This item is for a genuine Renolds 'soft' link to fit a Norton magneto chain - it being correct pitch and width. We also sell genuine Renolds magneto chain kits for most single cylinder models (and can also make special lengths to order) - all which come with a soft link already supplied, but as these can be fiddly to fit, and sometimes can loosen - we also sell the soft/rivetable links seperately here . . . and it is useful to keep a couple spare in the toolbox.
They come as two pieces - a soft link - where the two pins are slightly soft at their outer ends, and a plate.
To fit - they are fitted to the chain, to create an endless loop - then the outer plate fitted. Then it is easiest to lay the chain onto a hard steel surface (steel or alloy block are ideal) - so the rear of the soft link is well supporded - then carefully the the two soft ended pins can be either hit with a punch or tapped with a planishing hammer. It is not always obvious that the end of the tip has splayed - but once done, you should ensure the plate will no longer prize off, and the chain has not developed a 'tight spot' at the point of the soft link - if so, this can normally 'eased off' by gentle movement in all directions of the soft link and its adjoining links.
Please note: These links are genuine Renolds (high quality) soft links and should only be fitted to genuine Renolds magneto chains (which we also sell - see items 0393, 0802 and 0985. Links from one manufacturer should never be used with chains from another manufacturer.
Update Spring 2021: We were told in 2020 that Renolds would no longer supply these soft/rivetable links for magneto chains 'off the shelf' (we assume there is now very little demand for this type of chain - other than those of us fitting them to historic motorcycles). Going forward they will only be manufactured to special order - and therefore we have had a batch of these soft links made specially for us.
Soft (rivetable) link vs Split link and circlip - Background Information:
This type of soft/rivetable link is always preferable to a 'split' type link and would have been fitted orignally. It has always been considered 'bad practice' to fit a split link/circlip to the Norton magneto chain, as they are more susceptable to breaking - as well as being slightly wider, and therefore more likely to foul either the inner or outer timing cover.
We do also sell the 'split link and circlip' (which are useful to fit in a motorcycle toolkit in case of failure on the road) - for those that really cannot get on with this rivetable type . . . but cannot recommend their being fitted. My own view - is it is better to buy a couple of spare 'soft links' here, when buying a magneto chain from us, in case you are not happy with your first attempt at fitting, and persevere with another soft link. . . that is what I do!!
These can definitely be fiddly to fit (and if truthful - I have never liked doing them myself), but the normal process is to fit the soft link, ensuring the back plate of the soft link is resting against a firm metal surface, then use a punch and small hammer to peen the end of the soft link pins so that the outer plate cannot come off. The end of these pins are unhardened for this purpose. I would always advise buying at least one additional soft link, as well as the link supplied with all magneto chains - then you have a spare if you think your first attempt was not good enough!
Your basket is empty.
