The Weakest Link!
Dont panic!.. no sarcastic game show hosts here but a timely reminder about how important it is to fit the right chain (and link!) for your bike!
Ben Coys Thorne writes..
So as we all know ( or I hope we all do ) chain maintenance is critically important , regular adjusting , lubing etc etc.
I found out the hard way that there is something else very important to consider , especially if you've bought a or you've had a chain recently fitted.
I ride a 2002 RSV Aprilia , that's a 1000cc v-twin sports bike/Rocket ship. Now unbeknownst to me the previous owner had fitted a new chain using a split link instead of the endless link.
I had covered between 800-1000 miles on my "new to me" steed when the inevitable happened , the split link "let go", or in other words ripped in half!.
Luckily for me it was at low speed (approximately 30 mph) and I managed to avoid injury.
My bike on the other hand was not so lucky, the chain shot forward, cracking the cast engine casing, it also wedged between the tyre and swinging arm destroying the newish tyre.
The sum total of all this was that I needed a complete new engine , as well as a new tyre and new chain and sprocket set. A rather costly affair just for an incorrect link being fitted. !
In short ladies and gents , please check your chains and look after them to the best of your abilities