Drive Chain Question 250r

[250rRoostmaster]

Yep, o-ring master links are difficult to install, while x-rings are slightly easier, yet still difficult. If you're trying to install them in the cold of winter, it'll be damn near impossible, unless you heat up your o or x-rings. Try heating them up in some hot water next time, to get them nice and pliable. It makes them so much easier squish down.

I have a motion pro chain breaker and it also acts as a press for master links. Best way to do clip style masters. It squishes the plates and leaves enough room to get the clip half way on before you have to remove the press.

[Samjp22]

roostmaster, do you order that chain from rockymountainatv? it comes in a 520x120, is it okay to cut links out of an o-ring/x-ring chain?

[El Camexican]

This one works the same way, but cost a little more than the Motion Pro. Not cheap, but it's one of those tools that will last a lifetime if you take care of it. When I think of all the years I did my chains with a grinder and punch I feel like an idiot.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RK-Motorcycl...3c7c3a&vxp=mtr

[250rRoostmaster]

roostmaster, do you order that chain from rockymountainatv? it comes in a 520x120, is it okay to cut links out of an o-ring/x-ring chain?

Yes, I got mine from Rocky mountain in 520x120. I have an extended swinger so I needed the longer chain anyways. You can cut it just like any other chain, not a problem!

[fabiodriven]

I have a motion pro chain breaker and it also acts as a press for master links. Best way to do clip style masters. It squishes the plates and leaves enough room to get the clip half way on before you have to remove the press.

See the problem with that is when the chain is physically too thick, or the master link not wide enough, to compress enough to get the clip on. The last three times I've attempted to install the master link on my brand new O-ring chains, which was very recently and all three came with their own master link brand new included with the chain, I had to remove the O-rings from the master link and grind the chain down on both sides to have enough room to get the clip on. I'm not bullshitting and I'm surprised more people haven't spoken up. I was livid putting these things together because as everyone knows, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and here I am weakening my brand new name brand chains just to install them for the first time. It's something that makes me really, really angry. I seriously want to fly to D.I.D.'s headquarters and have someone install one of their master links right in front of me. How can they even sell a product like that which does not work? It's fricken bollocks is what it is! I get really revved up over it, no joke.

[250rRoostmaster]

See the problem with that is when the chain is physically too thick, or the master link not thick enough, to compress enough to get the clip on. The last three times I've attempted to install the master link on my brand new O-ring chains, which was very recently and all three came with their own master link brand new included with the chain, I had to remove the O-rings from the master link and grind the chain down on both sides to have enough room to get the clip on. I'm not bullshitting and I'm surprised more people haven't spoken up. I was livid putting these things together because as everyone knows, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and here I am weakening my brand new name brand chains just to install them for the first time. It's something that makes me really, really angry. I seriously want to fly to D.I.D.'s headquarters and have someone install one of their master links right in front of me. How can they even sell a product like that which does not work? It's fricken bollocks is what it is! I get really revved up over it, no joke.

I totally hear ya as the clip style are a joke and don't get me wrong, I've screwed up my fair share as well. The rivet style is hands down better and stronger and will save you many cuss words and thrown tools LOL.

[Samjp22]

So on rockymountain do you order the chain then order which master link you want clip/rivet? Do the rivet ones just pop on or what? I've only ever dealt with clip chains.

[250rRoostmaster]

So on rockymountain do you order the chain then order which master link you want clip/rivet? Do the rivet ones just pop on or what? I've only ever dealt with clip chains.

It comes with a clip style master link. You can buy either style separately which is what I do. You need a tool like the ones described earlier (motion pro or the one the el Camexican linked too) to install a rivet style because they need to be pressed together with a chain press.

[El Camexican]

So on rockymountain do you order the chain then order which master link you want clip/rivet? Do the rivet ones just pop on or what? I've only ever dealt with clip chains.

You need a tool like the one I posted to install the rivet types. You also need the tool (or a grinder) to remove them and when you do they should go in the garbage, but if you want you can try and reuse them, but it's not a good idea. With the right tool they are much easier to install than a clip and less prone to failure. The only issue is to not over tighten them, it takes the right touch and a little common sense. I use them whenever possible.

NOTE: 250Rroostmaster types faster than me

[El Camexican]

See the problem with that is when the chain is physically too thick, or the master link not thick enough, to compress enough to get the clip on. The last three times I've attempted to install the master link on my brand new O-ring chains, which was very recently and all three came with their own master link brand new included with the chain, I had to remove the O-rings from the master link and grind the chain down on both sides to have enough room to get the clip on. I'm not bullshitting and I'm surprised more people haven't spoken up. I was livid putting these things together because as everyone knows, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and here I am weakening my brand new name brand chains just to install them for the first time. It's something that makes me really, really angry. I seriously want to fly to D.I.D.'s headquarters and have someone install one of their master links right in front of me. How can they even sell a product like that which does not work? It's fricken bollocks is what it is! I get really revved up over it, no joke.

At one time I had a few thinner O-rings from ??? kicking around that were the same OD as the DID rings. I exchanged the fat chain O-rings for these and it suddenly became easy to get the clip on. That might be better than grinding a link if you can find some.

[fabiodriven]

Grinding the link is necessary even with no O-rings installed at all. That's what I'm getting at. Master links that just are not wide enough for the chain. Never mind thinner O-rings, it doesn't work without any O-rings at all.

[250rRoostmaster]

Grinding the link is necessary even with no O-rings installed at all. That's what I'm getting at. Master links that just are not wide enough for the chain. Never mind thinner O-rings, it doesn't work without any O-rings at all.

I've never had to grind anything on the chains i've installed, you must have angered the chain gods!! LOL I see what you are saying though if the dimensions are physically different between the master and the chain. That could definitely pose a big problem with assembly. I'm glad i haven't had to deal with that situation in my years of installing chains and hope you get some better luck with those masters!

[fabiodriven]

This has been a great thread, thanks guys. I've only ever used master links so I don't have any experience with the rivets. Unfortunately I can't use rivets as I have to remove the chain on my XR too often for that to be feasible. I'll get an X-ring next time I'd say.

[Samjp22]

This thread has been very helpful! Thanks as well

[El Camexican]

Grinding the link is necessary even with no O-rings installed at all. That's what I'm getting at. Master links that just are not wide enough for the chain. Never mind thinner O-rings, it doesn't work without any O-rings at all.

I've never seen one like that in my life. No wonder you're so pizzed!