screwed up chain

[newgsman]

hey all, my father bought a new chain for his 77 gs 450. the new chain was a 110 link and his old chain was supposed to be a 104 but he said it was only a 102? so he cut 8 links off the new chain and when he went to install it was too short, uh-oh. can he just add a second master link to lenghten? or is that bad?please help. thanks

[chef1366]

Yes you can add an extra master link. I suggest the non-clip style you have to press on (vice-grips) and spread the ends with a punch and hammer.

[newgsman]

Yes you can add an extra master link. I suggest the non-clip style you have to press on (vice-grips) and spread the ends with a punch and hammer.

thanks for the input chef1366, all opinions matter

[almarconi]

Bad things can happen very quickly when your chain breaks. By adding "extra" master links you increase the chance of a chain failure. Chalk it up to experience and buy another chain. Next time you'll know how to measure a chain correctly.

[bwringer]

With all due respect to the mighty GS450, a new decent quality 530 chain is nowhere near its limits on this bike. (FWIW, Hayabusas use 530 chains.)

It'll be fine with another master, but I would go with the rivet style if possible.


Is there really such a thing as the 77 GS450, or is it a 400? Model confusion could explain why you ended up with the wrong chain.

[almarconi]

It'll be fine with another master, but I would go with the rivet style if possible.

Brian, I am really surprised that you would suggest that this is the correct way to repair/maintain a bike. It was only a few weeks ago that you were ranting about cheap gs owners..

They do incredibly stupid crap to their petcock with JB weld, spit, and bubblegum, which doesn't work, then buy a rebuild kit for $30+ shipping on eBay, which doesn't work, then go on the tech forum to moan about what a pile of junk this 30 year old petcock is, and how it should work perfectly forever...

and

I could go on and on... neglecting valve adjustments for tens of thousands of miles (jeepers, wonder why this thing is so hard to start?), original rock-hard 30 year old brake pads and squishy brake lines (gosh, this ol' bike just don't want to stop), oil leaks left to fester for years for want of $10 in seals, re-using crappy Phillips head screws... aaaaaagggghh.

What's next ..patching inner tubes to save a few bucks?

[bwringer]

Brian, I am really surprised that you would suggest that this is the correct way to repair/maintain a bike. It was only a few weeks ago that you were ranting about cheap gs owners..

Oh, all right...

A properly installed rivet-style master link is just as strong and reliable as the rest of the chain. So I'd be happy with that, personally.

I'd definitely avoid installing a second clip-style master.

You happy now?

[almarconi]

You happy now?

Yes..I know feel that order has been restored in the gs universe

[jimcor]

I remembered reading in an old Triumph 650 twins manual that two clip style masterlinks was an acceptable chain fix. So to double check I dug the old tome out and sure 'nuff there it was. I'd say you can do it, but I have lost a spring clip on the Cherohala Skyway so go the rivet route to be safe.