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Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: Oggers on March 28, 2022, 04:23:30 PM

Title: Balancer chain
Post by: Oggers on March 28, 2022, 04:23:30 PM
Quick Q  - I have replaced the balancer chain on the Honda 250 single -  and yes I am taking liberties with a Jap bike! This chain is about the size of a bicycle drive chain but needs cutting down to size. This is not an issue, but various folk suggest a rivet link to join it. I have no experience of rivet links, no tool, and no-one up here can seemingly assist. Will a split link in lieu be too much of a risk?
Title: Re: Balancer chain
Post by: iansoady on March 28, 2022, 04:57:40 PM
I'd be happy with a split link myself but given the amount of possible damage if it lets go perhaps you wouldn't be as confident.......

Perhaps a word with the chain man might be in order - he is always helpful.
Title: Re: Balancer chain
Post by: Oggers on March 28, 2022, 08:04:35 PM
Ian

My thinking is that the amount of side/lateral force - for want of better words - cannot be that much, its not subject to that much torque pulsation either, and a split link may well be OK. If it lets go then it would probably mash something inside the crankcase cover, but then again I have never had a split link let go before - even on cam chains. Who is the chain man please?   
Title: Re: Balancer chain
Post by: Rex on March 28, 2022, 10:29:35 PM
What's the recommended method of joining replacement balancer chains? What do replacement chains come with, a split link or a soft link?
I thought the Chain Man had passed on?
Title: Re: Balancer chain
Post by: murdo on March 29, 2022, 06:33:56 AM
I have used a split link in a Honda balancer chain and as far as I know it is still giving good service.
Title: Re: Balancer chain
Post by: iansoady on March 29, 2022, 10:05:11 AM
No, I think he's still around: https://the-chain-man.co.uk/
Title: Re: Balancer chain
Post by: Oggers on March 29, 2022, 10:23:22 AM
Murdo - Interesting, and I don't see an obvious reason why a split link should not be used....

Ian - thanks for the link - pun intended.