Balancer chain

[Oggers]

Right - I fear I may rock the boat here! I have ordered a new DID balancer (kart) chain and a split link for it. I fully realize that I perhaps ought to use a rivet link, but several problems.

I am not confident or practiced enough to mushroom out a rivet link correctly.
I don't have the right tool.
No-one around here can seemingly do it for me - despite several attempts with the local bike shops.

So, am I asking for trouble using a split link in lieu of a rivet link?

My thinking

Not much torque on a balancer chain - it's not like a drive chain.
Relatively small chain.
Cam chains operate in a similar way, and I have seen cam chains with split links.

Thoughts welcome as ever.

[Laverdaroo]

Ask Oddjob, he might do it for you he's 'The Don' at all things chain related,
drop him a pm, he's on here.

[Laverda Dave]

Hmm, a big single and in particular the CB250RS is well known for knocking out drive chains due to the firing pulses of these bikes. Personally I wouldn't fit a split link and especially considering the balance chain is pretty lightweight compared to the final drive chain.

[Oggers]

Dave

The balancer chain being pretty light is surely an advantage? Drive chains - final drive to wheel? - even my big Suzuki with a chain the size of the Titanic slip chains has a split link.  Surely the balancer chain would not be under undue pulsation/torque ripple, as it is er.. balanced? ....but yes, I would prefer a rivet link, but just cannot find anyone to do it - Mr Oddjob may be an option for sure. Cheers for that.....

[Oddjob]

What size is the chain? eg 219. Look on the side plates, it's sometimes on there.

Does it need to be split to fit or can it be rivetted and fitted after?

[Oggers]

Hi Oddjob

It's a 219  - one of these.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/382209546818

Needs to be cut to size, preferably rivet link fitted and mushroomed, then can be fitted when fully assembled - unless Dave says different! 

[Oddjob]

How many links?

I presume you've already bought one?

If it's a 219 you might as well upgrade it and fit a 219FTH if you haven't already bought one. The FTH is a heavier duty chain with full side plates instead of the figure 8 of the normal chain, it's stronger, last longer and is supposed to be quieter.

Yeah I can rivet that for you if you wish.

Easier for me to cut one down and rivet it than you providing one as it doubles the postage.

TBH if the link length isn't too great you may be able to get 2 chains out of one length, that way you can keep one for spare or maybe sell it on and cover the cost of buying it.

Let me know your thoughts

[Oggers]

Hi Oddjob

Let me consult the manual and I'll get back to you with number of links - or I'll count the old one!

Yes  - I have already bought one, but chat later no doubt.

Many thanks for your help - much appreciated.

[Oddjob]

Not a problem mate, it's what the forum is all about.

Did you get a rivet link with it as well or just a split link?

I have spare rivet links but they are for the 219FTH chain so your going to need one.

[Laverda Dave]

I wish I had known of the heavy duty option at the time, I would have fitted one!

[Oddjob]

Maybe next time it comes apart then Dave.

[Oggers]

Just got a split link with the chain. Rivet links for it seem hard to come by. I'll keep looking.....

[Oggers]

Oddjob - sent you a PM - hopefully!

[Oddjob]

Just got a split link with the chain. Rivet links for it seem hard to come by. I'll keep looking.....

I can get a rivet link for a 219 chain no problem. Costs £1.20 where I get my chains from. 92 links seems to be the longest 219T chain available these days as the 219FTH seems to take over after 92.

You got a link count yet? Asking here so other can read the answers Mark.

[Laverda Dave]

I think it's 104 from memory, I remember one of the timing marks is on link 88 but I'll have to check tomorrow when I'm fully awake!