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Splicing links onto a chain?

N4teTheGreat

N4teTheGreat

FknN8
Joined
Dec 5, 2009
Location
San Francisco
Moto(s)
2012 DRZ 400s, 2018 Ducati Hypermotard SP, 2008 KTM 950 SM
Name
Nathan
Tell me why this is a bad, or great, idea.

So I have a chain, it's at 108 links. I need 112 or so for either of my street bikes. I have done a few chains since, and have spare / new links kicking around. Seems like a fella could go buy a second master link and splice those links onto the chain to get to a serviceable length. I'd guess it might slightly reduce the life as I'd assume even the best attempt at lube application on a master link isn't quite as effective as factory stuff, but, considering the chain is otherwise not useful, why not?
 
When I stretched by rear end 4 inches last year I asked the service manager at EastBay Motorsports this same question. As a natural cheapskate I wanted to splice on a section of chain to save some money rather than buy a whole new chain, plus my existing chain was perfectly fine.

He said bad idea because then you have two weak spots (two master links) not just one. Plus I'd likely be mixing two different brands of chain together which is also no bueno.
And no, this wasn't a sales pitch to get me to buy a new chain from their shop. I ended up buying a new chain online better than the OEM and in retrospect, I'm glad I did.
 
I didn't really think the master link, if properly installed, would be functionally weaker than a standard link. IN my case it would be the same exact chain bits spliced so a clean match.
 
I’m no mechanic and don’t have any direct experience but the advice I got from someone more knowledgeable than me was to replace the whole chain.
Don’t mess around with a splice he said.
This could also be due to the type of bike I have (Hayabusa).
 
I completely agree that a properly installed Master link is no weaker than the rest of the links, in my unprofessional opinion

But

Different brand and different models of the same brand of the same size chain have had different thickness plates and different diameter pins in my experience.

Splicing a mismatched random 520/530 would be a bad situation.
How long would it last? No telling, but it's not right and not good.

If you are able to splice the same exact brand and model you should be good to go, don't mix and match.
 
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I would never splice a chain the way you described, because there was so much cursing and flinging the chain tool against the wall out of frustration. Imagine having to join two of those damned master links. 🤬

If they were clip type master links, I'd daisy chain all 56 outer plates in a heartbeat to get to 112 links. 👍
 
I would splice little chunks of chain together and not think twice about it as long as the parts are meant to work together. Mixing manufacturers may see slight tolerance differences between parts that shouldn't have tolerance differences.

Service manager at a shop of any kind is no more an expert about chains than any other Joe schmoe off the street, unless that manager also has some kind of engineering background with applicable experience.... and has an insurance liability policy to worry about. Call the chain manufacturer if you want a qualified oponion. I bet they have some actual insight on the subject, much like tire manufacturers have opinions on patching punctures.
 
the problem isn't the master links. it's the person putting them together, if you think you're good enough gopher it.
 
I have done this before, not high horsepower, but dirt bikes, sporting gearing needing little bits of extra chain.
I've never had issues with breaking clip masters, on dirt. I have seen it lighting up tires, both riveted masters, chain and belts
 
I have spliced chains since 1972. Most of that activity was done while active in the AFM and WERA for a couple years. Trying gearing at different tracks. Never had a problem. Do get a very high-quality chain tool and rivet style master links.
 
Johnny LaRue said:
I have spliced chains since 1972. Most of that activity was done while active in the AFM and WERA for a couple years. Trying gearing at different tracks. Never had a problem. Do get a very high-quality chain tool and rivet style master links.
Click to expand...
This.
Been there, done that and didn't die.
 
Pro tip:
There is a small learning curve with those tools.
I suggest practicing on your old chain once or twice until you get your fingers dialed in to their muscle memory.
 
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