Chain advice
 

Hi all,

I've managed to snap the chain on my XTR. I'm planning to replace it with a D.I.D Chain and Sprocket kit and to link it with a split link.

I have a couple of questions as I haven't done this before:

1) Does anyone have an opinion on using a split link? I've heard that they shouldn't be used on larger CC bikes.

2) Does anyone know the chain size so that I can get the right link? I've looked on a few websites but none of them actually quote this.

Thanks in advance,

GH.

Clean and well maintained, there's nothing wrong with split links...but unless you only venture 10 miles from home on sunny sundays, and wash your bike after any trip, then I'd suggest you'll struggle to keep it that clean and well maintained.

Personally I'd rivet it. I have used split links for big distances on bikes, but I've also had one fail in the middle of France on a Sunday night, which was somewhat inconvenient.

If you can't buy or borrow the tool to do it you could consider putting the chain on with a split link to ride to the garage, then ask them to put the rivet link in for you.

Was there any other reason why you wanted to use a split link?

I just got my DID VM 520 (still not installed) and although DID sell the clip it is written on the box that it is not recommended to use them.

I bought an endless chain and i don't mind to take the rear swing arm out to install it, that way you do not need special tools and the bearing gets new grease.

Thanks for the replies, I think I'll buy a split link and connect the old chain and ride it, slowly, to a garage (the old chains pretty twisted so it may go again!).

I'll then get them to fit a new chain and sprockets.

Although I have the cutting and linking tool I don't have a paddock stand so can't see how I'm going to get the rear wheel off.

Oh well, I guess I know what I'm doing this weekend!

You dont need to take the wheel off to fit a new chain but you will need to losen and raise it when you fit the new chain ,i always use split links and carry a spare anyway

Tip the bike over onto the front wheel and sidestand, then get someone to put something under the sump?

Although as jasext says, you should be able to do it with the wheel on the floor if you have to.

I used a split link on the current DID VM520 chain on my Ten. I replaced both sprockets too. The rear wasn't too bad, but the front was ****ed. It's still doing fine after a 1000 miles. I would have rivetted it, and kept the split as a spare but I couldn't get the rivet link side plate to go on, despite numerous attempts.

Nothing wrong with split links provided they are fitted correctly.

It will depend on where ya chain has snapped but you will probably need to remove a link or two in the old chain to get the split link to fit.

Use a small G clamp with a 8mm nut to press on the rivet link plate.

Use two hammers either side of the link or a block of metal one side, then lightly peen over the ends of the rivet link, getting the second person pushing hard on the second hammer or block of metal. Best done with to people.


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