Unusual Chain Failure
 

Broke on the autobahn north of Hamburg after a 3-week ride to Nordkap. Was a new chain before leaving. Master link broke OPPOSITE the clip. Replaced with a riveted chain. What a PITA that was!

Any thoughts on cause? I’m guessing maybe I ran it too loose in an effort to compensate for luggage and camping gear. TransAlp 600.

JohnD

You would have been better off starting with a riveted master link to start.
My guess is you (or someone) improperly installed your master link.

Even a very loose chain should not break or cause the master link to fail on a NEW chain in such short distance.

If you use a high quality, X Ring chain and a properly installed Riveted master link, your chain should go easily to 30K km. with only minor care.

I only use ONE chain. DID ZVM X Ring. Using quality sprockets also important and changing out the front sprocket can help extend chain life by at least 20%.
Change front sprocket every 8K miles or so.

If you ride a lot of HIGH speed and a lot of Rain, your chain/sprockets may wear more quickly. Riding at 120 km for long periods can be a bit tough even on a good quality chain over time.

bier

As noted, possibly installed incorrectly, or it's just a defective master link OR as you said, possibly the chain was too loose and flapping around, although even then it shouldn't break.

BIG issue is the "too loose to compensate for luggage..." phrase!

There is ONLY ONE correct adjustment, and it works ALL the time, under ANY load!

I believe the Transalp has a diagram / guide on the swing arm how to set it. If so, follow it religiously. PLUS be sure to check the tension as diagrammed at multiple points on the chain, as it can stretch unevenly or the sprockets may be not quite perfect causing all sorts of issues if you tension it at the tightest point.

Also see this article I wrote for a magazine years ago, still 100% for all chain drive bikes.
Chain Adjustment + Wheel Alignment | Horizons Unlimited

Also a discussion I did with Jim Martin on Adventure Rider Radio on the subject:
http://www.adventureriderradio.com/a...t-on-tech-talk

been riding long time with master link clip on on dirt bikes, street bikes and adv
and never had problem, as mentioned above most likely incorrectly installed master link or poor quality chain. What chain was that?