Chain performance or lack thereof!!!

[kawdude]

All,
I'd like to ask everyone's opinion on the topic of drive chains.  My hope is that this will be good reference for others to get there answers.  

In another month or so I will need to replace the chain (and sprockets..no aluminum) on my bike.  In doing a search of several part houses online I've become really more confused on what chain should be used on the bike.  Vendors sell standard chains, oring chains, xring chains, gold and silver chains, etc.  What should one look for in a chain.  Tensil strenght, I assume the larger the number the longer it will last?!?  What about the wear index number that I've seen somewhere.  Basically I want a chain that will last.

In past experience,  I had a Suzuki GS750 and never had to do anything with the chain.  Of course this was huge fricken chain that you could run a combine with and I don't think I ever had to tighten it.  Later I had a GS700 which had a smaller chain and I was always fooling with it.  Stretched a lot and made a lot of noise and I believe this was an Oring chain but still screwed with it a lot.

Please shed some light on this subject for me!

[teamgreen500]

Let's put it this way...

My RK o-rings outlast most everything-else on my bikes....

Manny

[DanH1]

Ditto on Manny's post. When I bought my latest K5 last year, I put the RK O-ring on as soon as I got it home.
    Dan

[Sharc]

Same here - RK O-Ring lasts a loooong time. I got a DID 520 X-Ring this time (cuz it's GOLD....!!). That and steel sprockets F and R with about 15 days riding both look brand new - pretty amazing for a fat 500 2-stroke....

Sharc

[SLEEZ]

I'm also due for a new chain, definitely an O or X ring. Did any of you have to get a spacer for the front sprocket to prevent the chain from rubbing the case?

[kawdude]

Thanks for feedback!  I've never used an RK chain but certainly can if ya'll recommend it.  What about the tensile strength, material (stainless). wear rating.  Is there really a difference?

Which RK chain is being recommended?  They seem to have a couple oring chains.

[Paul]

It's pure and simple on the KX500 really, a good strong chain and STEEL sprockets. Those pretty aluminum sissy 250 and below sprockets maybe needed for those lower powered bikes but a couple ounces don't mean a thing to an aluminum sprocket wrecking 500

[kawdude]

It's pure and simple on the KX500 really, a good strong chain and STEEL sprockets.

I totally agree.  Using aluminum junk is nuts on the big5 but what makes a good strong chain???

[Paul]

I think MOST name brand are good enough, I change it when i change sprockets. HOWEVER... A friend of mine owns a shop close to my house and sells a 520 O-Ring for $9 a foot - hey sells it off the roll - and it is a solid quality chain, no idea who makes it though.

Makes that thing about $58 for a 114 links.

[Rick]

Yup, RK an steel is the only way to go...

Rick

[KXcam22]

I find the Tsubaki chain to be quite a bit better that the RKs I have used, although they cost way more.  Seem to handle sand abraision better. I normally run the best Tsubaki I can buy and use cheap steel sprockets.

[kawdude]

Okay so when I decide on a chain should I go to the oring or xring or no oring.

[Twist-a-grip]

Steel sprockets! D.I.D. or RK O-ring or X-ring.
I prefer X-ring myself.  By design you have 2 lips to keep dirt out and 2 lips to keep the factory lube inside.  I am not religious enough at chain maintenance to run a standard chain.
John

[Sharc]

Twisty's right - O or X. RK or DID. I love the RK's. Got the DID this time cuz it's gold. Couldnt find the RK O or X in gold...

[paulkx5]

I have to give another vote for an Rk O or X ring. I have two years on my currant one, and will get at least one more season out of it.