chain half links

[WJG1000W]

my dad remembers when he put new chain and sprockets on his suzuki 185 some one told him never to use a half link on motorcycle chain so my question is has anyone heard this if you have why? half links are a lot cheaper then sprockets and chain

[4x4van]

Half links, used when the adjustment range on a bike will not allow a full link due to the particular sprockets, is fine. Most bikes have enough adjustment range that a half link should not be needed, but there is nothing wrong with using a new half-link with a new chain if it is needed.

[WJG1000W]

ohh ok but i was wonedering about using a half link to tighten up my chain

[rodeofan5656]

i put one on my '86 200x today! rode it for about an hour straight and the chain didnt give me any problems. but my stupid carrier clamps on the swingarm are lettin the carrier slip and the chain gets loose. it did this before, so dont think theres anythin wrong with half links

[falloutboy]

Using a half link to make up for a worn out chain is sort of like putting air in your tire every time you ride because it goes flat overnight. Does it work? Yeah. Is it the best way to fix your problem? Probably not.

[Scootertrash]

How would a half link tighten up your chain? If your chain is already stretched so the range of adjustment on the machine can't make it tight, it's already too long. A half link will only make it longer, unless you remove a full link or two to shorten the chain and then put in the half link, which wouldn't make any sense either since if you removed a link or two , you would then be able to reset the adjustment to make up for the removed link(s).

If your chain is that stretched, buy a new one. Double check your manual for the proper pin count if you are buying your chain by the pin.

[Dirtcrasher]

^ agreed.

I have snapped 4 now. The ones available, do not fit correctly, but you can make it work.

I don't ride that 350X anyhow but I would like a source for a Tsubaki type chain, not a lawnmower.......

[bigred44]

I think a half link is fine for a low powered machine such as a 200x, but there is no way i would use one on a high torque machine. Remember that the master link or a half link is the weakest part of your chain.

[rodeofan5656]

I think a half link is fine for a low powered machine such as a 200x, but there is no way i would use one on a high torque machine. Remember that the master link or a half link is the weakest part of your chain.

not necessarily. the master link has both sides to it that hold it (the main part with pins attached, and the outer side that goes on the other side of the pins with the clip). its pretty much the same as the other outer side links. a half link is only weaker cause of the pin it has, which is only held in place by a very small cotter pin. ive had two chains break on me while ridin. and those two chains broke somewhere away from the master link. it all depends on the brand of chain and what its on i guess..

[yamaha driver]

a half link or master link is NOT the weakest spot in a chain... i asked many mechanics in the area and all have said the same thing. they are equal in strength to everyother link on the chain.

[110klt]

I think a half link is fine for a low powered machine such as a 200x, but there is no way i would use one on a high torque machine. Remember that the master link or a half link is the weakest part of your chain.

Wow, if that isn't a kick in the sack.

You could have said a low powered machine like a 90 or 110. But a 200x? Ouch that hurts.

[Dirtcrasher]

Big red44 - I agree. a master link is already peened over on one side and normally requires you 2 press it on with vice grips/socket.

Half links have a pin that is not a press fit and a mere tiny cotter pin hold it all together.

[beets442]

I must have gotten lucky with my half link, rode all over Pa. for about a year on mine. I put a piece of stainless wire thru mine, but a new chain and gears isnt that much.

[rodeofan5656]

a half link or master link is NOT the weakest spot in a chain... i asked many mechanics in the area and all have said the same thing. they are equal in strength to everyother link on the chain.

i thought i was gonna get cussed out or somethin for sayin the master and half links arent weak. glad someones knows for sure the same thing i do :lol: