How to fix a chain together

[Mike 1958]

Hi all, the last time I fitted a motorcycle chain it had a spring link.
I assume I will need a special tool to attach chain.
Please see attached photos.
Cheers Mike

[skub]

For years I just used a hammer and a punch to swell the soft links,but be careful as it's easy to get a stiff link. I now have a Whale chain tool,which although expensive,is good quality and makes the job simple.

Lots of folk,me included just run a split link on their triples.

[Mike 1958]

Hi Skub, maybe I just need to buy a split link. That’s all I use back in the day.

Cheers Mike

[Wessiedave]

I've just changed chain and sprockets on my z1000sx, the one before that was my KH500 which was about 15 yrs ago when I used big grips and a centre punch. This time I used a proper chain breaker and riveter, much safer and accurate. Personally I wouldn't use a spring link again.

[Collyolly]

If you don’t use a spring link how easy is it to remove the rear wheel ?

[Wessiedave]

Reasonably easy , I slide the wheel forward to slacken the chain, place a bit of rag onto the end of the swinging arm and rest the chain on it. I only remove the wheel to replace the tyre so that's maybe 3 - 4 times in 15 years , and it's the same chain! ( must do more mileage!)

[Wolfie]

I'm in Skub's camp on this one.. Although I used Riveted Links for some years.. Pain in the arse..

When I rebuilt the H2 a coupla years ago, I consulted someone who does a lot of work on race bikes, he absolutely recommended using Split links.
So When I went down from a heavy Duty Chain to a standard one, I've just used the Split Link that came with it.