Fitting a new chain

Now I am into big bikes all the chains seem to come with rivet links. When I had 125s they all had split links (the ones with the clips). I don't have a riveter, and as Xmas has just gone, funds are tight. I have checked the sprockets, and the teeth aren't hooked/broken; in fact I din't think they're worn at all.

Have got to get a new chain now PDQ, the original one fitted has now got abuit of a tight spot. Does it have to be o ring/x ring one, or, as I only really commute with the odd longer run thrown in, would I get away with just a bog standard heavy duty one? Could it be ridden with the split link for the next 4 weeks and then correctly riveted?

I know there is info on the net, but thought I'd ask the experts....

 

If you can get to my place, I'll show you how to do it. will take about an hour(including teaching time). Nothing wrong with a properly fitted split link on a Superbike, but I prefer a rivet link. Am replacing my chain this week if you wanna watch?

 

What day were you planning on doing it? I need to get the chain first, so probably Thursday or Friday would be the earliest dates for me...

I'd supply cake of course..

 

Off all day Friday mate. I have chain splitter/rivetter, angle grinder and several metric hammers. I'll PM my address and moby

 

You're on mate. Buy DID X ring Gold. X or O ring chains last a lot longer than non O ring. I use a steel front sprocket and a hard anodised Renthal alloy race sprocket on the back? Gimme a bell for a chat?

 

He's a handy man that Megawatt

 

Thanks Neil.

 

Are you planning on just replacing the chain and not the sprockets?? As although it will work it will shorten the life of both the new chain your fitting and the sprockets already on the bike. But if funds are tight then it is a get out of jail card i guess

 

I know I should do the sprockets as well; maybe I shouldn't have bought those HID lights and LED indicators. Oh well...

Once this one is fitted I will be doing the 'Ducky maintenance' on it religiously

 

Think most of us are in the same boat this time of year. My mate had to do some routine maintainance on my chain with a special tool and it lasted for almost a year after this

 

Thats the right way to remove a rivet link. If you do it with a chain splitter, it splits!!!

 

Obviously he'd just had a visit from the 'Elf 'n Safety crew...

 

Lol, yep had done that bit it was the upstands of the link hes grinding as the new link was to short to go through enough to get the clip on, as we only had a split link as a spare and not a rivot link. But it got me home and i then fitted a rivot link to the same chain and it got me to Assen and beyond think the chain managed about 5000 miles till i fitted a new

 

Yep, no goggles or gloves

 

BIG thanks to Alan for sorting the chain today. Made it look so easy with the right tools. All I did was hold the pliers and the lump hammer and make him lose a bit out his chain tool at a vital moment; and drink his tea - which was bloody good actually . I thought I knew a fair bit about mechanicals - but I know nothing compared to him

Here's that split link with the nut I was talking about....