 Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 335
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 335 |
Well maybe not chain, but master link question.
Can anyone tell me why Triumph dosent put a master link on their chains. My Speedmaster is the first chain drive bike I have owned without a master link. My grandson has two dirt bikes he keeps at my place, and its so much easier to pull the chain off to clean it. Even if I clean the chain on the dirt bikes there is less in the way. I was going to pull out the angle grinder and put in a master link. I dont see any problem with this, but if anyone has other info let me know.I use a lift, and a piece of cardboard but its still a pain to do it on the bike.
Mark
The road goes on forever, The party never ends.
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Weakest link. Strength. CYA purposes. etc. you name it. Personal choice. Do you wear a helmet? Disconnect the battery before you install the chain guard. Do you patch inner tubes? Me? I'll stick with the riveted master link. If I was offroading now that is different. I would carry a chain breaker and a clip type master link. Just make sure the clip's closed edge faces the direction of chain travel.  
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
I believe the major difference and reason is that ALL the links are factory sealed and connected, giving each link the same degree of reliability - Both from a lube and wear standpoint as well are strength.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Who has a link to a part number or online retailer for a chain of good quality and strength that does have a master link?
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Moe beat me...
I wouldn't phrase it quite that way, what with the likes of yota and then of course matt and those other yutes about!
However, your point about lube and wear are certainly spot on. The riveted master link comes with the o-rings and a special grease. Clip type master links...
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 335
Adjunct
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OP
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Posts: 335 |
Thanks guys
I may be wrong about this, but the master link fits through the rollers, and they should be sealed?
I would probably clean & lube the chain more often if I could take it off the bike. I may give it a try.
The road goes on forever, The party never ends.
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216 |
I believe the only time the endless chain is riveted at the factory is when the first one is installed. After that, whoever puts the replacement chain on does the riveting (a popular myth is that an 'endless chain' comes as an endless chain... it does not), so a 'factory' rivet job is not really a factor. You can get clip master links for o-ring chains and it's simply a matter of installing the o-rings, lubing them up and compressing the side plates before installing the clip. A riveter isn't super expensive, but a rivet 'breaker' more so. A cheap rivet breaker will have a warning that you have to file the rivet head down first, effectively making it a simple pin 'pusher-outer' and not really a cutter.
My 'factory replacement chain and sprocket set' came with a rivet master link in a separate bag. Since I didn't have a riveter, and the local shop didn't have one for sale in parts, I bought a clip master link for o-ring chains (came with o-rings and grease) that's been working just fine for about 10k or so miles.
In my opinion if you have a riveter, use the rivet link. If you don't, use a clip o-ring link. I think even a clip link on an o-ring chain is not intended to be routinely removed and reinstalled. Once the rings are compressed, they're never quite the same.
Of course I'm not an expert on chains, so take that for what it's worth.
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
John, Quote:
...I bought a clip master link for o-ring chains (came with o-rings and grease) that's been working just fine for about 10k or so miles...
So a master clip type link will have the o-rings and grease. Thanks for the first hand information.
Quote:
In my opinion if you have a riveter, use the rivet link. If you don't, use a clip o-ring link. I think even a clip link on an o-ring chain is not intended to be routinely removed and reinstalled. Once the rings are compressed, they're never quite the same.
Sounds like the clip type link is more a choice for people in situations like yours as the master clips are not conducive for removal and reinstall.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4
Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,308 Likes: 4 |
Chain? What is that for? I looked all over my belt and it doesn't have one either. 
A word to the wise is not necessary. It is the stupid ones who need the advice.
Pat
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Dang man. You scared yours so bad it jumped up and hid itself under the cam cover and on the left side of the jugs.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 335
Adjunct
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OP
Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 335 |
With the dirt bikes I keep a bag of clips, and replace it every time I take the chain off. Cheap insurance. I think Pat has the right idea. Belts Rule. 
The road goes on forever, The party never ends.
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216 |
Tsubaki and EK both make 525 o-ring chains with clip links. The EK525mvxz has a screw/nut master link option that's suppose to be as tough as riveted links. I don't know about that, but it would be easier to change on the road and could be more secure than a clip. But with a standard clip link at 0.69, and an o-ring clip link for about $3, and a screw link at about $13-$15 bucks, it might not be worth changing a screw link for a chain cleaning every 500 miles.
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 788 |
I agree, it is a pain in the **s to have to lube up the chain on the bike, however I still do it just to keep it in tip top shape.
I am looking at the belt drive conversion as well for spring
07 TBA Pacific Blue and White.. stock for now!
A bike has half the wheels my cage does.. but 3x the fun factor
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Tsubaki and EK both make 525 o-ring chains with clip links. The EK525mvxz has a screw/nut master link option that's suppose to be as tough as riveted links. I don't know about that, but it would be easier to change on the road and could be more secure than a clip. But with a standard clip link at 0.69, and an o-ring clip link for about $3, and a screw link at about $13-$15 bucks, it might not be worth changing a screw link for a chain cleaning every 500 miles.
Most any chain will have a clip type master link available as an option. They come with the sealing rings and must be compressed to install the clip in the grooves. As mentioned earlier they are not designed for frequent removal on sealing ring type chains. Even on basic chains, the clip gets weaker each time it is re-used. The rivet links are stronger, so that's all I use.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
I agree, it is a pain ... to have to lube up the chain on the bike, however I still do it just to keep it in tip top shape.
I am looking at the belt drive conversion as well for spring
How do the English say it? Lubing a chain is a doodle? Meaning it is a breeze given one of two conditions. One. You have a lift. Two. You have a friend walk the bike while you squat/waddle beside it and spray the lube on. Having to lift the bike off the side stand, walk it two feet, place it back on the side stand, lube, repeat. Is a pain. No doubt about it!
Option one is so easy it makes me sick. Not only is the lube application brainless, but you get to wipe the chain with a rag, in effect cleaning the chain too. Option 2 affords the same wiping. That is if your friend is patient.
PS: There is a viable 3rd option: Buy a scott oiler and kick back in the evening while all your friends are duckwalking beside their bikes in the parking lot! Quack quack.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
Option one is so easy it makes me sick. Not only is the lube application brainless, but you get to wipe the chain with a rag, in effect cleaning the chain too.
Not only that, but it's much easier to check the condition of the chain. While turning it you can find the tightest spot to set it down to check adjustment. If there's a big difference between the tightest and the loosest, it's probably time for a replacement.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,836 Likes: 5 |
Excellent point, Big. Every time you lube, you are in effect inspecting.
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 9,223
Big Bore
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Big Bore
Joined: Jan 2005
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Quote:
Chain? What is that for?
I looked all over my belt and it doesn't have one either.
Belts are for noobs, little girls, and holding up pants!
Men prefer chains and sometimes whips...
"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734 |
I take off my chain guard when I clean and lube the chain. Makes it easier even when it's on the lift.
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821
Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 6,821 |
Quote:
I take off my chain guard when I clean and lube the chain. Makes it easier even when it's on the lift.
Me too. Considering that several here have had chain guards break at the front bolt tab, it's a good time to inspect it too.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Why not go all out and take off the sprocket cover too? lol. Had I the time to remove my chain guard once every week or two well I guess I would. For me removing the chain guard is well never mind. However, you bet I check the chain guard before every ride. 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: Chain Question?
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 3,734
Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Hey Moe, it's only 2 screws to remove to get the chain guard off. Takes all of 1 minute to do. With the chain guard off, it also makes it easier to cup the chain in my hand with a rag to get the grime off after I slather it in kerosene. Spin the rear wheel with one hand while loosely holding the chain with a rag. Comes out pretty clean. And actually I do take off the sprocket cover about every 2 thousand miles. Lots of gritty grime can get built up in there, and that stuff is hard on the chain. But then I'm one of those people that doesn't mind cleaning the chain. I know, I'm depraved. 
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