Wilsons Sandbox

Clip links would be fine. Be sure to get a 1/2 link as well.

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "henryke1" wrote: > I would like to carry the equipment to fix my chain in the field in > case of a break. I have a Motion Pro chain breaker and their chain > press tool, and am wondering about whether to carry clip-type > connecting links or rivet connecting links. Would the clip links be > OK? > > Also, I see that Dennis Kirk offers links from several different > companies. Will they be universally compatable with my chain, or do > I have to get links from the same manufacturer? > > Thanks, > Kevin H. > '00 KLR650 with stock chain

Any 520 o-ring master link should fit. Right now I am using a DID chain with an RK master link. The chain sizes are standard. There was a huge thread on rivet vs clip link a few days ago. Clips have worked great for me in the past as long as you install them carefully AND make sure that the chain isn't rubbing the chain guides. I have no direct experience with rivet links, but the nice thing is you can't possibly use them twice. Re-using clip links (which I never do) seems to contribute to them breaking. But the more important point, is that motorcycle chains generally don't "break". If a chain fails catastrophically, it has to be so far gone that any sane person would have replaced it thousands of miles earlier. Especially an endless chain like the stock one. If you get something caught in the chain, like a rock getting drawn in between the chain and countershaft sprocket, you will probably break the countershaft bearing and crack the engine case before the chain snaps. I carry a lot of tools for field repairs, but I don't usually carry chain tools. If a chain just flat-out breaks, something else would have had to happen and the chain isn't my biggest worry. But hey- if you don't mind carrying the tools, bring a master link and the correct tool for installing it. It's not a lot of weight, and if it gives you piece of mind, why not. Devon A15 henryke1 wrote:

> > I would like to carry the equipment to fix my chain in the field in > case of a break. I have a Motion Pro chain breaker and their chain > press tool, and am wondering about whether to carry clip-type > connecting links or rivet connecting links. Would the clip links be > OK? > > Also, I see that Dennis Kirk offers links from several different > companies. Will they be universally compatable with my chain, or do > I have to get links from the same manufacturer? > > Thanks, > Kevin H. > '00 KLR650 with stock chain > > List sponsored by Dual Sport News at www.dualsportnews.com. List FAQ courtesy of Chris Krok at: www.bigcee.com/klr650faq.html > Unsubscribe by sending a blank message to: > DSN_klr650-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com . > > > > Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Different chains companies and different models of chain within each company use different pin diameters. It is only sometimes a very slight difference but you should match the chain brand and model to the type of master link you use. Most have options of using either a clip type or rivet type connector link but they should be the same brand and model as your chain. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am going to be gone (again) this week and will be interested in seeing what if any trouble brews while I am away. Fred http://www.arrowheadmotorsports.com http://www.canyonlandsmotorclassic.com

----- Original Message ----- From: "henryke1" To: DSN_klr650@yahoogroups.com> Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2002 8:38 PM Subject: [DSN_klr650] Field Fix for Stock Chain > I would like to carry the equipment to fix my chain in the field in > case of a break. I have a Motion Pro chain breaker and their chain > press tool, and am wondering about whether to carry clip-type > connecting links or rivet connecting links. Would the clip links be > OK? > > Also, I see that Dennis Kirk offers links from several different > companies. Will they be universally compatable with my chain, or do > I have to get links from the same manufacturer? > > Thanks, > Kevin H. > '00 KLR650 with stock chain >

Oh well. Opposite advice from what I recieved, when I bought my new master link. The guy I bought the RK link from (who assured me it would fit a DID no problem) crews on an endurance racing team. I'm guessing both people are "right", but for long-term use Fred is probably giving better advice. Devon A15 Fred Hink wrote:

> > Different chains companies and different models of chain within each company > use different pin diameters. It is only sometimes a very slight difference > but you should match the chain brand and model to the type of master link > you use. Most have options of using either a clip type or rivet type > connector link but they should be the same brand and model as your chain. >

On Sun, 2002-11-24 at 22:38, henryke1 wrote:

> I would like to carry the equipment to fix my chain in the field in > case of a break. I have a Motion Pro chain breaker and their chain > press tool, and am wondering about whether to carry clip-type > connecting links or rivet connecting links. Would the clip links be > OK?

Nope, you can only field install a clip type link with your tools. The riveting tool is not only more than $100, but weighs a ton and probably wouldn't be worth carrying in your tool bag.

> > Also, I see that Dennis Kirk offers links from several different > companies. Will they be universally compatable with my chain, or do > I have to get links from the same manufacturer? >

Nope, they are all slightly different. I have an RK chain and I can't use DID master links because the DID has slightly larger pins. My recommendation is to get at least two sets of spare master links whenever you buy a new chain. You'll screw at least one set up the first time you try and install the master link. Z DC

So I'm wondering if I just got lucky, or if the guy who sold me the RK link knew that it would fit a DID chain, but not the other way around. Devon Zachariah Mully wrote:

> > Nope, they are all slightly different. I have an RK chain and I can't > use DID master links because the DID has slightly larger pins. My > recommendation is to get at least two sets of spare master links > whenever you buy a new chain. You'll screw at least one set up the first > time you try and install the master link. >

> But the more important point, is that motorcycle chains generally don't > "break". If a chain fails catastrophically, it has to be so far gone > that any sane person would have replaced it thousands of miles earlier. > Especially an endless chain like the stock one. > > Devon > A15 > >

Been on the list for years; trying to remember but I can't think of a single instance of chain failure. I can recall specific instances of people ( Mariola ) going many miles or ( Rex H ) riding very hard on chains you would consider shot. Oh yeah, neither party bothered to keep their chain even close to proper adjustment. When we changed Rex's chain - finally - the o-rings were literally falling off. The point being modern chains are strong; chance of failure is slim. Bogdan

FYI: Since www.rockymountainmc.com was out of the stock size RZ O-ring chain, I bought the next largest size and figured I would cut off the extra 2 links. Well I exploded two motion pro chain breakers trying to get those links off. The first one was the patton chain breaker, and the second one was the beefy traditional breaker. Well just the bolt broke on the beefy chain breaker. Since I had just spent $50 on chain breakers I was pissed and e-mailed motion pro. They sent me a new bolt free of charge(great customer service). I didn't mention the exploded patton breaker. The chain breakers didn't even dimple the pin before exploding. Then I got smart and used my neighbors grinder to grind the head off, then used the chain breaker. Not sure if the stock chain is as stubborn as that RK. Dean

I broke the stock chain with the motion-pro breaker without any problems. I;ve used the same tool to break heavy-duty 530 chains for my SR500 also. Devon Durvy825@... wrote:

> FYI: Since www.rockymountainmc.com was out of the stock size RZ O-ring > chain, I bought the next largest size and figured I would cut off the extra 2 > links. Well I exploded two motion pro chain breakers trying to get those > links off. The first one was the patton chain breaker, and the second one > was the beefy traditional breaker. Well just the bolt broke on the beefy > chain breaker. Since I had just spent $50 on chain breakers I was pissed and > e-mailed motion pro. They sent me a new bolt free of charge(great customer > service). I didn't mention the exploded patton breaker. The chain breakers > didn't even dimple the pin before exploding. Then I got smart and used my > neighbors grinder to grind the head off, then used the chain breaker. Not > sure if the stock chain is as stubborn as that RK. > > Dean