Clip master link

[Eric_in_OR]

I need to replace my chain due to a tight spot in the original chain, and so I ordered an EK 520SRX 110-link chain which comes with a clip-type master link. As I was preparing to cut the chain off, I noticed that my Haynes says in big bold letters: Warning: NEVER install a drive chain which uses a clip-type master (split) link.

So, here I am. Do I need to order up a rivet master link and a tool, or can I safely use what I have? I'm pretty sure the split links work fine or else EK wouldn't include them with the chain, right? The box does say that riveted-type master link is recommended for street motorcycles. This is my first chain replacement @25k miles, and I am replacing the front sprocket as well.

[Paulcet]

I've been using the clip.  Others do, too.  Still other don't. 

Certainly, the riveted master link is better, as it is almost impossible to come off.  But I am confident in the conscientious and careful installation of the clip links.   

[Big Rich]

+1. I had a clip master link on my old CL175 and had it up over 80mph. As long as it's installed properly it shouldn't be a big deal.

You said the front sprocket is getting replaced- what about the rear? They are supposed to be replaced as a set or else the old components wear out the new stuff.

[BaltimoreGS]

Clip master links on 4 of my current street bikes and all of the dirt bikes I have ever owned with no issues.

-Jessie

[sledge]

The GS5 owners manual states something similar but its your choice. Some people will say they have never had a problem with clips but search just about any bike forum and you will find someone who has seen one fail causing damage or leaving them stranded miles from anywhere.....at least 2 people in here have and I am one of them  

I wouldnt touch one with a s-h-i-t-y stick ever again but its your call  

http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/displayimage.php?album=lastupby&cat=0&pos=0&uid=56

[crzydood17]

its all about how much security means to you

[gsJack]

I've always used clip type master links on all my bikes for over 300k chain driven miles including the 9 replacement chains on my 97 and 02 GSs.  I replace the front sprocket only as required and have never replaced a rear sprocket on any bike, put over 80k miles on both my GSs.  It is important to get it installed properly.  I had the 97 GS up to 110 mph indicated and have done quite a few 400 mile interstate days at 70-75 mph indicated on clip type master links.

I always say it's your bike, your life, your choice in such matters.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GSbrakeschains.jpg

[HardcoreKeith]

I'm using a clip master link currently.  I just make sure to check it every time I ride, which ensures that it'll never come apart.  It's the same physics that govern watching water in a pot on the stove. 

[ben2go]

When you put the clip on the link,make sure the open end of the clip faces the opposite way of the chain rotation.This will help prevent the clip from being knocked off if something is kicked up into the chain.I run them on all of my GS's without any issues.I wouldn't run them on anything with more power than the GS.

[RichDesmond]

Over the years I've seen dozens of failed chains. In every case they were clip style master links, some of them installed by people I know to be competent, conscientious mechanics.  I have NEVER seen a rivet style fail.
This is not to say that a clip link will fail, obviously many people (including myself) haven't had it happen to them personally. But to basically say, "It's never happened to me so it's not a problem" is not very good logic. Over the course of your life a clip link may only have a 5-10% chance of failing. But given the possibly catastrophic consequences, why not reduce that chance to virtually zero, especially when it's simple and easy to do so?

[sledge]

Look again at the pic....

http://www.gstwins.com/photogallery/displayimage.php?album=lastupby&cat=0&pos=0&uid=56

The link has failed NOT because the clip has become dislodged, its failed because the locked side plate has broken in two. Its broken because it has been repeatedly flexed, its been flexed because of the clearances between the pins and the holes in the free side plate. Every time the chain sees load this clearance is taken up..it might only be 0.0005" but it results in the two pins separating from each other and no longer sitting parallel, because they are fixed to the locked side plate.....the side plate will bend. It wont bend much but do it thousands of times and it will start to have a detrimental effect.

If you are worried about the clip coming off cut a strip of tim from an old can, feed it between the clip and the side plate and fold it over on itself, this will prevent the clip from opening up and coming off........wont stop the sideplate from flexing though.

[gsJack]

The clip type master links I got back in the 80's had the slip fit side plates like sledge is referring to but the ones I've got for my GS500 bikes over the past 12 years have had press fit side plates and seems to me the press is now even heavier than before.  I pressed the first ones on with arcjoint pliers but had to use a c-clamp on the last couple I did.  Anyway, I'll be using the clip types as long as I can still get them and am not concerned with loosing a clip as long as I put them on myself.  No guarantees on the ones anyone else puts on.

[Garrett]

Not to thread jack but where do you guys get your chains? I need a new one.

[yamahonkawazuki]

When you put the clip on the link,make sure the open end of the clip faces the opposite way of the chain rotation.This will help prevent the clip from being knocked off if something is kicked up into the chain.I run them on all of my GS's without any issues.I wouldn't run them on anything with more power than the GS.

aye put it with closed end forwards. ive never had an issue on them. on motos. on bicycles, yes. ive had one break. but bike was motorised. sooooooooo that was my mcgyvered fault there