Chains! Split link or Rivet link??

[chunk166]

Ok! So i am looking at a new set of chain & sprockets soon but a lot of the set come with split links supplied, Just out of curiosity. Would you use a split link on a 600cc + bike? Have seen some split links that have been "safety wired" to stop then clip from coming off??


So, Would you or not??? 

[Freck]

Don't use a split link, they're only any good for pushbikes! 
Ideally you should use an endless chain for any motorbike but they're a pain and a lot of work to fit.
Rivet link is the right way forward. 

[darrsi]

Nooooooooo.


The bike has too much oomph, don't even consider it.

[crickleymal]

OK I'll bite, why? A split link has basically the same construction as a riveted link. Having said that I do have riveted chains on my bikes.

[Deefer666]

As I understand it, a split link is every bit as strong as a riveted link when under the correct tension, which is why a lot of the big top fuel and modified drag bikes use them for easy of maintenance..... But they are only as strong under a pulling load, but when a chain becomes worn and gets lateral side to side movement and under load the weakest point obviously becomes the spring clip.


Now bearing in mind the dragbike argument that most people use to justify the strength of a split link is majorly flawed as most drag bikes have little or no rear suspension movement so therefore very little chain slack compared to a modern road bike and those bikes will have the chains binned after a few race meetings. Where as a road bike will keep that chain for up to 20K (or longer) it will wear enough to give scope for the chain to have some side to side movement especially when downshifting this is enough for a spring clip to potentially fail and therefore have the chain fail.


I hope this clears things up a little.....

[darrsi]

"You are the weakest link......goodbye."   

[crickleymal]

As I understand it, a split link is every bit as strong as a riveted link when under the correct tension, which is why a lot of the big top fuel and modified drag bikes use them for easy of maintenance..... But they are only as strong under a pulling load, but when a chain becomes worn and gets lateral side to side movement and under load the weakest point obviously becomes the spring clip.


Now bearing in mind the dragbike argument that most people use to justify the strength of a split link is majorly flawed as most drag bikes have little or no rear suspension movement so therefore very little chain slack compared to a modern road bike and those bikes will have the chains binned after a few race meetings. Where as a road bike will keep that chain for up to 20K (or longer) it will wear enough to give scope for the chain to have some side to side movement especially when downshifting this is enough for a spring clip to potentially fail and therefore have the chain fail.


I hope this clears things up a little.....

Yup, thanks

[chunk166]

As I understand it, a split link is every bit as strong as a riveted link when under the correct tension, which is why a lot of the big top fuel and modified drag bikes use them for easy of maintenance..... But they are only as strong under a pulling load, but when a chain becomes worn and gets lateral side to side movement and under load the weakest point obviously becomes the spring clip.


Now bearing in mind the dragbike argument that most people use to justify the strength of a split link is majorly flawed as most drag bikes have little or no rear suspension movement so therefore very little chain slack compared to a modern road bike and those bikes will have the chains binned after a few race meetings. Where as a road bike will keep that chain for up to 20K (or longer) it will wear enough to give scope for the chain to have some side to side movement especially when downshifting this is enough for a spring clip to potentially fail and therefore have the chain fail.


I hope this clears things up a little.....

Wow! Didn't think of it like that,just assumed a link was a link!!! Rivet link it is then. 

[Deefer666]

Someone on another forum just pointed out that the GP and all the serious race bikes also run split links... Again they don't have the suspension travel of a road bike (most circuits are runway smooth) and again the chains would be binned after a few races. 


You pay yer money and you take your choice, Just because something can fail doesn't mean it will but if you lessen the chances of it failing in the first place the safe you and your bike are going to be.

[Val]

split link on a 600cc + bike

RIP 

Seriously though there are no any split link chain sets on sale for the Fazer.

That answers your question.

[unfazed]

Last time I used a split link chain was on a CB200 Honda in 1975.

I would never use them on any bike over 250cc

Was sent this picture last week for advice on what to do

This is the result of a badly riveted rivet link and this fellow was lucky he saw it before it broke. 
Looked like the head of the rivet was cracked when fitted by a heavy handed fitter.

His last chain broke when he was doing over 90 because it was over tightened by the mechanic he uses he was extremely lucky as he only put a crack on the sprocket cover and broke part of the hugger. The chain ran through with no other damage.

I advised him to change the chain and sprockets if he could afford it since they had over 16000 miles up and change his mechanic

He has taken my advice

[darrsi]

split link on a 600cc + bike

RIP 

Seriously though there are no any split link chain sets on sale for the Fazer.

That answers your question.

http://foc-u.co.uk/index.php?topic=11950.0

[Grahamm]

Last time I bought a DID X Ring chain and sprockets it cost me around £115. The chain tool was £13.

Ask yourself: How much money would I save with a split link? Then ask yourself whether saving the price of a tank or two of petrol is worth jeopardising your safety?