Chain Broke Off at a Red Light

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RedDogDarren said:
This happened to me years ago. The master link clip was installed in the wrong psoition. Just re-install and no worries.
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I agree that's what seems to have happened.

If the original seller installed the link wrong, you really don't want him/her coming to fix it.

It is an easy fix. From the pic and vid it seems to me that the master link is bent. I'd recommend a new clip link or rivet link that will fit that size of chain. If you're worried, get a new chain. I wouldn't hesitate to use a clip link for a limited HP road bike. High performance I'd only use a riveted master link. The clip links are easy to install - although easy for a moron to screw up, too.

Just re-read the type of bike - I'd go with a riveted master link.
 
toysareforboys said:
The bent "master link" (that's what the "main connection" is called) is normal when the rivet plate (or in your case the link clip) comes off. Link clips suck, especially when installed incorrectly. You're going to need a new master link at the minimum, and if the end connections aren't damaged or bent you should be golden. If the ends of the chain are damaged I highly doubt you'll have enough room to cut the damaged link off and reassemble the chain.

It looks like an EK chain but I've never seen one come without a rivet master link? Where the heck is Rose? If you're local I can help you out with the chain.

EDIT: Also, it looks like still the stock rear sprocket! It's never a good idea to replace the chain and not the sprockets too! The chain will wear out very quickly! For SURE have someone look at the condition of the front and rear sprockets before you think about riding it again!

Can you please take a pic of the right side (exhaust side) of the rear wheel? Looking straight at the side of the rear wheel, from axel height (so like 1ft off the ground). Upload it (and the same pic from the other side as well to) in full quality to http://www.freefilehosting.net/ and paste the links here.

You are VERY lucky it came off when you were stopped! Could have been major damage (to you AND the bike)!

Still makes me giggle every time I read it. It's not just that he thought he was right, it's the way he said it! lol.

-Jamie M.
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Thanks for the info Jamie. I'm in Scarborough. Here's some pictures:

http://www.freefilehosting.net/img0743

http://www.freefilehosting.net/img0745

http://www.freefilehosting.net/img0748

http://www.freefilehosting.net/img0746

http://www.freefilehosting.net/img0753

http://www.freefilehosting.net/img0755
 
toysareforboys said:
The bent "master link" (that's what the "main connection" is called) is normal when the rivet plate (or in your case the link clip) comes off. Link clips suck, especially when installed incorrectly. You're going to need a new master link at the minimum, and if the end connections aren't damaged or bent you should be golden. If the ends of the chain are damaged I highly doubt you'll have enough room to cut the damaged link off and reassemble the chain.

It looks like an EK chain but I've never seen one come without a rivet master link? Where the heck is Rose? If you're local I can help you out with the chain.

EDIT: Also, it looks like still the stock rear sprocket! It's never a good idea to replace the chain and not the sprockets too! The chain will wear out very quickly! For SURE have someone look at the condition of the front and rear sprockets before you think about riding it again!

Can you please take a pic of the right side (exhaust side) of the rear wheel? Looking straight at the side of the rear wheel, from axel height (so like 1ft off the ground). Upload it (and the same pic from the other side as well to) in full quality to http://www.freefilehosting.net/ and paste the links here.

You are VERY lucky it came off when you were stopped! Could have been major damage (to you AND the bike)!

Still makes me giggle every time I read it. It's not just that he thought he was right, it's the way he said it! lol.

-Jamie M.
Click to expand...

If its an EK coloured chain they always come standard with a clip style link, it you want a rivet you have to order it separate

And in the video I can clearly see the grooves for a clip in the link. So what he has was a clip style.The plate on the link being blue also confirms it, because the rivet style only comes in silver or gold...
 
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I always put a dab of blue silicone on a clip. That makes it easy to spot and helps ensure it stays put.
and remember: Fish don't swim backwards.
That tells you clip direction.
 
I need a pic like 0746 but of the exhaust side of the back axle :)

Good you're in Scarb, I'm just in Whitby. I can help. You will need a new masterlink, probably can't get one until Monday.

I just got in from riding all day, got your PM, will send ya a text when I wake up from my nap ;)

-Jamie M.
 
How are you taking your bike to the shop? Or are you fixing it yourself?
vinehanger said:
So I brought a 2007 Gsxr 600 a few days ago from a private seller. The bike had a blue chain. I got out of my garage and rode for like 15 seconds until I reached a red light. As the light turned green, I put the bike back in first gear and gave it gas. However, bike didn't move at all. I then noticed my chain hanging on the floor. I duck paddled my bike all the way back home. Called the seller and he told me he may have not installed the "main joint bolt" correctly. He offered to come to my house and install the chain for me if its possible to.


Does a chain snapping off the sprocket cause any engine / transmission damage? Is the chain even broken? And where is the cheapest place to get a new chain and have it installed? Really wanted to ride on Sunday but now I wont be able to :(

View attachment 27620View attachment 27619


Video of broken chain: (notice the main connection joint seems to be bent)

http://youtu.be/R0pIBH_mLUU
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caboose483 said:
Where do you live?

Odds are you could find someone nearby with a rivet tool to get it installed properly. Take your chain into a bike shop, get them to order/sell you the correct rivet link and get it installed. I'm guessing you don't live in London but if you did I could help. I have the rivet tool.
Click to expand...

I'm in Newmarket and am happy to rivet a link for you no problem if you're nearby. I've done enough to know what to do. However, as said above, it may well be worth taking it to someone like Kneedragger88 if he's close by. If the seller incorrectly fitted a clip then god knows what else is waiting to drop off. Getting the bike checked over may well be a worthwhile investment. A broken chain is a very serious issue. Almost life threatening if it breaks at the wrong time.
 
In cases where a riveted master link is not an option for whatever reason (e.g. cannot get a 520 chain for the bike in question, or something like that) I have done the following: Assemble the master link with o-rings and grease inside it and the side plate on, then degrease the outside of the side plate, then coat the side plate with a thin coat of mixed JB Weld, then install the clip (as noted with the closed end leading and the open end trailing in the normal directino of motion) then safety wire around the side plate and the clip then another dab of JB Weld on the outside so that the clip and the safety wire are buried in the JB Weld, then let it cure for a day ... that clip is not going ANYwhere ...
 
vinehanger said:
Jamie, here's some pics of the exhaust side..
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Ok, I wanted to just check your axle alignment to make sure there wasn't more of a reason for the chain coming off than a failed master link. If you look at pic 0759 and compare it to this one:

2jbnrrm.jpg


You can see the adjuster lock nut I circled in purple is not done up properly. I don't think this would have caused any axle movement, but please make sure, when you/we get the chain re-installed, that you double check the axle alignment and make sure both adjusters are set to the same amount on each side.

I am able to help you re-install the chain tomorrow. I have physio in the morning until about 11am but am free after that. If you can find a rivet style master link that fits that chain I can press it together for ya tomorrow :)

-Jamie M.
 
Fiery254 said:
I'm in Newmarket and am happy to rivet a link for you no problem if you're nearby. I've done enough to know what to do. However, as said above, it may well be worth taking it to someone like Kneedragger88 if he's close by. If the seller incorrectly fitted a clip then god knows what else is waiting to drop off. Getting the bike checked over may well be a worthwhile investment. A broken chain is a very serious issue. Almost life threatening if it breaks at the wrong time.
Click to expand...

+1

Piece of mind is a wonderful thing when you're barreling down the 401 and need to make an evasive maneuver or brake suddenly. I'd have a proper mechanic have a full look at everything before you decide to go for a spin. That's just me. I don't know the history of the bike, better safe than sorry.

Good luck.
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