+1

Well put - NEVER assume anything. There's a reason pilots walk around the plane before take-off!

Cheers, SB

 

I replaced my sprockets and chain last summer and from the Honda dealer I frequent , I was told the clip worked fine if you do it correctly. That is oval side out, closed end going the direction of travel . I was a bit nervous about it then remembered my "Boyz from Illinois" used clips - they were changing gearing all the time for stock race days back in the day. So I have the clip about 3k on it and no problems. I admit to inspecting it regularly though.

 

The clip gets a bad name from backyard mechanics that are not educated in how the clip works. They have a 50% chance of putting it on correctly with a good chance of the chain coming off if backwards. If they spread the clip and put it on backwards I think the odds of the chain coming off are better than 95%.

I don't like the term that the chain is stronger when riveted. If you forget to rivet the link or forget to put the clip on, the link is just as strong as any other link in the chain. It will have the same dia. pins and same thickness plates. You just need to retain the side plate.

I talk with people that think the clip is no better than a ty wrap. The fact being, a ty wrap would work if it didn't come off at the first sprocket it encountered. You just need to retain the side plate.

 

Lots of debate on clips verses rivets. I almost put the clip link on this weekend just to be able to ride. I personally decided I would wait till the new link shows and do it myself correctly.
I will surely keep you guys posted.