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26th August 2010
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Biker
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 76 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year: 1976
Reputation: 10
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Can I break this chain and replace the bad link with a master link?
Okay... This chain is only a couple months old and is quite expensive. From my "situation" a couple nights ago where the chain came off the sprocket and got caught in the frame, it caused this link to bend. see picture below. Instead of buying a new chain, can I simply break the chain in this spot and replace the bad link with a new master link?
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26th August 2010
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Biker
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Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 18 Sportster/Buell Model: XL1200N Sportster/Buell Year: 2009
Reputation: 17
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That's what I would do..
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2010 FLHTK Vivid Black/ Black Ice Pearl Woods cams TW-6-6, PC-V, Jackpot 2/1/2 head pipe, Jackpot Dyno Tuned Mufflers, Black HTC End caps, Fuel Moto SE Stage 1 air cleaner 96HP/109TQ (Wifey's) 2009 XL1200N Vivid black
HD Tach, Forward controls
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26th August 2010
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cornelius, OR
Posts: 4,053
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You can, however the links next to it are most likely bent as well.
Any chain that has been through an explosion like that should be tossed.
Will you be as lucky if it comes off again?
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Ryder Rick "If life doesn't kill me, nothing ever will."
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26th August 2010
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Dallas
Posts: 7,702 Sportster/Buell Model: XLH 1200 Sportster/Buell Year: 1988
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Your chain will end up too short by 2 rollers, so no you can't do that, unless you have enough adjustment to allow for a chain 2 rollers shorter.
If you have extra chain you can replace a piece of the chain, but then you'll have 2 extra master links.
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Completely stock except for, Branch #5 heads & 10.5:1 JE pistons, Red Shift V531 cams, S&S Super E, ThunderJet, V&H Sideshots, S&S Flywheels, Dyna 2000i, Stortz 55mm Inverted Fork, JMC Swingarm, Works Performance 12.5" Shocks, PM 4 Piston, PM wheels, 18 x 150 R tire, Custom Belt Drive Conversion, Still Has Original Nut Behind The Bars
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26th August 2010
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Biker
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 76 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year: 1976
Reputation: 10
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Your right... given the inner plate is the one thats damaged, I would have to replace 2 links. Damn!
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26th August 2010
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Kennett Square, PA
Posts: 5,636 Sportster/Buell Model: 1200Lr Sportster/Buell Year: 2007 Sportster/Buell Model #2: Guzzi V7 Sportster/Buell Year #2: 2013 Other Motorcycle Model: Ducati M696 Other Motorcycle Year: 2011
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Being a cheap SOB I would be really tempted to try it - even if I had to use 2 master links.
Funny coming from an otherwise relatively conservative safety nazi like myself.
Penny wise - pound foolish?
I dunno - guess it would depend on the bike.
You could go with riveted master links then...
Just thinking out loud.
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26th August 2010
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Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,464 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year: 1972 Other Motorcycle Model: Heritage Softail Other Motorcycle Year: 1999
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New chain - too much at stake to gamble....could wreck the bike and really hurt you if you have another episode.
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26th August 2010
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Land Speed Record
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Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SoCal
Posts: 735 Sportster/Buell Model: XLH Sportster/Buell Year: 1976 Sportster/Buell Model #2: XLH Sportster/Buell Year #2: 1979
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After seeing the other damage that was done, I would definately replace the chain. It takes a lot of stress to bend a chain like that. How much more damage was done that can't be seen?
What is going to happen if the chain lets go while you are cruizing down the road at 60 or so? If it lets go and seizes the transmission sprocket, then you will have even more serious damage like busted case or who knows what else. Even worse, it could seize the rear wheel and cause a high-side. That is never good!!! How much is your peace of mind (and safety) worth?
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Skeeeter
'76 XLH - 4 5/8" Stroker, Andrews V-9 cams, S&S Super 'E' and Barnett Billet Scorpion Clutch plus some cosmetic stuff
'79 XLH - Mostly stock except for cosmetics (for now!)
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26th August 2010
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XL FORUM TEAM MEMBER
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Anglesey
Posts: 1,626 Sportster/Buell Model: 883r -1200 Sportster/Buell Year: 2003 Other Motorcycle Model: 850 Yamaha TRX Other Motorcycle Year: 98
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 That outher thread was scary enough!! That chain wants to kill you it doesnt like you. it has no manners and is unlikly to be thankfull to you for giving it the benafit of the doubt. nail it to your shed as a trophy.  |
26th August 2010
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XL FORUM TEAM MEMBER
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,334 Sportster/Buell Model: XL883N Sportster/Buell Year: 2012
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I would just replace it, I know chains are expensive but add up the cost of a busted bike and hospital bills, healing time, a chain seems cheap by comparsion.
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"I don't photograph in Black & White because I'm artistic, I'm colored blind"- unkown.
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