I just re-clipped a whole track last weekend! I'm a little sore!!!! I have a Cat track on my 95 V-max. I used Snow-Stuff clips on mine. Manufactures Supply has great prices on clips. I got 100 clips for 85 cents each, most places wanted $1.50 to $1.80 each. The Snow Stuff clips seem just as nice as the Yamaha clips. The tool I used said Pro-King on the box. I purchased the tool off e-bay for $20.00 a couple years ago. It's a big job but worth it if your track is in great shape. I was warned that there are some cheap clips out there that won't even last 400 miles so watch out!
Sorry M, I got a little carried away! No, you don't have to use factory clips. You might want to order a few extras if yours are getting thin. I was missing about 30 and the remaining ones came off pretty easy.
Ya you might need 5 now but that will be many more with continued use. Save on the shipping or the extra trips to the store and pick up a dozen. You be surprised how many you find if you take a real close look.