rivet link endless chain v masterlink chain

I need to change the chain and both sprockets on my bike. It has done nearly 50,000 klm. The manual for my bike says "[i]Never install a masterlink type chain[/i]". Cost of genuine parts alone are $90 for both sprockets and $320 for the "continuous" chain. Does anyone have any idea whether the caution is reasonably based (ie., should I only use this) or if you can use a linked chain. I prefer a masterlink chain because it is cheaper.

I've heard of masterlink chains failing. That is the link comes apart - scary thought!

Happened to me. In the middle of nowhere. Ruined my alternator wiring. I will never use a link again

Less than $400 for consumable parts that last 50,000km seems pretty reasonable to me. It's a big motor with a lot of torque, hardly worth the risk of a masterlink chain.

Spend the extra $ and get a rivet link chain mate. the cost of failure could be in the 1000's

You don't need to go OEM. a good quality after market rivet link chain ( e.g DID ) & aftermarket sprockets ( e.g JT ) are just fine ( & easier to fit than OEM continuous chains )Probably easiest if you also buy a chain breaker / riveter tool as well.
I personally wouldn't use a master link chain on a large bike like the bandit .

I have been told that there is no difference in the strength of clip versus press fit masterlinks. For my 2c, I would go with the press fit as they are much easier to get right. If you overdrive the link plate the clip will not be butted up agaist it and THEN they come off very easily. I think the original question was continous vs linked and my response would be to go riveted masterlink.

When I had my GPZ900R I always used a clip type chain, not for any reason other than they were easy to put on and I didn't need an angle grinder to get a chain off the bike. I never had a problem, never and back then I don't think I looked after the chain as a whole very well either, but never had a problem.
The only time a problem will arise is if it isn't clipped in home against the link plate.
Its a case of "that'll be good enough" not being very good at all.
On my Suzuki's I used riveted chains but had them fitted by a dealer.

Go riveted. Disco Frank on ASB wrote his old FZ6 off when his link failed and it punched a hole int he crankcase. Not only did it write his bike off, but the two bikes behind him went down on the oil and coolant that his bike dropped too. All up probably $30K of damage

ive never had a issue with master links but on the bandit i used the rivet.

i carry a masterlink under the seat just incase

reddog wrote:Go riveted. Disco Frank on ASB wrote his old FZ6 off when his link failed and it punched a hole int he crankcase. Not only did it write his bike off, but the two bikes behind him went down on the oil and coolant that his bike dropped too. All up probably $30K of damage

Agreed. Bikes regularly come up on motorcycle disposals/auction sites after being written off with a smashed crankcase. Usually caused by letting the chain get way too loose and having it come off...

I've always gone for a rivet link and haven't had any problems. Some guys swear by master link chains, but I wouldn't trust them on anything greater than a 4 stroke 250.

That's expensive for parts, I recently had my whole drive train done with labour for $320. I supplied the chain which cost $160, instead of $260 from the shop (so $420 labour and parts). If you look for a thread I started about 6 weeks ago all the info you need is right there. I tried ordering the sprockets online but couldn't find ones that I was sure were correct so let the shop supply them. Their prices were actually reasonable anyway. If you're in Brisbane, happy to give you the shop's details. This shop is the only one I would ever trust to leave my bike with to work on unsupervised.

It states in the owners manual that rivet chains are only to be used, i certainly would not trust a circlip regardless of success of others

I want to thank you all for your comments - I was going to go with a master-link chain - it was even recommended by my mechanic - but after reading all your posts, I think I will pay the extra for a continuous chain.

Thanks heaps javascript:emoticonp('')