Chain-- clip on master link

Hi All,

Had new chains/sprockets ( plus dyno tune, carby synchro, fork oil etc) done by local bike mechanic (Explosive Racing, Peakhurst)....
I was not happy with cost, plus fact that they did not follow my instructions to track down engine vibes ( eg, check engine mounting bolts torque and all other mountings are tight, rubber mounting of fuel tank) . . basically stuff that I have learned with your help in VFR World.
Engine vibes around 8000 rpm still exist! arrrrghh!

anyway, decided to pull fairings off and have a go myself...found rearsubframe mountings not torqued up, exhaust flanges etc not tight..engine mounts didnt seem too bad..

The point of this story! while i was crawling around the bike I looked up at the new chain and saw a friggin metal clip on the master link!
As the manual says: master link should be staked...quote "never attempt to use a chain with a clip-type master link"

Are they trying to kill me, or am I over-reacting?? I have had a chain failure (clip came off) back in the day on my old XL 250, luckily the chain dropped out on the road instead of locking everything up. . . but I never did 90mph on the old XL.


Your thoughts would be appreciated,

Geoff

 

the only info I have on chain (from the receipt) is 530 gold. . not much info. Just like receipt mentions Motul engine oil. . . yeah, which one?! I had to ask the mechanic, he says 5100 or 6100?? what? he doesn't know?

 

Geoff, check out this link and see if it helps you decide. Rather in depth but informative non the less. see note in middle of page!2.2.3.3 Strength Differences Between Chain and the Connecting Links and Offset Links

 

Sounds like a pretty arrogant shop. " Just shut up and like it " i put a new chain on recently and used a master link without any problems. But i plan to buy a a chain tool very soon and stake one on there. Im sure its fine but like you it still makes me nervous

 

There are types on here that will say its ok, I have seen them used in racing with no failures, the clip has to be the smooth rounded side facing forward according to the wheel rotation. I always ran a piece of saftey wire over the clip. If you invest in a quality chain tool that stakes/and presses on the master link, it will last your lifetime.

Remember you just a number, if you pay to have anything worked on in this or the car industry, they wana do it fast and kick it in its arse out the door. A small shop, you have a better chance of getting more personal work possibly...Cheers,,,,I still got my Mick Doohan brain bucket on the shelf...

 

I'd put a riveted one on instead as quick as you can and never, ever, go back to that shop.

 

That is why I work on my bike most of the time...........

 

Except one more time to tell them, and why!

I really tire of how the business community in general treat the customers like shit. Honestly, what has happened to genuine quality work and craftsmanship. There are good businesses out there but they are few and far between. They are usually old family businesses handed down through the generations.

 

I just put a new did chain on mi e yesterday. Used the new motion pro PBR chain tool. Everything went well, exactly as planned. Being 1st time I've replaced a chain, I'm curious. How do you know if the rivets are staked enough?

 

Has anyone on here tried the master link you screw on? Seems like some loctite on the screws would keep it very secured. Never tried one myself so i was wondering if its worth the 10 bucks. If i knew how to put a link on here to it i would. But i think did makes them.

 

+10,000. These clowns do not deserve to touch your bike at all. If you decide not to do your own work take it to someone that cares a little.

 

Hey mates,

Thanks all for your replies,
this business was written up in a local bike mag (2wheels, I think) so I thought I,d give them a go.

Forgot to mention that few days after I got it back, noticed a big crack in RHS rear fairing which Ive repaired with a fibreglass kit......I cant prove anything but never noticed it before!!

The shop guy emailed me back and says chains have improved in last 10 years and they use master link clips on 500bhp racing bikes with no worries.
I dont know. i dont think chain technology has changed that much in last 10 years?/? the clip looks exactly like the ones on my old trail bikes from 40 years ago..think I'll be getting it staked for peace of mind.

ricko2, you said you've done it yourself. good on you....in my service manual VFR750F 90 - 96 (which was kindly made available by someone on this site (sorry, can't remember who). . . says use slide calipers to measure the diameter of the staked end of the link. Should be. .

DID chain: 5.5-5.8 mm (0.22-0.23 inch)
RK chain: 5.55-5.85mm (0.219-0.230 inch)
hmm, looking at those conversions, seems a bit suss. but thats what the manual says

As A few of you said, yes, better to do your own work on bike where possible. At least you know its done right, and gain more knowledge into the mighty VFRs. I've only had the 95 VFR about 4 months and I'm glad I finally got the fairing off and got my hands dirty. Used to do all the work on my old trail bikes but was a bit out of practice and intimidated...all good now!

Cheers!! have a beer for me!

Geoff

ps also had the 'factorypro' starshifter kit put in...gearchanges bit smoother, not as clunky. . an improvement but more of a subtle improvement than a major leap forward.

 

Clip style master links are just fine - please do not look down on your shop for using that. I'm not really sure that I read anything in your original post that would suggest a good reason to be upset with that shop. It sounds like they performed all of the services you asked for. Did I miss something?

 

Hi Jamie,

As you know, one of the things I was trying to track down was vibes/resonance at certain revs (around 8000rpm).
In the list I gave them, amongst other things, were to look at 1. fuel tank rubbers 2. engine mounting bolts 3. go around bike checking all bolts are tight.

They didn't do any of those. So, after spending over $2500. . . yes, I've got a problem with them!

geoff

 

Late last fall my buddy and I went for a ride. He rode his new to him late 2000's Gixer. Since he had not oiled his chain yet, we ended up at my place to take care of that. While I was spraying it, I discovered the master link clip was gone. Somehow the rest of the clip was there. I picked at the thing and the plate thing (you know what I'm talking about) fell off. No idea how long it had been that way. And we just did several, um.... back road runs.

So, I don't buy the "there have been improvements over the last ten years" bit. Would not trust a screw in type either. The screw is small, with small threads that are sharp. It's my understanding that sharp edges on metal is where cracks like to start.

I have been cheap myself on past bikes and used the clip on style. I have had the same thing happen. However, I have never lost a chain or know anyone who has.

Do quality street bike chains even come with the clip on link anymore? My DID didn't.

Biggest problem with a crimped on link is they are a bitch to get off, or is that a good thing.

 

I would think that was a good thing.

 

DID doesn't make clip masters for the 530 gold, they are rivet only now.
I'm confused though, what chain did the shop use that accepted a 530 clip on master link? The only 530 clip on links you can get are for non o-ring chains.