Masterlink type

[eboos]

I went to my shop today to practice my starts (we have a long parking lot, enough to top out 1st gear and have enough room to brake). After about 6 or 7 runs, I was going to pack things up when I noticed that the retaining clip on my masterlink was missing. HOLY CRAP I thought, it's a good thing that I was finished when I was. Now here's the question...

What type of masterlink do most of you use for racing? I have never used or seen the rivit type, only the clip and plate type.

[Kurlon]

I'm running the clip style, with a wrap of safety wire around it. I've heard of others using RTV to secure the clip.

[knarlydog]

I've used both, but if you use the clip type, you've got to do something extra to keep it on, some safety wire or some other adhesive. If you have an O-Ring chain and do not take it off much, go with the rivets. I have a non O-Ring on the RS250, remove it for cleaning after every event and I still use the rivets. They are a bit of a pain, but way easier than putting a hole in your engine cases, not to mention the possible physical ramifications...

[brendanp]

Rivit is the way to go for sure. I never trust that little clip.and BTW, it is only meant to go on one way.

[Hoss]

Goofing with the gearing before heading to NJ (I got a bunch of gearing with the bike on purchase) I tried to get the bike to -1 front, stock rear but realized the chain is way to big for that.

I got myself a master link and didn't think twice until I got home that it's a clip. I may just go find a rivet style for warm and fuzzy. Just in case, is this how you guys would wire a clip ? (just found this with the google image)




Or I'll just leave it alone and not effe with it

[Jim]

man that's an ugly chain. someone needs to clean it

[CEO]

man that's an ugly chain. someone needs to clean it

[The Snowman]

Goofing with the gearing before heading to NJ (I got a bunch of gearing with the bike on purchase) I tried to get the bike to -1 front, stock rear but realized the chain is way to big for that.

I got myself a master link and didn't think twice until I got home that it's a clip. I may just go find a rivet style for warm and fuzzy. Just in case, is this how you guys would wire a clip ? (just found this with the google image)

Or I'll just leave it alone and not effe with it

That works. I would still go with a rivet master though. You still have to inslect the rivets to make sure the point where they are spread don't crack.

[Tricky Mike]

I haven't had much luck keeping the wire on the link... The times I tried to wire it, i doubt I made it to the end of hot pit before it came off. I'd prolly go the epoxy route if you can't get a rivet link...

[BLACK SQUIRREL]

I drill a small hole in the Mastelink And wire it through the hole The Ad a Dab of silicone to the whole thing

[RyanNicholson]

I've fallen victim to a clip coming off...I didn't know any better. I realized my mistake on my 3rd or 4th cartwheel across the grass outside of T11

I just use a rivet link now, they're just as cheap, just as easy to install...they just require the chain tool and some care to make sure the rivets don't crack. They don't need to be mushroomed too much to be secured. I'm sure a glued clip is fine...but its not something I feel like worrying about out there.

[SilverGhost]

If you do the rivet pay extra attention that you are square on it.
Inspect it after you have crimped that it is even and no cracks.
You only have one shot at it. My $.02.

[Crash Dummy Denno]

RIVET

[Jim]

I've fallen victim to a clip coming off...I didn't know any better. I realized my mistake on my 3rd or 4th cartwheel across the grass outside of T11

I just use a rivet link now, they're just as cheap, just as easy to install...they just require the chain tool and some care to make sure the rivets don't crack. They don't need to be mushroomed too much to be secured. I'm sure a glued clip is fine...but its not something I feel like worrying about out there.

me too (minus the crash). rivet only now. i just ordered another rivet link for $8, so i can take the chain off and soak it in kerosene

[Hoss]

I'm at least smart enough to learn from others mistakes

I'll go grab a rivet style tonight if I can find one


Thanks all.

[Kitt]

dirt : safety wired clip

street : rivet

[union]

Rivit is the way to go. Its just one less thing to go wrong.

Now for the important question. Where is this shop? I need to practice launching too.

[CEO]

If anyone needs a chain tool in the metrowest area I have an RK one at my garage in Wayland...

me too (minus the crash). rivet only now. i just ordered another rivet link for $8, so i can take the chain off and soak it in kerosene

Jim you love to make things more complicated for yourself...

[Jim]

Jim you love to make things more complicated for yourself...

wait....wut?

[Hoss]

wait....wut?

Take the rim off, put a dishpan where the rim used to be and put the chain in it. Soak for a few minutes, wipe down...rotate chain and repeat. No need to pop the master.


I think i'm going to run the gearing as is. If it's so off that I'm bouncing the limiter down the straight, I'll see if I can't con someone into helping shorten the chain for me so I can swap gears (have a borrowed chain tool, but I've never used it).

Thanks for the advice all. Hopefully I can find a rivet master before Sunday.

[Jim]

Take the rim off, put a dishpan where the rim used to be and put the chain in it. Soak for a few minutes, wipe down...rotate chain and repeat. No need to pop the master.

not to go off topic here, but my swingarm is coming off for a new tab. since it's coming off, i'm going CEO and cleaning both sprockets, the chain guide, and chain in kerosene. have replacement grunge brush inserts to use too. popping the master will make things easier

[CEO]

Jim leave the chain on the bike, you're a dummy.

edit: I don't even know why I bother any more...

[Crash Dummy Denno]

good god jimbo...

[Jim]

[R7]

dirt : safety wired clip

street : rivet

Exactly

I've only lost 1 master clip in all my years of riding, and it was my fault! I must have had the chain on and off 50 times and always re-used the clip...the clip is a one time use IMO. I have seen people mangle the old clip while trying to take it off and try to re-use it...not good.
I don't put anything on them, just put them on properly (they are directional like mentioned) and put a new one on every time I take the chain apart