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So then what did I take apart? I'll snap a photo in a bit to upload, but I was able to get the plate off with a screwdriver and a little effort. 

I do know of master links the are a force on friction fit, but I don’t think there were ever used on motorcycle chains, mostly power transmission in machinery. If the link you have required a clip then the open end of the post will have groves cut into it to retain the clip. If it’s a crimp on master the open end of the post will be peened over. It should have taken more than minimum force as you described to remover it.

Yeah it looks like it's got the grooves for a clip, they definitely were not peened over. It required some effort, more than most master links I've encountered but not what I would consider "a lot"

I’d say it lottery ticket time. You got lucky. Now there is a huge debate over clip master vs crimp master. Hopefully this won’t turn into another one. I run clip style without issue, my choice. You do what your safety level tells you. But if you run a clip style it’s important to orient the clip correctly. If installing the master in the top side of the chain place the open end of the clip facing the rear. Opposite if your installing the master into the bottom of the chain. 

Yeah I've seen a few of those debate threads. Can't find a 630 link anywhere local but dammit do I hate to pay Z1 10 bucks to ship a link...

I have never used a replacement link. Myself I’d have some reservations about mixing a them. There could be minute differences in side plate thickness, dimensions might be different. If it were mine I’d buy a new chain with a new link. Just my opinion. I’d be concerned the aftermarket link would not fit exactly and potentially come loose.

I could see that, but why sell replacement links then? 

They might be replacement for their band chain. 

Okay so it appears all other threads on this have become irrelevant because I was just told by my local shop that 630 chains for bikes are being phased out industry wide. Since a clip 630SO connecting link that isn't made of cheap pot steel doesn't appear to be available anywhere my next option is converting to 530. I know this can be done, I know there are threads that touch on it but I can't seem to find the tool on Z1E for calculating the new chain size/length and necessary sprocket swap. Can someone help me out or provide a link / info on what to get if I want to stay as close to stock as possible? Dumb question but do new chains come with connecting links? Looking primarily at RK chains. Thanks! 

Nessism and Scirocco are very knowledgeable in this category. Hopefully they will post. 

wrote:

Okay so it appears all other threads on this have become irrelevant because I was just told by my local shop that 630 chains for bikes are being phased out industry wide. Since a clip 630SO connecting link that isn't made of cheap pot steel doesn't appear to be available anywhere my next option is converting to 530. I know this can be done, I know there are threads that touch on it but I can't seem to find the tool on Z1E for calculating the new chain size/length and necessary sprocket swap. Can someone help me out or provide a link / info on what to get if I want to stay as close to stock as possible? Dumb question but do new chains come with connecting links? Looking primarily at RK chains. Thanks! 

Most popular chain manufacturer, like D.I.D, RK, ENUMA, AFAM sold new chains incl. a clip or rivet master link.

 Calculator for chain size/length and sprocket size.

www.rbracing-rsr.com/chainlength.html

Stock sprockets in 630: 13T front and 32T rear for a 2.46 ratio.
Chain length = 84L

The 6 in 630 means there are 6/8" between links so your chain is 84 x 6/8" = 63" long

A 530 chain is 5/8 between links so you need 63" / (5/8) = 100.8 (use 102 link 530 chain)

To maintain the stock sprocket size in front you need to add 3T to the stock size so 13 + 3 = 16T front sprocket

16T x 2.46 ratio =  39T in 530 for the rear sprocket

JTF513 Series - 16 Tooth front
JTR488 Series - 39 Tooth rear

Z1 sells conversion sprockets but I don't see a 39T rear.  They have a 38 though which is close enough.