Replacing O-ring chain with unsealed variety?

[.Chris.]

Some bike spares shops and manufacturers say that if your bike was originally fitted with an O-ring type chain, you must replace it with another of the same type. Is there any actual reason for this? I wouldn't have thought that the presence or otherwise of O-rings would have any effect on how much power the chain can transmit.

I have done just this on my Honda Rebel (520 chain transmitting 18bhp) and it hasn't snapped yet! I figured that as I don't do many miles, plus the fact that I'm not keeping the bike long-term, a cheap chain would suffice.

The reason I enquire is that I'm just starting work on a Kawasaki Z400F project, which has just over 40bhp. The (530) chain that was on the bike when I bought it was an O-ring, but I was wondering if I'd be able to get away with replacing it with a cheaper unsealed chain.
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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

[lihp]

I fitted an unsealed chain once as it's all I could get at short notice.

It came off within a couple of months, as it was constantly stretching. It's far far far less hassle to fit an o-ring chain and really not much more money either.
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covent.gardens: lihp is my most favourite member ever

[jimspeed]

should make no difference to the strength its more that the O ring chain will last longer.
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Hyosung cruise 125(passed test on, sold) Kawasaki el 252 (better than expected but sold on) Kawasaki GPZ500S first "big"bike.(sold) ZZR600 E5..Z750 2007,ER5, currently on a 2008 Enfield bullet electra x and loving it..
,"Alpha-9: Is there any correlation between dyno rod and dyno kits?"

[Irn-Bru]

Don't buy cheap chains, they cause expensive messes:

https://cdn.bikechatforums.com/files/2015-05-23_18.11.45.jpg

Also can do a fair bit of damage to the rider (or vehicle) behind if you're (more) unlucky.
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KTM 990 SMT & Suzuki DR-Z 400 SM

[lihp]

[orac]

the o rings keep grease inside the roller and water out. the fact that the grease is in there reduces wear and tear meaning that o ring chains should last longer
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Current rides - 2016 Triumph Street Triple Rx, 1994 Suzuki Bandit 400 VM, TGB 204 Classic 125cc
"with nothing left to lose, there is everything to gain. It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog"

[Ed Case]

Fit an ordinary (non-0-ring chain) there's no difference just keep on top of the lubrication.

[temeluchus]

Despite what the less educated members might believe, adding o-rings to a drive chain doesn't magicly add to its strength.

Provided the chain is the correct grade, it will be fine. Unsealed chain simply needs more regular maintenance to keep it in good nick, a chain oiler goes well with unsealed chain. You can check the strengths of various grades of chain on the manufacturers websites to be sure.

Quick google shows the z400f uses 530 chain. Any 530 chain made by a decent manufacturer will be if anything, overkill.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[.Chris.]

Thanks for the replies. The main reason I'm considering an unsealed chain is that they're cheaper to buy, and I don't imagine I'll be doing all that many miles on the bike. Therefore the fact that an O-ring chain will last longer is less of an advantage.
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Chris
1985 Kawasaki Z550F

[Rogue_Shadow]

Always had it drummed into me to look after the seals on a chain, O or X types.
So to get a unsealed chain to me would be like a kitten genocide

Either way, I much rather pay money for a decent quality chain (And sprocket set) and be confident it will do it's job and not let me down.


Exhibit A:

[temeluchus]

[Rogue_Shadow]

[temeluchus]

All those flying split links..... all those maimed kittens. I weep at the thought.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[stinkwheel]

Some brands of heavy duty chain have a higher tensile strength than their o-ring.

Race bikes don't use o-ring chains.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[lihp]

[stinkwheel]

[lihp]

[stinkwheel]

[Mark65]

I have just got 14k out of a D.I.D HD non o ring chain on my CG, take no notice, you just have to keep on top of its lube.

Mark
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07 Yamaha YBR125, 07 Honda CG125 , 15 CBR300R (Chocolate Crank, Deaded), 16 CB500FA, 19 Honda Forza 300, 70 Suzuki SV650

[Ed Case]

[temeluchus]

[Pete.]

My turbo bike uses a non-o-ring chain (EK DRZ530) AND a split link and it's been on there for 3-4 years and about 4-5000 miles. You absolutely HAVE to keep on top of the lubrication but it can be done.

Non-o-ring chains doesn't have to mean cheap or weak.

[Furrybiker]

https://www.outdoorking.com/forum/uploads/usergals/2014/06/full-5630-16821-duckhams_tin2.jpg

By gum that took me back! although in my day it were a white tinand none of those gram thing on it!

[Ed Case]

[chris-red]

I used a cheap non o ring chain on my GS500 it would last ~1500 miles, utter shite.
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