EDIT: ITS WORSE!!! Major problem- need advice- WARNING: LONG

[DesmoDog]

That's an o-ring chain, right?

So why the hell did he use a clip-type master link on it?

EDIT: Maybe he's only using it while fabbing up the bike, so he can remove it easily when he has to, um,do whatever needs to be done that needs the chain removed?

[paradisecity]

That's an o-ring chain, right?

So why the hell did he use a clip-type master link on it?

EDIT: Maybe he's only using it while fabbing up the bike, so he can remove it easily when he has to, um,do whatever needs to be done that needs the chain removed?

Im guessing that the chain is not going to be modified.

What will this affect Desmo?

[DesmoDog]

Well... there are probably differing opinions on this, but I'm not a fan of those types of master links in general and to be honest I didn't even think you could buy them to  (correctly) fit an o-ring chain.

And after typing that I went and surfed the net a bit, and found there are people who prefer to use that type of link with that chain... and there are "correct" clip master links for it, so... what do I know???

I still wouldn't use one on a street bike myself, but that's just me apparently...

[silentbob]

I always use rivets and so does every Ducati shop I know.

[5891jonathan]

The clip master link can be used on an o-ring chain.  I use one on my vintage Honda.  The clip link is fine on a moderate HP bike like my Honda (about 70 horsepower) if the clip is installed in the proper direction.  The one is the pic is installed properly.

Personally I wouldn't use this type of master link on a high horsepower bike - but the 695 isn't a 1098!

Still, it's worth asking the guy why he didn't peen the pins on the master link.  Doesn't he have a rivet tool!??!

[junior varsity]

And if its a 530, intended for high power output, why would you then use such a clip?

[Duc Stamp]

Take the guy to court.  I wanna see him explain the bill on Judge Judy!  You can pick apart half the bill as false charges, and she don't like no liars.

[NAKID]

The 530 is way too much for that bike. Even the D16RR has a 525. All 2V smaller than 900cc use 520 standard. The 900, DS1000 and DS1100 use a 525 which is still too much IMO...

[junior varsity]

My slightly tweaked 900 uses a 520, and its plenty-o-chain.

[paradisecity]

I have figured out that it is a 525 chain...so still too big, but not the end of the world.

[junior varsity]

Well that's fine since it was the same as the standard issue.  If you feel like replacing later, you'll just buy a 520 chain, and matching front and rear sprockets. That's all a pitch change entails.

[NAKID]

Well that's fine since it was the same as the standard issue.  If you feel like replacing later, you'll just buy a 520 chain, and matching front and rear sprockets. That's all a pitch change entails.

No, stock for the 695 was 520...

[junior varsity]

Ah, i see. Well that's interesting, I was under the impression that all Duc's were running 525's

[Duck-Stew]

No, stock for the 695 was 520...

Yes, but the S2R1000 swingarm (and rear sprocket on this bike) run a 525, so it's cheaper to run a 525 front sprocket and chain then to swap out a nearly perfectly good 525 41T rear sprocket so that's what the tech did.

[dlearl476]

If grandmaster of picking gaudy parts for your bike (me) was in charge of the chain and sprockets, you'd be receiving a nice gold-linked 520 chain, 15t front and larger, but odd-numbered rear sprocket - with the aluminum carrier, steel teeth. Odd numbered front and rear sprockets promote more even wearing.

I did not follow my own advice when I was picking sprockets though, and got a 14t front, instead of a larger rear (doh!)

TOB had a good write-up as to why its better (perhaps only marginally) to use two odd-numbered sprockets.

For me on the M900, the golden matchup would be something near a 15-43, I believe factory issue is 15-41 or 15-39. CA-Cycleworks has this information in their parts section under drive-train parts I believe.

According to the legends of my clan, it's not a matter of "odd or even" but a case of common denominators.  I.E. with a 15t/45t set-up, the CS sprocket would turn 3 times every time the wheel sprocket turned, consequently, the rollers would roll against the same teeth time after time.  With a combination with no common denominator, the rollers roll against every tooth before they roll against any one tooth again, thus "evening" out the wear as different sections of the chain stretch at different rates.

PC-I hope this all works out in the end.  I've read the entire thread, in horror.  I feel your pain, having done much the same thing with a "cost plus" agreement to build a Porsche motor many years ago.  I have to say, with nothing but sympathy in my heart, that this should be stickied in a "What NEVER to do" forum.  I'm doing much the same thing as you're doing, minus the SSSA, to a '99 M900.  The big difference: I'm doing all the work myself.  Today, for instance, I managed to get the Powerlet 12V accessory wired, in two hours.  (But boy is it make the beast with two backsing NICE.  )  Yesterday, I got the 2/1 exhaust finally mounted properly in about three.  I have a feeling you're being charged for all the "head scratching" and re-doing that I look at as a "learning process"..

I have to say, I think, as a new rider, you would have reaped infinitely greater rewards, riding-wise, by spending the money on a variety of riding schools than dumping the money into your bike, but then as the owner of a soon-to-be $15K '99 M900 , I can certainly understand your desire to own a monster that is uniquely yours.

Best of luck, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead".