Balancer chain

[Oggers]

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?

[iansoady]

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.

[Oggers]

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?   

[Rex]

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?

[murdo]

I have used a split link in a Honda balancer chain and as far as I know it is still giving good service.

[iansoady]

No, I think he's still around: https://the-chain-man.co.uk/

[Oggers]

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.