Lost master link clip.... - Ducati.ms

AlDeJoria · Sep 8th, 2008, 11:30 am

Has anyone else ever had this issue? I've actually lost two now. doing my post ride inspection/cleanup, I've found the clip missing twice. Stock size chain, nothing hitting or rubbing. It's an RK, and has less than four hundred miles on it. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Al

euromotoaz · Sep 8th, 2008, 11:38 am

Have you checked for a misalignment of the sprockets? It could place side-load on the chain and pop the clip.

VTGPDUC · Sep 8th, 2008, 3:31 pm

Seen it happen to both street and dirt bikes, last time was two weeks ago on a clip that I put on myself. The kid crashed on his way home, laid the bike down in gravel and clip came off (dirt bike, brand new chain.)
I must say I have never had this happen with a DID or Regina chain. Their clips seem to be more spring like, and seat positively.
My best recommendation is rivet your chain. The next best is to apply some RTV over the masterlink/clip.

Unless your alignment is really off (uncommon), or your chain is too tight(common). then these need to be addressed.

wdietz186 · Sep 8th, 2008, 3:46 pm

Did you fit the clip with the closed end facing the direction? If installed backwards any thing it my touch can flip it out of place. The best stuff to use on the clip is a glue called Goop they have different formulas but it all seems to work the same,much better than silicone it's a bitch to get off after it sets up.

redpato · Sep 8th, 2008, 6:14 pm

I've lost my master link clip, too. As suggested, make sure the closed end of the clip is facing the direction of travel. I have safety wired the clip to the link using .028" inconel wire, holds great. It does wear some when it goes around the sprockets and has to be replaced but holds up very well.

"in God we trust"

zvez · Sep 8th, 2008, 6:33 pm

I bought a DID chain break rivet tool, best money spent, I rivet all my chains now. no worries about master link coming loose tho never had a prob with masters before.

Chris

bigbadbass · Sep 8th, 2008, 8:43 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by zvez

I bought a DID chain break rivet tool, best money spent, I rivet all my chains now. no worries about master link coming loose tho never had a prob with masters before.

Chris

+1 to above. riveted chains ONLY on my duc. just don't trust clip type master.

mals900ss · Sep 9th, 2008, 7:10 am

I have joined links on my last two chains..

Good tip is to silastic (silicone sealant) a thick smear over the link after cleaning the link really well.

Oh and make sure the link IS facing the correct way

AlDeJoria · Sep 10th, 2008, 8:59 am

Thanks for all the input, everyone. I've checked the alignment, it's good, and it's not too tight, either. And I know for sure they are installed the correct way. I do kinda like the idea of a rivet link, so I'll look into that. Until then, I think I'll clean it and either silicone it, or goop it. My next big ride will be a track day, so I'm anxious to get this corrected...lol. Thanks again guys, I do appriciate it!!!

Al

st2lemans · Sep 10th, 2008, 9:05 am

I've got a MotionPro riveter/breaker. I recommend it highly.

Tom