Use a riveted chain or safety wire the clip.

Had the fun time of a chain coming apart on the freeway at 50mph.
It hit me in the back, but with a back protector I didn't really feel anything.
It did take a chunk out of the aluminum rim.

While putting on the new chain I found the link without a clip.
I realized I may have dislodged the clip when cleaning the chain with a chain brush.
Not fun..Use a riveted chain or safety wire the clip like Scirocco.

 

Riveted has a higher safety margin, assuming you rivet properly.

Theres no reason the clip would fall off unless worn or not installed properly.  I do carry an extra master link, but only in case of a chain breaking.
 

That would have to be one heck of a chain brush to dislodge a master link clip.  Logically speaking it would have had to have gotten under the clip and pulled it out of the clip slot in the post.  I guess there is an exception for every instance.  The clip on my chain master link is a real bear to install or remove and I just can't see it coming loose on its own by almost any means, but I have never hit it with a heavy duty chain brush either.  I just wipe my chain off with a rag and go at it with an old nylon tooth brush.  Cavity free result.  Glad you didn't suffer worse results F64,  I had a master link chain let go on a '67 Sportster years ago but I forgot to install the locking clip on that one.  My fault completely.  That's what happens when you decide to rush something.

Rick H.

I lost a clip years ago. Noticed it was gone when doing a routine inspection. The plate was still in place and unlike the really old style they are pretty much pressed into place.  I think the clips can break. Springy so perhaps brittle ? Since then I put a wire on the clip. It's easy to see when doing a quick check.

Had a local shop rivet mine since I didn't trust myself. He's been there since the 50s and had done many.

Have had good luck with a clip on quite a few over the years but I figured why push my luck this time. (With all that added power of 50cc) choke choke.