Traditional Split Link

[Oldgiffer]

I read a post from "Mick" on the Africa Twin forum stating he had used "Tradional Split Link" on much more powerful bikes than we posses without problem (rather than modern "soft rivetted" type).
I have often pondered on this point, being almost over the hill i remember running my 850 Commando on a "split link with spring clip" chain as was the norm back then and it never gave me any grief (or other big bike users i knew). So i do often wonder if the "rivetted link" we/ manufacturers have all come to see as neccessary is really that critical ?
With a "Trad" link much less bother to fit i wonder if Mick's post is in agreement to others out there ? Interested to hear viewpoints....

[Dee Duble Yuh]

I believe that traditional split links are fitted only to chains with no O ring. in my experience O ring chains last far longer than traditional chains and there's no need to submerge the chain in hot grease every few thousand miles.

[Mudwiz]

I've used a split link on my old TA 525 chains, they were O ring, with no issues.

The ease of fitting/bodgeing a repair made it the sensible choice in my book, although I never needed to since an old KDX200 chain went on me, that one being rivited!!

[Oldgiffer]

I believe that traditional split links are fitted only to chains with no O ring. in my experience O ring chains last far longer than traditional chains and there's no need to submerge the chain in hot grease every few thousand miles.

For sure i agree totally with the Life of O Ring chains ! Wish my my Dear Ol Mum was here to see how clean a cooker can keep if your not heating up big tins of chain grease on it ! Aaaaaah those were the days eh ! Come to that - the Commando was the last bike i transported up to a bedroom to work on due to lack of garage and it was my LAST engine rebuild !. Everything since (Guzzi's & Big Japs) seemed to keep its big end bearings longer than 20K !!

[Zenarchy]

My bike came with an o-ring chain with a split link on it when I got it, and although I keep thinking I should replace it or at least try to get a riveted link put on for peace of mind, I haven't got around to it yet.

It doesn't seem to have caused any problems yet so I'm tempted to wait until my finances are a bit healthier and get a DID X-ring chain and have it properly fitted and riveted at a garage (or perhaps even wait until this chain needs replacing - the chain I've got isn't a great one by accounts on this website so might not last that long anyway).

I read on another forum that putting a bit of silicone sealant on it can help to keep the split link in place so that's what I've done. I'm not really sure if this helps (or if it might cause any other problems), but as I used black high temp. silicone gasket seal on it, it stands out like a sore thumb on the chain, so if I loose the link at any point I should hopefully spot it (assuming the chain doesn't immediately fall apart mid-ride if the split link comes adrift). I try to make a point of at least having a quick look over the chain each time before I ride, and occassionally when I park up.

Seems some people think split links are no problem (and have had more riveted chains fail), and others think they're risky (and have had the opposite experience) so it's hard to know what to think.

Although I have a feeling a properly riveted link might be better, the split link appeals to me as it seems so much more convenient.

[boboneleg]

I use a split-link on an x-ring chain on my @ with no problems whatsoever including trips abroad.

As Mudwiz said, much easier to fix in an emergency as I always carry a spare just incase.

cheers, Bob.

[Krtek]

I use a split-link on an x-ring chain on my @ with no problems whatsoever including trips abroad.

Me too, on my XL600.

[BIG D]

Ditto,

BIG D

[steveR]

I've used split links on chains for far too many years now, both conventional and O-ring chains. I have seen a link come off on a trail bike where the bike was buried in mud almost to the seat, but that is the only time. However, i always carried a spare link...

I always make a point of being scrupulously clean getting the link and seals on and using a dab of chain oil before assembly. Whether it helps, I have no idea, but it cannot hurt?