Rivet link every time I would say.
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With a rivet link there's no need for a "just in case" daub of silicone glue or a piece of safety wire. No need to worry about getting the fiddly little clip in the tiny little grooves just so. No need to be concerned if it's in the right orientation or worry if it was dislodged when you backed the bike out of the garage or something made contact with the chain at speed.
Clip-links were handy when routine chain maintenance required pulling the chain off the bike, soaking it in trays of kerosene and then oil to clean and lubricate it. They're still handy for machines where rapid field replacement is required such as off-road motocross (between motos) or enduro bikes (out in the middle of nowhere). If you don't have those requirements, why risk it?
Chain manufacturer D.I.D. has a chain specification: https://didchain.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-Chain-Spec-Chart.pdf
Here's a table in that spec:
![]()
Their recommendation is that standard clip style links (RJ) are intended for small (think moped) bikes with non-O-ring chains. For middle sized bikes (I'm thinking sub-200cc machines) they're saying a safety clip is acceptable with a press-on side plate; if the clip falls off, the chain isn't going to automatically depart the machine and end up tangled in the swingarm, half-way into your engine case or snaking down the highway; the press-on plate gives a second-level of protection against failure. You'd be wise to inspect that clip pretty much every time you ride as part of your T-CLOC checklist.
But for "large" motorcycles -- a category into which the CBR500 easily slots -- they're recommending press-fit plate and riveted pins for added security.
A chain tool is neither expensive nor hard to use. Clips are handy and convenient on vintage, small and off-road machines. Rivets are more robust and safer for large street machines. Those are the facts.
As usual, YMMV.
Clip-links were handy when routine chain maintenance required pulling the chain off the bike, soaking it in trays of kerosene and then oil to clean and lubricate it. They're still handy for machines where rapid field replacement is required such as off-road motocross (between motos) or enduro bikes (out in the middle of nowhere). If you don't have those requirements, why risk it?
Chain manufacturer D.I.D. has a chain specification: https://didchain.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-Chain-Spec-Chart.pdf
Here's a table in that spec:
Their recommendation is that standard clip style links (RJ) are intended for small (think moped) bikes with non-O-ring chains. For middle sized bikes (I'm thinking sub-200cc machines) they're saying a safety clip is acceptable with a press-on side plate; if the clip falls off, the chain isn't going to automatically depart the machine and end up tangled in the swingarm, half-way into your engine case or snaking down the highway; the press-on plate gives a second-level of protection against failure. You'd be wise to inspect that clip pretty much every time you ride as part of your T-CLOC checklist.
But for "large" motorcycles -- a category into which the CBR500 easily slots -- they're recommending press-fit plate and riveted pins for added security.
A chain tool is neither expensive nor hard to use. Clips are handy and convenient on vintage, small and off-road machines. Rivets are more robust and safer for large street machines. Those are the facts.
As usual, YMMV.
But with a rivet link you can worry that you have it too loose or too tight. The margin for error is quite small so it can be just as fiddly as getting your clip in the grooves. Also:
didchain.com
(That said, my chain came with both FJ and ZJ options in the bag. Something I only realized after I separately buying and installing a VX2 rivet link (as I could not find a VX3).)
You may be thinking they are for only up to 200cc, but D.I.D. do not. They include FJ links with their 520VX3 chain, which is in a series "for numerous street and off road motorcycles from 350cc to 1100cc." It is only the 530 chain where you can only use a ZJ link.
D.I.D Chains
D.I.D motorcycle chains are among the best in the world. Check our lineup to find the perfect chain for your bike, riding style and budget!
didchain.com
(That said, my chain came with both FJ and ZJ options in the bag. Something I only realized after I separately buying and installing a VX2 rivet link (as I could not find a VX3).)
BS!!With a rivet link there's no need for a "just in case" daub of silicone glue or a piece of safety wire. No need to worry about getting the fiddly little clip in the tiny little grooves just so. No need to be concerned if it's in the right orientation or worry if it was dislodged when you backed the bike out of the garage or something made contact with the chain at speed.
Clip-links were handy when routine chain maintenance required pulling the chain off the bike, soaking it in trays of kerosene and then oil to clean and lubricate it. They're still handy for machines where rapid field replacement is required such as off-road motocross (between motos) or enduro bikes (out in the middle of nowhere). If you don't have those requirements, why risk it?
Chain manufacturer D.I.D. has a chain specification: https://didchain.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-Chain-Spec-Chart.pdf
Here's a table in that spec:
![]()
Their recommendation is that standard clip style links (RJ) are intended for small (think moped) bikes with non-O-ring chains. For middle sized bikes (I'm thinking sub-200cc machines) they're saying a safety clip is acceptable with a press-on side plate; if the clip falls off, the chain isn't going to automatically depart the machine and end up tangled in the swingarm, half-way into your engine case or snaking down the highway; the press-on plate gives a second-level of protection against failure. You'd be wise to inspect that clip pretty much every time you ride as part of your T-CLOC checklist.
But for "large" motorcycles -- a category into which the CBR500 easily slots -- they're recommending press-fit plate and riveted pins for added security.
A chain tool is neither expensive nor hard to use. Clips are handy and convenient on vintage, small and off-road machines. Rivets are more robust and safer for large street machines. Those are the facts.
As usual, YMMV.
Play nice so we don't have to refill the sand box. I always hate it when I get grit on my tootsy-pops.
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