Drive Chain Megathread

[BergyPatty37]

Well, I am about to call defeat. I simply cannot get the clip on the master link on the Niche 428 O ring chain, tried every trick that I know. Never had that happen with DID or RK chains. I may just go to a non O Ring...not sure yet.

You need to use pliers to compress the side plate. They sometimes can be really stiff. Then you should have enough room to get the retaining clip over.

 

[dakardean]

You need to use pliers to compress the side plate. They sometimes can be really stiff. Then you should have enough room to get the retaining clip over.

Yep, I tried that. I am very cetain that the retaining clip is not the correct one. it simply does not fit as it should.

 

[CTExplorer]

Yep, I tried that. I am very cetain that the retaining clip is not the correct one. it simply does not fit as it should.

I had more issues then expected with the master links for a DID o ring, and x ring I've bought for the CT. To the extent that I keep a small "c" clamp and hollow spacer that goes over the link pins in my tool setup. Pliers, Chanel locks and vise grips would not do it. You have to go back and forth on the pins with the clamp and spacer a couple times to compress them enough to even think about getting the clip on. No way you would do it in the field without it. Now the amount of effort it took to get the old oring master apart was also alarming but hoping that was a one off issue. The plate just would not come off the pins even with available prying and hammering devices in the garage.

If you're saying it's compressed far enough to easily get the clip in the indents and won't clip properly that does sound like maybe a bad part.

 

[dakardean]

I had more issues then expected with the master links for a DID o ring, and x ring I've bought for the CT. To the extent that I keep a small "c" clamp and hollow spacer that goes over the link pins in my tool setup. Pliers, Chanel locks and vise grips would not do it. You have to go back and forth on the pins with the clamp and spacer a couple times to compress them enough to even think about getting the clip on. No way you would do it in the field without it. Now the amount of effort it took to get the old oring master apart was also alarming but hoping that was a one off issue. The plate just would not come off the pins even with available prying and hammering devices in the garage.

If you're saying it's compressed far enough to easily get the clip in the indents and won't clip properly that does sound like maybe a bad part.

I have a link compression tool that has worked fine in the past on 520 x ring chains that I have replaced, once compressed you remove the tool and the link stays compressed enough to easily put the retainer clip on. Not so with this 428 O ring chain. The retainer clip doesn't even snap into place and stay with the O Rings removed...faulty part ? incorrect master link ? I do not know. At this point I have decided the O Ring chain is not worth the hassle, I will probably just go back to a regular chain. I have wasted too many hours on this chain.

 

[dmonkey]

If you try installing the clip with o-rings removed, or even with outer plate removed, and it won't go on then it sounds defective. Though you're outside the Amazon return window, it might be worth a shot to contact NICHE to see if they'll warranty it. Thanks for sharing your experience at the least, so others know about the quality control issue with NICHE chains.

The DID VX428 sealed chain can be a struggle as well, but other sealed chains aren't and the RK MRU chain I just put on my Dax went on with ease. I didn't even need to pinch the plates together with pliers to compress the seals before slipping the master link clip on.

 

[dakardean]

If you try installing the clip with o-rings removed, or even with outer plate removed, and it won't go on then it sounds defective. Though you're outside the Amazon return window, it might be worth a shot to contact NICHE to see if they'll warranty it. Thanks for sharing your experience at the least, so others know about the quality control issue with NICHE chains.

The DID VX428 sealed chain can be a struggle as well, but other sealed chains aren't and the RK MRU chain I just put on my Dax went on with ease. I didn't even need to pinch the plates together with pliers to compress the seals before slipping the master link clip on.
View attachment 14027

Yes, If I was going to try another O Ring chain I would go RK. They have good reviews. I will try my luck complaining to NICHE.

 

[dakardean]

Installing the clip without O Ring the clip did not engage in hole end of the groove, it was not long enough. Never Niche again !

 

[dakardean]

Anyone have experience with EK chains ? The reports seem pretty solid.

 

[dakardean]

I bought the EK 428 chain. Standard chain. Made in Japan with good reviews. My local motorcycle shop had the chain in stock, picked it up same day and they cut to size, no extra charge. Plus, it was $3 cheaper than Amazon. So, support your local shop whenever you can ! It is good for all of us.
I will post a review on the chain after I get some miles on it.

 

[dmonkey]

EK are a reputable brand. They are OEM on Kawasakis and I know a lot of people run them on Harleys. Similar to DID chains I suspect you get what you pay for with a range of cheap to expensive options.