Link or continuous drive chain?

[steve452]

On my Z1-B rebuild I was wondering whether I should stick with buying a continuous (non-link) drive chain or go with a linked chain. I assume modern linked chains are far more robust and technically advanced than the ones we had in the 70's. It's just that I'd like to install the swingarm and rear shocks but as the engine build will take place last I can't if I go with continuous. Anyone have any opinions one way or another? The bike will be a bog standard April 1975 registered new UK model so no increase in power over original.

[zed1015]

Nothing wrong with a split link if fitted correctly or you can fit a "soft" rivet link .
I use both with no issues.

[steve452]

Many thanks for the advice. I'll go the split option (one or other) and fit the swingarm. Stay safe.

[John0622]

I only ever saw a series of photos of one bike, a Z900 which had a duplex chain fitted as its final drive. The write up said he had never had to adjust it. Never seen one since.

[chrisNI]

I only ever saw a series of photos of one bike, a Z900 which had a duplex chain fitted as its final drive. The write up said he had never had to adjust it. Never seen one since.

My brothers’s Z1B has a duplex chain it was on it when we got it and he never took it off - I’ll get him to take a pic.

[bogtrotter]

Yes got a duplex chain on the well used Z1b on the new members mag. Not really adjusted it but maybe I’m being slack! Never seen another one

[John0622]

I like that! A lot.
Where on earth do you get them from, along with the sprockets.

[chrisNI]

I like that! A lot.
Where on earth do you get them from, along with the sprockets.

When Z1s first came out they were supposed to be too powerful for the chains that's also why early models had oil tanks. I guess this was a period solution Don't know who made them.

[Pigford]

Be interesting to see what size/pitch chain links are - the std 630 is heavy enuff

[zed1015]

I like that! A lot.
Where on earth do you get them from, along with the sprockets.

You can still buy duplex and triplex roller chain for primary drives etc but those kits for bike final drives were a 70's gimic and no one makes them now.