Worried about my Chain (I've got a spring/split link)

**Crunch95uk** · 20 Aug 06, 06:02 PM

hi
on my ducati 748 looking at the state of my chain,and while lubeing it found theres a split link,i understood these were solid chains no links im a being stupid or is this normal
thx crunch95uk aka martin

**Triple9** · 20 Aug 06, 06:12 PM

Yes they are endless as standard.Some chain kits provide both a rivit link and a spring/split link.
Should be ok,if fitted correctly.

**ducati2242** · 20 Aug 06, 08:58 PM

Personally i would not be happy i would change it for a rivitted link.In fact i would change the whole chain if it were mine.I cant see how the O rings would work with a split link and if there are no O rings then that is where a weakness is going to start from.

**Triple9** · 20 Aug 06, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducati2242

Personally i would not be happy i would change it for a rivitted link.In fact i would change the whole chain if it were mine.I cant see how the O rings would work with a split link and if there are no O rings then that is where a weakness is going to start from.

Works just the same as a rivit link.The only differance is there is a spring clip used to hold the plate on.

**998gsb** · 20 Aug 06, 10:09 PM

Personally - I'd change the chain - its clearly not standard oe equipment - I'd replace it with an oe chain or something better. If you change the chain though, have a careful look at the front and rear sprockets. If there is wear to the teeth or they have a hooked appearance, change the sprockets aswell.

**jimbob** · 20 Aug 06, 10:14 PM

Never had a problem with split link on previous bikes. A new chain usualy comes with the correct link for fitment but if your that worried about it change it.

**Strada916** · 21 Aug 06, 09:40 AM

Some drag racers use split links all the time, with well over 300rwhp.

The reason being that they need different length chains for different sprocket set-ups. They use a short lengths of chain with 2 split links, so that they can then select different lengths.

If you want to be 100% sure about a split link put a dab of bathroom silicon sealer on the clip to secure it

**ducati2242** · 21 Aug 06, 10:18 AM

Quote:

works just the same as a rivit link.The only differance is there is a spring clip used to hold the plate on.

I think that the big difference is that the spring clip can come off, as regularly happens with scramble bikes etc, and probably write your engine off .All for the sake of a none removable rivit link. I know which one i will always have fitted.

**the man from del monte** · 21 Aug 06, 08:40 PM

i have never put an endless chain on a bike - it's too much bother.
never had a problem with compressive split links - remember they are only supposed to be put on once and not reused.
it's 2006. if they weren't safe the EU would decide you wouldn't be able to buy them at all or more likely someone in the USA would have got a personal injury settlement of 27 squillion bucks off a chain manufacturer and bankrupted most of the companies and done the same, via a different route.

**ducati2242** · 21 Aug 06, 09:17 PM

A chain with a compressive link is an endless chain. Once on you dont have an end.You wouldnt be able to get it through the swing arm if it were made endless.

**simonrh** · 22 Aug 06, 07:41 AM

My last chain came with a spring link and the one beofre was a rivetted type.

I used the spring link as it was supplied and I didn't have time to get a rivetted type before i went on a track day.

The spring link did 5000k including a track day and loads of motorway miles and country lanes without problem the guy in the bike shop suggested i change it bu i Never quie managed it.

They tend to give problems if the spring is fitted the wrong way round.

**demon** · 22 Aug 06, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ducati2242

A chain with a compressive link is an endless chain. Once on you dont have an end.You wouldnt be able to get it through the swing arm if it were made endless.

I think you need to look at your bike closely mate with regards to the above !!

**ducati2242** · 22 Aug 06, 07:14 PM

Does on a 999. Which is what The man from delmonte has.

**Brian** · 22 Aug 06, 07:50 PM

For the road i dont think it matters

but if i was going to be on a track where you might runn the chain slack and where your pushing for every ittle but of power then a rivited chain might be the best option :wink:

I have allways bought split link chains when theyve needed replacing and have never had a problem in 10years of bikein i think the split link chains are just easier to fit

and can be cheeper, The rivet ones can go wrong when your putting them on and are a pain

**the man from del monte** · 23 Aug 06, 12:28 PM

sorry, when i wrote endless i meant chains that come complete, where you have to remove the swing arm to get them on.