Chain connecting link, 1995 Ducati 900 Supersport

**OddDuck** · 26th April 2016, 12:56

Got a winter lay-up just starting, want to strip and repaint the swingarm (among other things). That means the chain should come off and of course the master link is riveted.

Chain's got at least 20,000 miles on it, O-ring chain, has been regularly cleaned and relubed. It's a DID 520 VL2 type according to the workshop manual. Bike's a 900cc L-twin putting out approx 80 Hp (might be higher since I've put flatslide carbs on).

Would a spring clip connecting link be OK or should I replace the riveted original with another riveted link?

Or is replacing a worn connecting link with a new link just a bad idea? Thoughts?

**nodrog:Me** · 26th April 2016, 19:37

Originally Posted by OddDuck

......Or is replacing a worn connecting link with a new link just a bad idea? Thoughts?

Well its better than replacing it with a worn link.

I would be replacing it with a riveted link.

I would also be reading the chain instead of the manual to see what the chain on the bike was, it might not be original.

**AllanB** · 26th April 2016, 21:18

rivet. Every time on a torquey engine. Be a shame to ruin your repaint if the clip link fails.

**Drew** · 27th April 2016, 06:55

Clip link is perfectly fine. It can handle exactly the same torque and power as a rivet link.

**jellywrestler** · 27th April 2016, 10:10

Originally Posted by AllanB

rivet. Every time on a torquey engine. Be a shame to ruin your repaint if the clip link fails.

what kind of engines don't produce torque?

**OddDuck** · 27th April 2016, 11:22

Thanks for the feedback guys. I've had a clip link chain come undone while riding, entirely my fault - I'd put the clip on backwards.

My preference would be the clip, mostly for the ability to pull the chain off for cleaning. Looks like I'll have to see what the manufacturers themselves say.

**george formby** · 27th April 2016, 11:57

Reading this stirred distant memories of guys I knew lock wiring the retaining clips on the split links. I don't trust my memory so googled it and sure enough, folk are still doing it. Correctly installed I don't think it's necessary but if your a belt and braces kind of chap....
From what I can gather the clip just holds the plate in place, it does not carry any load from the chain.

**Drew** · 27th April 2016, 12:31

Originally Posted by jellywrestler

what kind of engines don't produce torque?

And what difference would it make to the clip?

**OddDuck** · 27th April 2016, 13:05

Just turned this up. The author talks about connecting links on Page 2:

http://tsubaki.ca/pdf/library/the_Co...e_to_chain.pdf

Comments about fatigue life of various types of connecting link are relevant here.

Spring clip link: 20% less than chain

Offset link: 35% less than chain

Rivet link: almost equal

Hence rivets being universally recommended for high-powered bikes.

He does mention a tap fit connecting link, using either a spring clip plate or cotter pins, as being almost equal to fatigue strength of the chain, this might be the go if I can source one.

**george formby** · 27th April 2016, 13:20

Summit I've noticed with the retaining clips is that they are easily twisted and fatigued if you take the chain off often. So new clips when necessary I would suggest.

**AllanB** · 27th April 2016, 18:30

Back in the day when I ran bikes with chain clips I'd put a nice dob a silicone on it when installing a new chain. Never had one come off but much lower powered rides back then. However shittier chains.

So if a clip is fine on a modern high power ride why are they not installed that way in the factory - be just as easy.

**AllanB** · 27th April 2016, 18:33

Originally Posted by jellywrestler

what kind of engines don't produce torque?

I said torquey as it more. Like horsey is more than horse Or dicky is being a bigger dick than a standard dick ......

And farty is more than a single fart.

**T.W.R** · 27th April 2016, 18:59

Originally Posted by AllanB

So if a clip is fine on a modern high power ride why are they not installed that way in the factory - be just as easy.

Because rivit joiners are cheaper to manufacture

plus robots know how to fit rivit joiners properly unlike most pleebs.
Though most large machinery that use chains to drive major components; the joiner links are by the vast majority all clip retainers held in place by split-pins or hockey stick pins without a rivit joiner to be seen.....and these machines produce a shitload more torque & are driven by heaps more hp than motorcycles ever will.

**Drew** · 27th April 2016, 21:05

Clip link on 160 rear wheel ZX12 powered sidecar. Never had an issue with the joining link. And its carrying twice the standard bikes weight, plus a passenger...racing.

Clip links are fine.