Chain construction

Just about the time I think I know everything about everything, something new pops into my head and I am once again un-impressed with myself. Can someone, anyone, fill me in on the attributes and/or deficiencies of RX vs. O? Thanks.   :lurk:

[image: View Post]The mailman, on 03 March 2011 - 07:39 PM, said:

Just about the time I think I know everything about everything, something new pops into my head and I am once again un-impressed with myself. Can someone, anyone, fill me in on the attributes and/or deficiencies of RX vs. O? Thanks.   :lurk:

http://www.quality-c...ycle_chains.htm

Quoted:

Is a X-Ring Type chain better than a �standard type� O-ring chain??? Much, much better because it�s seals are flat sided, which means the seals have a much greater �contact patch� with the Side Plates. Since the seals are flat, it allows for  multiple �sealing lips�......each one acting like a separate seal. As one �Lip� starts to leak the lubrication the 2nd lip seals it in....& because X-Rings are flat shaped on the top & bottom too, this does�nt allow any room for dust & grit to get lodged between the seals. (See Picture!) A vast improvement over �standard type� outdated O-rings!!!! What all this means is, that X-ring type seals have less than half the friction of a O-ring type because the seals don�t have to be pressed as tight, so the seals last much longer & the lubrication stays in the chain much longer too... which means your chain can last almost twice as long.. (up to 30,000 miles)!!!!!!

True - I've seen a single chain last 60,000 miles on my dad's 4th-gen VFR when combined with a Scottoiler and regular sprocket replacement.

Kaldek, Thanks for the quick response. After being on here for over 8 years, I know SOMEBODY will pipe up quickly when a question is asked. Thanks for the link as well. I just bought one of the RK XSO chains mentioned in the link and was having second thoughts about being talked into this over an O ring replacement. My last O ring was only about a year old but I put on about 3500 miles w/o lube, added in about 1000 miles of rain in three days, and then topped it off with a ride along the Pacific coast beach which I'm sure just churned buckets of sand up and into the chain as described in the link as well. Dumbass, I know. I never let ANY maintenance slide but we took off on our trip and I left my can of lube sitting on the counter in my garage. I kept thinking I would stop along the way and pick up more lube but the trip was so spectacular and towns with moto-shops scarce and, well two weeks later my chain came sqeaking, hopping, and jerking back into town. This was obviously my fault - uh.... keep that from my wife, OK? uh, I'm sure even she can figure this one out. Anyhow, I have my new XSO sitting on the desk in front of me and It'll be mounted in a few days. I would email you a Foster's for the help but it might taste a little flat by the time you get it.   :beer:

Still welcome additional input!!!

The X ring is now the standard used by manufactures... the benefit is lower
drag than the old O rings and it sports a reservoir for the yellow color factory
installed grease to rest so it will constantly lube itself and the side plates...
but still no amount of external oil will penerate pass this critical junction... so
your X ring chain can be all wet on the outside but all dry on the inside...

New X ring
[image: Posted Image]

Old O ring
[image: Posted Image]

[image: View Post]kaldek, on 03 March 2011 - 08:47 PM, said:

True - I've seen a single chain last 60,000 miles on my dad's 4th-gen VFR when combined with a Scottoiler and regular sprocket replacement.

Mercy kaldek... You replace the sprockets and not the chain???

[image: View Post]BusyLittleShop, on 04 March 2011 - 12:21 AM, said:

New X ring
[image: Posted Image]

Old O ring
[image: Posted Image]

I PROMISE to never abuse a chain the way this last one was treated. - good graphic BLS. - and one more reason to get that belt drive into production! :fing02:

The replies have really been about the x-ring vs o-ring chains. But I noticed Mailman asked about the RX-ring chains.
The lettering is basically describing the cross-section of the sealing ring. It is very similar to the x-ring.

Here's a good picture which describes the various seals and non-sealed.
According to RK Takasago the XW lasts the longest in their range (which I totally agree to - 80,000kms and counting - lost my adjuster 10 months ago)
Note the x-ring chain is not illustrated... maybe the RX-ring is now the standard for RK?
Looks like the RX is better supported around the bushing, more material (stronger) etc.
Anyway as everyone has previously mentioned, they're far better than a simple o-ring chain.

[image: Posted Image]

I always suggest you buy the best chain you can afford... and certainly hunt around for prices of the better chains, can be surprising.

[image: View Post]BusyLittleShop, on 04 March 2011 - 12:31 AM, said:

[image: View Post]kaldek, on 03 March 2011 - 08:47 PM, said:

True - I've seen a single chain last 60,000 miles on my dad's 4th-gen VFR when combined with a Scottoiler and regular sprocket replacement.

Mercy kaldek... You replace the sprockets and not the chain???

No, my dad did.  I actually think he still has the factory OEM chain on his 1997 VFR750 being lubed by a Scottoiler.  Pretty sure he's gone through 5 sets of sprockets though - 140,000KM niow on his bike I believe.

[image: View Post]kaldek, on 04 March 2011 - 03:09 AM, said:

[image: View Post]BusyLittleShop, on 04 March 2011 - 12:31 AM, said:

[image: View Post]kaldek, on 03 March 2011 - 08:47 PM, said:

True - I've seen a single chain last 60,000 miles on my dad's 4th-gen VFR when combined with a Scottoiler and regular sprocket replacement.

Mercy kaldek... You replace the sprockets and not the chain???

No, my dad did.  I actually think he still has the factory OEM chain on his 1997 VFR750 being lubed by a Scottoiler.  Pretty sure he's gone through 5 sets of sprockets though - 140,000KM niow on his bike I believe.
That sounds to me like he just wants to see how long he can go on the same chain(just for the fun of it).......... Which is ok.... I'd also tell(suggest) him to give it up and change it, or it could break while he's riding one day........ We don't want to see that, it could damage the engine case, Or just fall to the ground, it'll be the luck of the draw......Just saying :beer:

[image: View Post]kaldek, on 04 March 2011 - 03:09 AM, said:

No, my dad did.  I actually think he still has the factory OEM chain on his 1997 VFR750 being lubed by a Scottoiler.  Pretty sure he's gone through 5 sets of sprockets though - 140,000KM niow on his bike I believe.

You realize you have been missing the perfect Fathers Day gift...

BusyLittleShop, on 06 March 2011 - 06:10 PM, said: You realize you have been missing the perfect Fathers Day gift... BusyLittleShop, you could rock Father's Day for people worldwide if you could just polish out the links in that belt drive system. In your honor......