O-Ring Chain vs. X-Ring Chain : Honda CBR 600RR Sportbike Forum : 600RR.Net

Atlas · 08-20-2009, 05:33 AM

Are there any significant differences between these two types of chains? The service tech I spoke to at the dealership said to stay away from X-Ring chains. However, it seems that most of the websites predominantly sell x-ring chains.

Is one type of chain better than the other? Also, any website recommendations for a stock 16/43 525 chain? Thanks-

Chris22783 · 08-20-2009, 05:44 AM

Technically, I think X-ring chains are O-ring chains, the x being a type of o since it's round. Read that somewhere anyway...

I think just about everybody uses x-rings once the stock chain wears out, the only non-x-ring chain I can think of is tsubaki, everyone else (EK, DID, RK, Renthal) make x-ring chains. Pretty sure all the race teams use x-ring chains. Only thing I've heard is the x-ring's are slightly wider, so fit may be an issue if things aren't aligned just right.

**HardRacing.** · 08-20-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris22783

Technically, I think X-ring chains are O-ring chains, the x being a type of o since it's round. .......

Correct.

X-Ring is what you would call the NEXT Generation of O-Ring. Meaning... MUCH Better.
Even though they have been out on the market for a long long time, some shops are confussed on why they (X-Ring) are better.

The X Design holds the Factory installed lubrication inside the chain better. Lasts longer, and less friction.

These days, there really is no quality chain that ISN'T Some kind of X-Ring or XW Ring design.

.

Atlas · 08-20-2009, 12:27 PM

Hmm, interesting. I was wondering why it was so hard to find an o-ring chain. Thanks a lot for the insight!

The service tech also recommended that I change the swingarm adjuster (img below). The guy at the parts counter was a little shocked that the tech would recommend that based on a visual inspection. The parts guy said he has never had to order a set of stock adjusters for a customer before.

Whaddya think? Do these adjusters ever really fail?

**HardRacing.** · 08-20-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Hmm, interesting. I was wondering why it was so hard to find an o-ring chain. Thanks a lot for the insight!

The service tech also recommended that I change the swingarm adjuster (img below). The guy at the parts counter was a little shocked that the tech would recommend that based on a visual inspection. The parts guy said he has never had to order a set of stock adjusters for a customer before.

Whaddya think? Do these adjusters ever really fail?

Most guys tend to switch out to more accurate, and higher quality adjusters.

Like these.

http://www.hardracing.com/GILLESRS.htm

**Phatstud** · 08-22-2009, 06:33 PM

For pimp status haha!

Atlas · 08-26-2009, 07:40 PM

I just got my chain in the mail today. Got a 525 EK MVXZ.

I ordered it from a website called moto-chains.com. They're located in New Jersey and it got to my house in Hawaii in 5 business days. I think that's amazing, considering I purchased a sprocket set on the same day from another website that ships out of California! I'm still waiting for the Stealth sprocket to get here.

I got the chain from Jersey faster than the sprockets from California. Guess that shows who's on the ball.

Chip O · 08-27-2009, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HardRacing.

Correct.

X-Ring is what you would call the NEXT Generation of O-Ring. Meaning... MUCH Better.
Even though they have been out on the market for a long long time, some shops are confussed on why they (X-Ring) are better.

The X Design holds the Factory installed lubrication inside the chain better. Lasts longer, and less friction.

These days, there really is no quality chain that ISN'T Some kind of X-Ring or XW Ring design.

.

Great Post!

kneedraggin · 08-27-2009, 11:26 PM

do a 520 conversion....lighter chain....less rotating mass....faster acceleration

Atlas · 08-27-2009, 11:35 PM

Finally got the sprocket set in. I think I may order a (-1/0) 520 setup tonight. My patience was wearing thin while waiting for the parts to arrive. I think I'll order my next setup now, so I can avoid the downtime.

**HardRacing.** · 08-27-2009, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlas

Finally got the sprocket set in. I think I may order a (-1/0) 520 setup tonight. My patience was wearing thin while waiting for the parts to arrive. I think I'll order my next setup now, so I can avoid the downtime.

LOL.. That's one way to do it.

Parts on the shelf ready when you want them.

.