLIDE ON!!!!

I have put a half dozen replacement DID O-ring chains on my GS500's since 99 and all of these chains had clip type master links and all of the master link sideplates required a heavy press fit to get them on.  I used to be able to get these pressed on with the leverage of large arc joint pliers.  On the one I put on last year, it was necccessary to to use a C-clamp to press it on.  They are TIGHT, a heavy press fit.  If properly installed, that link is as safe as any other on the chain.

My first old Hondas had the standard non o-ring type chains.  Back then, a couple decades ago, the clip type master link did have a side plate with a slip fit on the pins.  Back then the CB400 and the CM400 I had came with 530 chains.  The 400cc bikes had a 530 chains then and now the 500cc bikes come with the narrower 520 chains.  Chains have improved greatly over the years.  I'm not sure how the master link sideplates fit now on the clip type links on the standard chains.  If they are a slip fit, I wouldn't use them too long.  As I recall, I got about 10-12k miles out of those old standard type chains.  Now I get about 15-20k miles from the O-ring type chains on the GS's.

[rangerbrown]

i one hell of a hard time geting it in. matter of fact a buddy had to help hold the chain (with a tool) and then i had to use another tool to squeez it in. i really dont think its going any wear. but i am not that hard on the bike (wheelys, ect...) i just ride to work and every now and then run it though the moutains.

i rarly see 80mph any more, i have a 17t front and a 130/90 rear so my rpm and speed it limited to about 70 at 5k and i not get about 78mpg hwy

[CRXDrew]

hmm... well... i bought 2 master clip links when I ordered. no worries, i'll run this chain for a good bit mostly because i'm in need of it (i'm on stock chain w/ 15k and its near the end of the adjustment w/ my 14t)

I will probably end up getting a new chain or a new bike for that matter in the not so distant future interesting information though. Alot of the motorcycle specific stuff is very new to me. 

[sledge]

There is a more clearance between the pins on the loose link plate than with the rest of them. Period! Ever see a automotive timing chain with a splint link? Not many of them about is there? The points I made are valid and recognised in engineering applications and many high end users such as refineries, car plants power generation etc ban their use on critical machinery over doubts about reliability and THOSE guys really do know what they are talking about! People seem keen to say its BS, its a forum so its your right too but can anyone else give a credible reason as to why split- links are prone to snapping with age and wear???. Come back when you can.

[rangerbrown]

if it happens i will let you all know.

[runsilent]

 

[sledge]

I have been asked not to make any further comments in this thread in case someone throws a hissy-fit and leaves the forum as a result. Out of respect I have chosen to comply and therefore wont be any posting links to the many pages/sites that confirm and substantiate my earlier comments.

[hmmmnz]

im sure thats a comment

[runsilent]

I too was asked three days ago by a Moderator to not comment further in this thread and chose to honor the request.  Would have been best to have quietly dropped it as requested without further shots.

[Mandres]

You guys are both right.  Yes, the clip-style master link is not as strong as an endless riveted chain.  Nobody can deny that; it's a fact.  What's also a fact is that in Runsilent's multi-decade experience the clip-style link has proven itself strong enough for a GS500.  Either style from a quality manufacturer like DID or RK will stretch itself beyond the service limit long before the master link wear becomes an issue.  The only exceptions I've ever seen were from improper installation.  

For myself personally I just borrow a chain breaker and use a rivet style link.  I hate trying to rig up the C-clamp to install the clip.

-M

[scratch]

To each his own.

As I have stated: Both have made their points, it is now up to the reader to decide.

See my sig line below.