Skorpion chain - why not a split link system?

[Linegeist]

My drivechain's got a tight spot ... or a loose one, depending on whether you're a glass half full or a glass half empty type.

This will be the first time I've changed a chain on a modern bike - I do less than 1,000 miles a year on average and my other bike's a shaftie. My previous bikes have all had split link chains - which somehow seems to be a big no-no today. Wie so?

I've run numerous big twins that kick out masses of gee-gees at the gearbox sprocket - the last one was a Kawasaki Z750 twin - and that had a split link chain, along with a Norton Dommie, a Triumph Thunderbird and a Bonnie not to mention some weird machinery that I'll not mention in polite company. Never lost one yet, and they're so easy to pop off for cleaning and lubrication. Yeah, I know, I'm a Luddite .... but my little engineer's head says, "If it ain't broke, don't futz with it". So why the modern aversion to solid riveted chains when I'm only kicking out a paltry number of horse anyway?

I'm reluctant to shell out on a chain splitter, riveter and the associated gubbins when a simple split link chain will do the job .... I'm not exactly a wheelie-king - and I fancy an old fashioned chain that I can take off and clean/oil every few months .......... so what's the big deal here? If I buy a splittie, will I turn into a screaming transvestite, or my cat turn into a mog-vampire and all it's fur fall out or something????

[Eric Frith]

I have used a split chain (530 Regina Gold) on my GPZ1170 drag bike for years and have never had a problem.

[Spitfiregoggles]

I suspect that the fitting of continuous chains to modern bikes may be to avoid damages claims if a split link were to part company.
Checking out the bikes (including the 990cc V-twins) at a KTM dealership a few years back I noticed that all the bikes had split links "for ease of maintenance" I was told, so maybe KTM trust their customers to be sensible!
Personally I fail to see how a properly-fitted split link is inferior to a riveted link, provided it is checked regularly.

[Linegeist]

Thanks gents - looks like another modern myth dispelled then.

Appreciated!

[Old Dog]

Nice to see you about old boy. I believe Bill J recommended split links. How are things up in the North

Old Dog

[Bill Jurgenson]

All depends on the chain in use.
I have absolutely no problem with master links. At my age, most of my riding life has been spent with them.
Where possible I prefer an old-fashioned chain without seals and I always use a master link here.
With O- or X-Ring chains I do prefer to use a rivet link for which I have the tools but I always use either a DID or RK chain.
Never anything else.

[Linegeist]

Nice to see you about old boy. I believe Bill J recommended split links. How are things up in the North

Old Dog

G'day guv'. Nice too see you again too ..... not to mention the esteemed Mister Jurgenson. I don't frequent this forum as much as I used to as I'm trying to help get Norman's Skorpion forum steady on its feet.

It looks like we're getting all the nice weather out here at the moment - so no doubt there'll be hosepipe bans by midsummer. I hope I can get a few more miles under the wheels than the paltry 35 I managed in '09. It rained almost non-stop on Anglesey last year, and biking in the rain isn't one of those (few remaining) things I'd join a queue to be able to do at my age ..........

All depends on the chain in use.
I have absolutely no problem with master links. At my age, most of my riding life has been spent with them.
Where possible I prefer an old-fashioned chain without seals and I always use a master link here.
With O- or X-Ring chains I do prefer to use a rivet link for which I have the tools but I always use either a DID or RK chain.
Never anything else.

Thanks Bill. Your input's appreciated.

I want exactly what you describe - an 'old fashioned' chain that I can take off, wash, and then re-lube in a hot grease bath. Lovely!

Thanks for the inputs gents.

[Bill Jurgenson]

The only serious choice:
D.I.D 520 ERT2

[Linegeist]

That'll do for me Bill. Thanks.

Chain ordered!!!!