i've searched and read a lot of threads already...but all i wanted to know is if the CLIP type is better than the RIVET type...
i know that the GS dont' have enough power to rip the Clip apart...and i dont' have a C-clamp device to put the rivet on...so i'm leaning towards the clip kind
what should I be aware of when i'm putting a clip-type chain on?
also...if i get a 15 tooth sprocket...should i cut it to 119 links?
thanks a lot...and sorry if this is repeatitive
a stock chain is 110 links
110 links will be just fine with a 15t sprocket
Saftey wise...I'd go rivet
The GS doesnt make enough power to really warrent it, but if you never want to come off go rivet...
If i was me doing it I would go with a clip style....just cuz I wouldn't want to spend the money on the tool
Honestly, I've never used anything but a clip-style master link and have NEVER had one fail. If you install it properly (and it isn't a POS) it will do fine. The main things to remember are to install it with the rounded (closed) end facing the direction of rotation of the chain. You will also notice a "hole" near the closed end of the clip. Place the clip over the link and slide it into position with a pair of pliars (you are actually snapping it into place parallel with the link). DO NOT bend the ears of the clip when putting it on...that is the cause of the failures with clip-type master links. Once you have the clip in place you can place some silicone sealer over the clip if you like but I never have. Love the Baby GS, Ohio (they got some long flat roads), and this forum.
C........
Clips are not a good idea, the two pins the clip fixes over are only fastened to the link plate on one side. As a result they flex slightly and this can over time lead to the link plate breaking in two. We talked about this a few months ago and someone sent in some pics of his GS chain that had failed in this exact way.
OK. If one was going to go rivit over clip on. How does one rivit it? Is this a pop rivit? Does this have to be done by the stealer?
Sam
The new chain can be ordered "enless" (no clip, no masterlink, just one circular chain). Then you remove the swingarm to replace the chain.
Or, you can get a chain tool. I think they cost $80 or so. Some "chain tools" are just tools to help with the clip on a masterlink chain, so be sure to get the right kind.
Or, you can pay a dealer to do it. But my dealer strongly prefers installing master-link chains.
Speaking of chain tools... see the links in this old post (http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=100270#100270), as well as in my previous post in the same thread.
Thanks, Kerry. That "press fit" tool at the top of
http://www.motionpro.com/Docs/chaintools.html
... is for masterlinks. The other tools there are for breaking and connecting enless chains. Those two at the bottom, for $30 and $25 look interesting. They would certainly be harder to use than the $105-$120 variety (because they're so small), but they probably would get the job done.
this is what i got but mine is bigger
(http://www.motionpro.com/images/minichaintool_presskit.gif)
minus the little vice looking thing on the right
works good for breaking chains and resetting master links
you may also want to check ebay
here are 2 good looking ones that i found for not too much $$$
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=34284&item=4549170150&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=35580&item=4549368506&rd=1
Rema, maybe you confused the overall page description at the top with the description (UNDER the picture) for the first-featured tool?
It says, in part:
QuoteThe Motion Pro Jumbo Chain Tool will push the pin completely through the chain link and is designed to rivet chain up to 530 with the included rivet adapter.
For $140 it better do EVERYTHING! :o