Soft links

[argentum40]

I am swapping a chain on my CBR and the one i am putting on hasnt got a Soft Link... I believe the chain is a 530 O ring chain but i could be wrong as i know sod all about chains... question is i need a pair of soft links and i dont know which ones to go for

is there anyway of checking or finding out for sure

[eastanglianbiker]

this is the sort of thing you are looking for http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOTORCYCLE-CH ... 20bc39fdbc clean up or check the side plates of other links the chain size should be stamped into them if its not a new chain the box.by the way that ebay link is for reference i know it is different size but they might have the size you are looking for if you contact them

[argentum40]

cheers EAB... just looked and it is stmaped with EK530 MVXZ... just one thing mate what stops the link plate from falling off on the soft link you have pointed me too as it doesnt have one of those lock slides ??

[eastanglianbiker]

the idea of a soft link is that you spread the end of the pins over the plate either using the correct tool or being careful with hammer and punch not to do it to much or the link wont pivot with the rest this will give you basic idea

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[Stu]

If you are going to go for the hammer method I would use a hard link as they mushroom over better then soft links

A soft link can go one way with their been a hole in the middle one edge can crush in to the middle!

[argentum40]

could i not use one of these ones with the lock plate thingy???

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MOTORCYCLE-CH ... 2573d6fd4e

[Stu]

NO!!!

These are not safe at all especially on anything bigger then a 125!!!

I had one on my zxr 400 (i didnt know at the time) and it came off the chain could have taken my leg off!

Dont skimp on safety do the job properly

[argentum40]

ok well i didnt know hence why i asked.... can i ask whats the difference between an O ring chain and an X link chain?... i dont know what type i have and so i dont know which link to go for

[Stu]

its a cross section of the seal O ring has two contact points and an X ring has 4

X ring is better as it keeps the lube in

[Stu]

X ring seal

http://www.sealkit-china.com/4-PST/1-2-1b.jpg

O ring seal

http://republicseabee.com/images/o-ring.jpg

[argentum40]

erm right i understand now but still havent a clue what i have on mine... will either type fit or will O ring ones only work on O ring chains and same with X ring ones???

[pointblank0]

Either will be fine. The link should come with the seals anyway.

[argentum40]

ah ok thanks mate

[rushwind]

and u need achain riveter|?, or better still, a prson with a chain riveter,,,,,,,,,,,,,

soft links need to be peened over, thats why they are soft!!!

[Fozzie]

Firstly buy a chain riveter as it's £30 on evilbay but like all other tools they last a lifetime.

Then secondly always go for the X-ring gold chains.

I had a standard O-ring chain on my CBR600F4i and I went through it in 11000 miles even when it had regular cleaning and lubing. The X-ring has so far done 9000 miles with only 3 adjustments and it still has 3/4 life left.