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Split Link Question
Topic Started: May 26 2014, 07:58 PM (448 Views)
orfboy
Member
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i have a ZX1100 1998 and allthough the chain still has adjustment It could do with having a link removed , as there appears to be no split link can anyone tell me if removing a link
is ok to do and if so where \i fine the information to obtain a correct split link to rejoin the chain, the bike has only done 10000 miles since new so the condition of the chain overall is very good
Thanks
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Deleted User
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Can you not adjust the chain tension as per service manual ?
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andy-750
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Grand Master Poster
removing a link is fine, best to use a rivet link to rejoin the chain
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zing1100
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100 MPH
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If it's an endless chain it's probably the original. Taking a link out is not a good way to adjust chain slack , if there is no adjustment left at the axle replace the chain and sprockets as a set.
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andy-750
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very doubtful its an original chain on a 1998 bike, and an endless chain can easily be replaced by another endless chain though more likely to have been replaced by a riveted link chain
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zing1100
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100 MPH
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Orfboy states the bike has only covered 10,000 miles from new. So there is every possibility this is an oem chain , endless as stated in the owners manual. Most oem chains of this era were endless. And this mileage is not out of the ordinary for an oem chain. The issue is cutting a link out just to take up the slack. If it's that bad replace the lot!
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andy-750
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he also states the chain is in very good condition, a 10k chain is going to be worn whatever, and yes many bikes had endless chains but equally could be an oem replacement and it is possible to easily buy an endless chain anyway, just most use a split link as its easier to fit, besides unless you know what one looks like a riveted chain would appear to be endless as there is no split link to see, there are also reasons for a chain to be a bit long and not worn, different sprocket sizes from standard being an obvious one
Edited by andy-750, May 28 2014, 04:41 PM.
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yellowbelly
200 MPH
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I know its obvious but endless chains require special tools and and the ability too rivet the links . The split link is the easier option but are they as safe on high powered bikes ? i think that some competition regulations do not accept them .Many bikes use a chain and rear tyre in less than 10,000 mls depends on the throttle hand .
Edited by yellowbelly, May 29 2014, 05:34 AM.
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Rolfie
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The only time I would fit a split link to a bike of this capacity, would be as a temporary fix to ride to a dealer & get them to rivet the chain properly.
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andy-750
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an endless chain is precisely as its named, comes from the factory as a complete chain n usually needs swing arm removal to fit it, rivetted chain is a split link with a removeable link that is peened over to make it a complete chain like an endless but can be fitted without removing the swing arm
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Rolfie
Member
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I am assuming that orfboy, does not own a chain riveter, so is questioning the pitfalls of riding with the split link fitted instead of fitting the soft link & riveting it or peening the ends.
I have vague recollections of being told that a split link on a large capacity bike nowadays is an MOT failure. But can't be certain (it's an age thing).
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Deleted User
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Dont know about an 1100 but almost every bike i have owned up to 750 has had a split link. Only reason i have a rivet link just now it was easier borrowing a riveter that going to the shops to but a split link.
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andy-750
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a split link is NOT an mot fail, only thing required in the mot test is that the spring clip is on the link and facing the correct way, had all this on here a while back somewhere and I had to dig up the mot testers handbook for the relevant quote to prove it lol, same with racing I believe, and though never had a split link on a bigger bike have run them on 750 sized bikes more than a few times, and to add that they are fairly recent invention and road and racing bikes survived with split links just fine before
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