Masterlinkless chain

[2lcf]

While washing my bike last weekend I noticed that there was NO masterlink on my chain........my first thought was WHY???..........after looking at it I did see a copper colored link in the chain..........I am guessing that is the one that would need to be cut out and where the master link would go.....

Does anyone know why they do that, and should it be changed out to a master link or leave it alone...........all the other bikes I have had came with master links............

Thanks

?

[tweav]

that is the way they do the stock chain it's riveted. It is less likely to come apart then a masterlink that is why they do it . I pulled mine out just because I swap chains back and forth going from dirt to supermoto . I like to have an extra link on hand myself but it's just for peace of mind mostly.

[w00dsRider]

I'd leave it alone. A chain without a 'master link' is much stronger and that's why they use them.

[matt4x4]

Seems like all new bikes come with them now, my wife's 06 CRF150 was linkless before I geared it - I always carry spare links for all our bikes in my kit.

[2lcf]

Seems like all new bikes come with them now, my wife's 06 CRF150 was linkless before I geared it - I always carry spare links for all our bikes in my kit.

Thanks.........I too keep extra masterlinks for our bikes in our tool box.....so I guess I will by one or two, just incase..............thanks for the responses....

[mvryder]

What size master link should one carry for the stock wr450 chain.....just in case? I asked the shop that once and they laughed at me saying it would never break....when i pushed for a link they didn't know what size to give me.

[2lcf]

What size master link should one carry for the stock wr450 chain.....just in case? I asked the shop that once and they laughed at me saying it would never break....when i pushed for a link they didn't know what size to give me.

I will let you know when I buy mine today...............

[chrama1]

I noticed that with my WR450 as well. My kids have TTR-90 and 50, and thiers have a master link. I replaced my factory chain with a RENTHAL R1 520 GOLD CHAIN when I changed the sprockets/gears. I have had no issue with it at all. As long as you give it the proper slack then a Master Linked Chain should work well.

[mvryder]

I will let you know when I buy mine today...............

Great, thanks

[matt4x4]

it's a 520 mater link - according to some dealers - EVERY manufacturer is different, but I really don't think so, you just need to know whether you're running O-ring, X ring or plain....in a pinch, I think any 520 will work

[djrevz]

yes thats correct i work in a bearing place that deals with chain + links, bearings, circlips and oil seals and the 520 chain is all the same and endurance bikes are good for master links i have never had somebody come in to my shop for a new link for over 7 years that ive been there.

[doctorchopper]

i would disagree, i had a master link for a did chain, and my buddies renthal chain broke we tried my master link and it wouldn't fit , the renthal is aslightly wider, not much but enough, i enquired with my dealer and that was the case

[WR_Dave]

The master link must match the chain ie: o-ring chain needs an O-ring master and regular chain needs a regular link. I like the masterless chain and spent a few bucks to get the chain breaker and the chain press tool. Rocky mountain ATV and Pit Posse both carry reasonably priced models. Riveted chain is good piece of mind over a lost clip IMHO. WR Dave.

[2lcf]

The master link must match the chain ie: o-ring chain needs an O-ring master and regular chain needs a regular link. I like the masterless chain and spent a few bucks to get the chain breaker and the chain press tool. Rocky mountain ATV and Pit Posse both carry reasonably priced models. Riveted chain is good piece of mind over a lost clip IMHO. WR Dave.

That makes sense.............but out of my 32 years of riding, I have NEVER lost a clip or masterlink.............I don't plan on putting a masterlink on my 08 unles I break the chain or??????,,,,,,,,,,,,I am going to buy a couple of masterlinks to keep in my tool box............

[2lcf]

"DID 520V FJ" is the part number that is supposed to fit the 08 WR 450 chain......according to the local parts store........I guess I really won't find out until I pop a link or cut my riveted chain.......$5.50 at the part store....

FYI only............

[TWILES]

i would disagree, i had a master link for a did chain, and my buddies renthal chain broke we tried my master link and it wouldn't fit , the renthal is aslightly wider, not much but enough, i enquired with my dealer and that was the case

The Tsubaki 0-rings are different too. I had a Omaga-S on my 500 Quadracer years ago and took it off when I sold the bike planning on using it on another but it was too short. The Gold o-ring Tsubaki makes is different than the regular Omaga-S because there was some left from a guys and I thought I'd use it but the pins are bigger and its a bigger chain all around. You have to stick with the chain intself, not just the type or brand.