"Clip Type" for my new chain

hophead

hophead

Well-known member
So i bought a new chain and sprockets for my FZ-1, and installed a "clip type"
fastener after pressing together the new master link and side plate with my motion pro riveting chain set. I've never used the clip type before, have in the past installed the new master link and then riveted together after pressing the plates.
Now i've done a (very) little research on the internet and am looking at the job with the clip installed and am a little paranoid. Does this look like a good/safe installation? I used needle nose to fit the clip and it just looks a little odd, maybe because i've never used one?
 
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sckego

sckego

doesn't like crashing
I believe you have it installed backwards--you want the closed end of the clip on the side of the link being 'pulled' by the countershaft (pic below). Otherwise, yeah, that's about how they look. It's seated down in the little grooves on the chain pins, right?

SiliconMasterLink.jpg
 
hophead

hophead

Well-known member
i think you are right i installed it on the bottom....i knew something wasn't right. Since i'll have to remove that clip i won't reuse it----dayum live and learn, thanks.
 
stangmx13

stangmx13

not Stan
aside from the direction problem, the clip doesnt look like its on all the way.

if you can get the clip off without bending it, id still reuse it. but YMMV.
 
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hophead

hophead

Well-known member
Thanks guys, i did get the clip off no problem, but it was kind of bent in spite of my trying to bend it back. Pleasanton Cycle Gear had alot of new clips and hooked me up.
I won't make that mistake again but am glad i didn't ride on it, i knew something wasn't right. FWIW i'll stick with the rivet next time but what is your guys' opinion on the "clip type?" Are they safe if installed correctly? Or do you also prefer the rivet style? Thanks again Barfers---gotta love this place!
 
Maddevill

Maddevill

KNGKAW
I've used both but for my money, I'd stick to the rivet type. As long as you don't crush the rivet too much and crack it.
 
dowlinginchico

dowlinginchico

Home Wrecker
Just a little experience I will pass down to you. Twice I have found the master clip missing on my DID x-ring chain. Every time I wondered how long I rode without the clip in place. I am now a big fan on the "rivit" type chain and will never use the clip type again. I can see the advantage of having a clip type if you are able to remove the chain for cleaning (dirt bikes), but since the side plate is pressed on and impossible to remove without chain damage, why not spend an extra $10 for rivit type and piece of mind? At a minimum, silicone that puppy on and never reuse a clip. They are just too cheap and consenquences to great to reuse. Also, be aware they come in slightly different thicknesses, so get the clip from the same manufacturer as the master and chain. Dont let cycle gear tell you differently. And read instructions if you are green chain installer! They would have told you you messed up and put it on backwards. In my opinion, chains are very easy maintainence item, but have large consenquences if that link does seperate. It could mean your life, so take it seriously. In a forum full of opinions, I hope this helps you out!
 
elskipador

elskipador

elskipador@gmail.com
hophead said:
i'll stick with the rivet next time but what is your guys' opinion on the "clip type?" Are they safe if installed correctly? Or do you also prefer the rivet style? Thanks again Barfers---gotta love this place!
Click to expand...
for a track/race bike where you are changing gearing & chains often & "inspecting" the bike more often i don't have a problem with the clip style @ all. for the street i prefer the rivet kind.

inthewoods said:
And all that sticky stuff in the above pic's not necessary.
Click to expand...
that sorta depends.... a lot of racing organizations have you rtv/silicone the clip as a added safety feature. on the street i do it to make the master link easily spot-able.

dowlinginchico said:
Just a little experience I will pass down to you. Twice I have found the master clip missing on my DID x-ring chain. Every time I wondered how long I rode without the clip in place.
Click to expand...
i've seen/caught this very thing on several street bikes over the years.
 
kxmike

kxmike

Well-known member
I've had 3 chains come off using clips ...it was over many years but still a hassle that I want to avoid....I run rivet links now.
 
rick

rick

Well-known member
Well, just as an alternate point of view....
I've been using clip-style master links for well over 20 years, 15 different motorcycles and over a decade of racing. Never had a single problem or lost a clip. Hell, on one race bike in particular, I even re-used clips over and over again (had to change the chain w/ the gearing). Plus, you don't *need* any special tools to install or remove the master link. They're nothing but good in my book.

I imagine that in many people that have had problems had it installed wrong, tweaked the clip or something rubbed or was rubbing against it. With that said, I've always kept a spare clip in the kit just in case and most race orgs want you to RTV 'em so, I've always done that on every bike out of habit. Some people even safety wire 'em on.

All-in-all, get whatever makes you feel good. :)
 
cencalballer

cencalballer

Well-known member
hophead said:
Thanks guys, i did get the clip off no problem, but it was kind of bent in spite of my trying to bend it back. Pleasanton Cycle Gear had alot of new clips and hooked me up.
I won't make that mistake again but am glad i didn't ride on it, i knew something wasn't right. FWIW i'll stick with the rivet next time but what is your guys' opinion on the "clip type?" Are they safe if installed correctly? Or do you also prefer the rivet style? Thanks again Barfers---gotta love this place!
Click to expand...

Rivet is better but clip is fine up to certain power levels. At that point the clip style master link becomes the weak link.
 
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