630 master link

[mdole]

I recently replaced the chain and sprockets on my GS750L with a DID Pro O-ring chain. I have had good luck with DID in the past but since my previous 2 street bikes were shafts I haven't used any premium street bike chains for a few years.

When I was putting the chain on with a clip type master link I attempted to squeeze the clip on with a pair of pliers. This is how I do my dirt bikes and how I have been replacing master links for years. I start the link on booth pins then catch the end of the link and the opposite pin and squeeze the link into place. This has always worked in the past but this time the clip split in two halves. I got another couple of master links and the next one did the same thing. The last clip worked ok.

I road the bike for about 2700 miles with no trouble then lost the chain. When I was cleaning up the mess and JB welding the sprocket cover I found that half of the link was laying in the bottom of the sprocket cover stuck to the sound deadening material.

I got another couple of master links and installed a new one. It went on just fine and I have been watching it for about 400 miles now. So far it seems just fine.

I was wondering if anyone else had had this problem or if the problem was how I was installing the master links?

Mike

[KGB]

Funny you should bring this up.
I lost the master link earlier this spring.
I must have rode it 200 miles without the link.
I also did a MSF experienced rider course on my bike without the master link. I have the "link" minus the clip and outer plate.
The pins were bent, but it held the chain together.
When I tried to replace the whole link, man what a pain in the a$$.
I actually had to take it to a shop and have it pressed on.

Be careful if it's an "O" ring or non-O ring. The master links are different.
And the 630 size are getting harder to find.

[Anonymous]

use a dab of silicone on the link, let it dry & voila. A fix that works for us racers. That master link will stay put.
Paul

[Anonymous]

Consider getting a rivet type master link.

You might look into a 530 conversion next time you go with a new chain. The 630 is a dino - outdated and not needed - even with the 1150.

[Anonymous]

I've said this before, and I'll probably say it again; You shouldn't really be using a clip type master link on a 630 (or 530) chain. All chains supplied in the UK have rivet links and a warning on the box that says words to this effect: "Spring link type master links should not be used on motorcycles over 250cc". Thats all brands, DID, EK, Regina, renolds etc.

It surprises me that in a country as litigation conscious as the US that the chain retailers sell clip type links for these chains.

I know loads of people use them with no problems, but as this thread shows, they do come loose.

Whatever, its up to you.

[saaz]

I have used clip master links on chains for years - 530, 630 - with no problems. I prefer the rivet type tho.

[mdole]

The spring clip actually split in half that I lost.

I'll consider going to a rivet style link. The only problem I have with that is I like to be able to remove the chain to clean it. The only paved road where I live is the highway everything else is dirt roads so I like to take the chain of periodically to clean it in kerosene to remove the sand.

I have already ordered another chain and sprockets to do a 530 conversion but would like to get a little wear out of this set as they only have 3500 miles on the set.

Thanks for the response,

Mike

[Anonymous]

I always clean the chain on the bike. Too much hastle to remove it.

I use a sheet of cardboard and a parts pan. The pan will catch most of the kerosene and the cardboard will get the rest.

[daveo]

I've lost a number of master links, so I use the flat plate and safety wire instead of the clip

[SqDancerLynn1]

One thing is to make sure that you install the clip properly. The close end of the clip should face the direction of rotation

[Anonymous]

Mike
Maybe you dammaged the clip while doing the installation. I remember having to squeeze the flat plate with a narrow pair of vise grips and then putting the closed end over one of the pins which Then held the plate in position while i easily slipped the split end over the other pin.
I would like to hear more from the fellas and girls that had problems with master links popping off or breaking.

[earlfor]

Maybe I have just been lucky, but I have never owned a bike under 250 cc and I've always used a masterlink and clip. Never had a broken clip or lost a masterlink. Never broke a clip trying to install it either. Side loading on a chain is very low, so there shouldnt be any problem with links and clips.

Earl


[quote="brit7.11"]I've said this before, and I'll probably say it again; You shouldn't really be using a clip type master link on a 630 (or 530) chain. All chains supplied in the UK have rivet links and a warning on the box that says words to this effect: "Spring link type master links should not be used on motorcycles over 250cc". Thats all brands, DID, EK, Regina, renolds etc.

[Anonymous]

[quote="earlfor"] Side loading on a chain is very low, so there shouldnt be any problem with links and clips.

Earl

I've said this before, and I'll probably say it again; You shouldn't really be using a clip type master link on a 630 (or 530) chain. All chains supplied in the UK have rivet links and a warning on the box that says words to this effect: "Spring link type master links should not be used on motorcycles over 250cc". Thats all brands, DID, EK, Regina, renolds etc.

Well I suppose they just imagined a possible problem here then! Or maybe its particular to the UK, like the weather or something!

I did say that I knew that many people had used clip type split links with no problems, hoping to avoid the "my grandfather smoked 2 packs a day till he was 90, never did him any harm" response.
The fact that some people have posted saying that their clips came off too shows that there could be a problem. I've never heard of a rivet type link coming undone.
BTW side loading isn't the issue. I suspect the enormous centrifugal (or is it centripetal?) forces that the chain is subject to as it goes round the sprockets cause the problem.
Anyway, use whatever you feel fit.