Master link - Ducati.ms

eddiemack · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:44 am

What style master link do you use for your drive chain?

**SouthsideDuc** · Aug 21st, 2006, 12:49 pm

Clips belong on bicycles. I have no idea why anyone would not use a riveted chain on a Ducati (or any other high HP machine that could easily kill you if chain splits).

Tony

eddiemack · Aug 21st, 2006, 1:01 pm

One reason is because of the cost to buy a rivet press. Another being the simplicity of a clip vs. special tools. My KDX, my old Husqvarna 260, and scores of other chain drive bikes all use clips without problems and I'd say they take more of a pounding compared to street riding. I'm just wondering if the rivets are better or if it's more a move to keep the lawyers happy.... not trying to start a flame session .... but I never knew anyone who had a chain come apart due to the clip coming off....
BTW: I have no interest in bicycles.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthsideDuc

Clips belong on bicycles. I have no idea why anyone would not use a riveted chain on a Ducati (or any other high HP machine that could easily kill you if chain splits).

Tony

pazzoduc · Aug 21st, 2006, 4:45 pm

Geez Southside... A bit cranky today eh?

I think clips are fine. In fact, they take almost no force if correctly installed. Don't think one of those will ever kill someone on a high perf machine.

I used to run a clip on my 140+hp CBR1000. And just after replacing the chain, somewhere in Nevada, I noticed the clip had decided to go a different route. So, not having a spare handy like I probly should have, I used some stranded copper wire as a clip. In fact, that copper wire stayed the life of the chain.

But just for the record, I'm currently running a rivet set-up. No real issues either way.

DukeDesmo · Aug 21st, 2006, 6:00 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by eddiemack

One reason is because of the cost to buy a rivet press. Another being the simplicity of a clip vs. special tools. My KDX, my old Husqvarna 260, and scores of other chain drive bikes all use clips without problems and I'd say they take more of a pounding compared to street riding. I'm just wondering if the rivets are better or if it's more a move to keep the lawyers happy.... not trying to start a flame session .... but I never knew anyone who had a chain come apart due to the clip coming off....
BTW: I have no interest in bicycles.

I had a KTM 500 Motocrosser, I went out for a ride as I live in a very rural area, about 5 miles from home I took a jump on some dirt track and the split link/clip broke when the suspension compressed (maybe the chain was a little tight?) - It was nice work pushing it home.

I wouldn't trust a clip on a powerful bike (KTM was 65hp) as it is the 'weakest link' although they are much easier to change.

The last time I changed my chain I broke my rivet tool but managed OK with a die grinder to remove and a Ball bearing and some Vise-grips to refit but it is easier with the correct tool.

BTW a friend of mine had a chain break on his 888 and it punched a hole in the crankcase.

oO_Rogue_Oo · Aug 21st, 2006, 10:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthsideDuc

Clips belong on bicycles. I have no idea why anyone would not use a riveted chain on a Ducati (or any other high HP machine that could easily kill you if chain splits).

Tony

+1

mals900ss · Aug 22nd, 2006, 12:31 am

I have a clip these days, just for ease. I have also added the silastic over it to add as retainer.

I got my last chain from Tsubaki, a Japanese manufacturer we used from the Forklift industry. They also sponsor a mate of mine with his bike engined Hill Climb open wheeler. I spent ages talking to them about the link situation and was assured I would no have an issue so long as the clip was put on correctly.

BTB, the Hillclimb special runs an old GSX1100 motor bombed to put out over 220 RWHP on the dyno, runs 13" wide soft soft compound tyres and chews through chains every 3 meetings. He runs a joining clip and Silastic but he suffers from chain stretch, hasn't pinged a link yet.

I still think about chain breaking from time to time so I check the link each time I oil the chain.

Mal

Micio · Aug 22nd, 2006, 5:52 pm

It was worth it to me to spend a hundred bucks on a rivet press.

Some of my friends poo-poo'd the need for it, but I let them know they were all welcome to use it. Know what? They're running riveted master links now.

duc995 · Aug 23rd, 2006, 5:22 pm

All you have to do is come in at the end of a track day session - or race - and find the 'clip' missing from the rivit link to say NEVER again; this is with oil-proof silicone as the back-up as well!

eddiemack · Aug 23rd, 2006, 5:52 pm

I see most people error on the side of saftey, which is a good thing. I just ordered a press and will be swapping over to rivet. I don't want any bicycle parts on my Ducati (other than the cheesy cracked Schwin frame). Thanks everyone for the input!! This forum rocks.