Chain joining link clip coming off - twice now

**snodpete** · 8th January 2012, 15:50

Had a new chain and sprockets fitted 10,000 km ago. I noted the replacement chain had a joining link/clip arrangement where before the (probably original) chain had a 'permanent' join. Upon recent return from 2000 km trip to the sunny south I was cleaning the chain and noticed the clip had gone. Managed to source another so I could go on a local ride today, checked the clip twice, the last time 80 km from home: it was fine. Had another check once home and it's gone again! I noted some wear on the joining link plate under where the clip was (see photo) - I've checked around both sprockets and along chain run etc for any obstruction: nothing. Feeling a little insecure at the prospect of losing a chain at 100 kmh

Any ideas as to cause? I will get a permanent joiner fitted ASAP.

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**paturoa** · 8th January 2012, 15:58

Your a lucky bastard!!

Was the closed end of the clip facing towards the way the chain goes?

And yes, a permanent link is the only way to go.

**snodpete** · 8th January 2012, 16:37

Yep - closed end of clip forward. I do think I've been lucky, probably used up a bunch of brownie points...

**Shadows** · 8th January 2012, 16:39

Originally Posted by paturoa

Was the closed end of the clip facing towards the way the chain goes?

That was the first thing that popped into my head, but it looks like it was on the right way around judging by the marks left behind.

Another potential cause could be that the sprockets aren't aligned very well.

**nzspokes** · 8th January 2012, 16:42

My understanding is you only use joiners on bikes under 300cc.

**Transalper** · 8th January 2012, 16:59

pft! I use what ever comes with the chain, I have no real preference other than finding clip links easier to install.
I've used clips on everything from XR200's to the CBR1000F.
Only ever lost one clip but the link stayed put so I replaced the clip and glued it on.
Since then when I have a clip link to use I tweak the side plate back out against the clip once it's all together to help keep the clip tight and also throw a dab of RTV on to help retain the clip against any unknowns as i still don't know what made the one disappear all those years ago.

When using a rivit link I tend to get the pros with the good tools to install it for me as I've found them tricky little buggers to get right.

**Mental Trousers** · 8th January 2012, 18:26

I've seen link clips lock wired on. Seemed to work fine cos it never came off. That was on a 600 race bike too.

**paturoa** · 8th January 2012, 19:51

Originally Posted by Transalper

Only ever lost one clip ..

I've never lost one.

**Taz** · 8th January 2012, 21:07

Find what is causing the rub marks on the sprocket and chain.

**Flip** · 9th January 2012, 07:23

I would suggest looking at the pictures that the clip was faulty. It has worn the plating off the chain side plate in two opposite corners this suggests to me that the clip was twisted and not sitting flat.

Rivet links are heaps better.

**Owl** · 9th January 2012, 08:16

Is the link sealing correctly.......any signs of rust oozing etc? Grab the link and see if you can twist side to side. If so, the link pins and chain bushings will be flogged out.

I've recently had that issue with my VM chain, where one link has effectively destroyed my chain. New chain/sprocket kit on order.

**sugilite:Me** · 9th January 2012, 08:19

I've seen clips come off when rolling a bike backwards, the bike had tight chain/tyre clearances.

**snodpete** · 9th January 2012, 09:40

Thanks for the ideas, and food for thought. I'm hoping to get a riveted link fitted this afternoon. Incidentally there's no sign of movement or alignment issues, join link seems pretty snug to me (which helped avoid disaster I guess!) - mind you I'm not a professional, we'll see what he who passes for a professional in these parts has to say later today...

**F5 Dave** · 9th January 2012, 11:06

Thank you for this post. It has just reminded me that a mate still has my chain riviting tool. Sort of thing that will get put in a corner & he'll forget about it & I'll reach for it & there it will be gone.

**DEATH_INC.** · 9th January 2012, 15:42

Originally Posted by sugilite

I've seen clips come off when rolling a bike backwards, the bike had tight chain/tyre clearances.

Yup, the 630 on the turbo used to do it all the time...
I run a clip on the 10, and I ran one on the gixxer, no probs. But I put a loop of safety wire on 'em...just in case.