Where to get a few links of JT 530 X1R chain

[glib]

I bought a GS1100E parts bike with a new JT 530 X1R chain on it and want to swap it over to my ES. However it is two links short--plus I want to eliminate the master link. Does anyone know where I can get a few links. Bike Bandit suggested I buy a whole new chain. Kind of defeats the purpose of the parts bike.

BTW, '83 E's came with 96 links of 630 chain and ES's came with 98...in case you are wondering why I would be two links short.

 

[hannibal]

Sorry, no help on the extra links. But why would you eliminate the master link? I thought about a rivet type link, but someone convinced me that changing the rear tire on the side of the rode becomes much more difficult without a split link.

 

[Guest]

Sorry, no help on the extra links. But why would you eliminate the master link? I thought about a rivet type link, but someone convinced me that changing the rear tire on the side of the rode becomes much more difficult without a split link.

I don't have a chain bike but I do have a 350x Honda ATC and it has 3 masters (repair links). I carry spares for the trailside breakdowns. They do happen. Master links are your friend.

 

[glib]

I ended up have an conversation with a gentleman from JT Sprokets via email and was told that the reason that extra links are not available is that they could not accept the liability of people lengthening their chain since that connection would become the weakest place in the chain. Here is the actual email from Richard Brice of JT in case my paraphrase is less than accurate:

Making a chain shorter is fine and routine. Adding length to a chain is done by end users but no chain manufacturer condones adding to a chain...the end product is potentially weaker and if a manufacturer said that the practice is okay, then they would become responsible for a chain that is no longer up to specification.
"half links" are specifically a link that adds a pin (1) to the length of the chain. The other way length is added is by taking a small section of chain and connecting it with two master links (this is also frowned on as the connecting link is considered the most likely point of failure) resulting in two connecting links close together (I think this is the way you are trying to add to your chain).
To get what you are looking for (a couple of additional links), you would need to find a dealer that sells chain by the roll and have them cut a couple of pieces for you. I don't think any chain manufacturer will do this as it is the same as saying it is safe to extend a chain in this manner and as I said above, no manufacturer (at least major manufacturer) will do that.
All the above being said, I keep 4 links and two clip masters with my tools in case I break a chain (I can reassemble the chain on the side of the road and not have to walk home) but this is only for emergencies.
Since you mentioned the Suzuki forum, this could be something useful to other members as well. I am sure members are buying 120 link chains and cutting them to 112 or whatever length and throwing the extra links away...maybe they could post that they have 4 spare links they could share? This is a disclaimer; JT Drive Chain would not suggest this or warranty the end result of adding to a chain in this way.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Richard



I ended up buying a new JT 530 X1R 120 link chain through Amazon and had it the next day. I was going to eliminate the master link but ended up using it although it is the rivet type so it won't be any help on the side of the road. Kinda funny but I looked around the floor for a while thinking I had dropped and lost the clip to the master link but of course it ended up being the rivet type which was easy to install using the chain breaker, but again, is not meant to be removed. They are supposed to be good to 130 HP and I'm well short of that so I'm not too worried about breaking it. Does it happen often that you break a chain and are able to repair it roadside anyway? (I can remove the rear wheel for tire replacement with the chain intact). I'll be sending Richard a link to this thread so that he can check in if he wants--he rides too not surprisingly.

 

[Buffalo Bill]

Sorry, no help on the extra links. But why would you eliminate the master link? I thought about a rivet type link, but someone convinced me that changing the rear tire on the side of the rode becomes much more difficult without a split link.

WTF??? Just wondering, do you carry a spare wheel and tire, or a spare tire, bead breaker and spoons, or just a bead breaker and set of spoons on your bike?

 

[hannibal]

No but I can carry a wheel much easier than moving a bike.

I ordered a few split links. I'll see if I'm able to remove the rear wheel with the chain intact this weekend.

 

[Guest]

No but I can carry a wheel much easier than moving a bike.

I ordered a few split links. I'll see if I'm able to remove the rear wheel with the chain intact this weekend.

The wheel comes off no problem with the chain intact. Once you pull the axle you just roll the wheel forward and pull the chain off the sprocket, then pull the wheel out.


Mark

 

[Cipher]

How would a person be able to gauge which link would be weakest?
If you add more links then the old adage about a chain only being as strong as its weakest link is still true.
How could the addition of more masters weaken a chain? You increase points of failure but it is still only going to break once not twice.

 

[glib]

How would a person be able to gauge which link would be weakest?
If you add more links then the old adage about a chain only being as strong as its weakest link is still true.
How could the addition of more masters weaken a chain? You increase points of failure but it is still only going to break once not twice.

Sounds true but tell it to the liability lawyers...