Master Link Sealant?

[rphillips]

Opinions, opinions, everyone's got them. So many different ones. I've done the endless thing, I've done the rivet on thing, & last few have been the clip type. never used sealant or wire for extra security. Decisions, decisions, decide what makes you comfortable & go for it.

[Gorminrider]

Might be the alignment of the chain or the power of the bike that pops the clip off, because "theoretically" there's very little load on the clip....

Trundling as I do, never had a problem, though I put some rtv on too when i read about it. were I more aggressive, I would rivet.

A clip comes with the chain. DID seems ok with it ...

[Carter Turk]

I've thrown a 630 chain off my first bike, 1980 GS 750. It was flung clear of the bike and engine on the 405 Freeway thru Renton.

Have had at least 6 clips fly off on the 1150 engined bikes in 630 & 530 versions.

One trip coming home over North Cascades (Hwy 20), I made it home, decided to lube the chain when it was freshly warm & found the masterlink clip-sideplate missing.

The master link itself was bent outward on both rollers, sort of holding the chain together- barely.

[Rob S.]

Opinions, opinions, everyone's got them.

Opinions are like armpits. Everybody's got one.

[Grimly]

Opinions are like armpits. Everybody's got one.

Only one? I don't think so.

[Sandy]

Only one? I don't think so.

You wish. LOL.

[limeex2]

And if one doesnt have good knowledge, or the proper flaring tool, the rivet type can come off too. Before my cheap arse bought the proper tool I used a vice grip, a ground nail then a center punch to flare the rivet. Worked, but very back yard.

[RichDesmond]

And if one doesnt have good knowledge, or the proper flaring tool, the rivet type can come off too. Before my cheap arse bought the proper tool I used a vice grip, a ground nail then a center punch to flare the rivet. Worked, but very back yard.

Perhaps. I’ve never seen it, or even heard of it. But I’ll certainly agree that it’s possible. However, risk mitigation isn’t about eliminating all risk. It about reducing it to an acceptable level, in the most cost effective way possible.

[salty_monk]

For me... a clip link (or two) would be something to be carried on a long trip where you are unlikely to be able to get a new chain for emergency use only.

With that said, if you are going to use one, then fit it the right way around. The nose point in the direction of chain travel not the legs.

I've personally found 3 missing links on bikes. One was on my own bike & was fitted with RTV. On the others the owners had no clue & may have been riding without one for some time.

On one long trip we purchased two "E-clips" of the right size from a mom & pop hardware store for an emergency fix.....

[Grimly]

The Bots are Back in Town.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Hey, jaunlien, welcome to the forum. Let’s see some pics of your bike. Yeah right. As if.

[zuluwiz]

Last time I changed a chain was back in the 80s sometime. I used a steel block behind the chain and a hammer to peen the links together. Never had any trouble with that chain. Of course I lubed it a lot, which it seems is wrong, but that was what i was trained to do.

[Sandy]

That's how I've always riveted them. If you have a good punch and an accurate hit you can even duplicate the factory 4 dimples .....like it matters. LOL.

[cowboyup3371]

And if one doesnt have good knowledge, or the proper flaring tool, the rivet type can come off too. Before my cheap arse bought the proper tool I used a vice grip, a ground nail then a center punch to flare the rivet. Worked, but very back yard.

The one time I tried to use a rivet type I had to beg borrow and steal just to find a tool. I found something at Harbor Freight (I was in Colorado) that said it would do the job but couldn't ever get it to work right. I gave up and went back to the clip version - have never had a problem.

Yes, there is some risk to the issue. However, in my PERSONAL opinion, if the hazards are as problematic and frequent then why hasn't the motorcycling community made sure the industry removed the hazard? We have done it with other things - anti-lock brakes (bike and car), safety seals in medicines/food, and backup cameras just to name a few small things the public has had influence over industry.

[salty_monk]

Mine is one of these... lots of generic ones out there about the same. https://www.cyclegear.com/accessorie...rivet-tool-kit

Most people break them in one of three ways:

1. Not reading the instructions or watching a how-to video first
2. Trying to break the chain without filing down the rivet first so lesser force needed
3. tool misalignment in operation.

Also important to remember not to go too far when peening the rivet over. It takes about 3/4 to one turn of the handle. Any more and you'll split the head