O-ring Chain question

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ondarkness

Platinum Member
Nov 10, 2004
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My question in detail is about a motorcycle chain.

At my local hardware shop they have different size O-ring chains.
They have one that looks exactly the same as the chain on my motorcycle.

Are O-ring chains as simple as that? Or would the motorcycle chain that I get from the dealer or a motorcycle parts shop be different from one that looks identical to it from a hardware shop?

Anyone with any knowledge on the subject? or metal strength?

Thanks!




 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
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What is the hardware store o-ring chain intended to be used for?

Honestly, I'd get the best chain possible and one that is specifically designed for use on your motorcycle. Your safety is at stake here and having a chain break while you are riding can cause an accident.
 

Zenmervolt

Elite member
Oct 22, 2000
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Unless they list the tensile strength of the hardware store chain and it's equal to, or better than, the tensile strength of the motorcycle's chain, I wouldn't chance it. I'd go for a dedicated motorcycle chain. There are different grades of metal and it's not always easy to tell whether one chain really is as strong as another unless you can find the specs listed.

All of this said, on all probability the hardware store chain would be fine, but there's no way to be sure and with something like a motorcycle I would want to be certain. If a chain lets go, it can wrap around the axle and cause problems.

ZV
 
Dec 8, 2008
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They are almost definitely different. If you are on a budget then buy a parts-unlimited store brand chain.




Having a chain come off of a bike is terrifying and possibly fatal.
 

Turin39789

Lifer
Nov 21, 2000
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Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
What is the hardware store o-ring chain intended to be used for?

Honestly, I'd get the best chain possible and one that is specifically designed for use on your motorcycle. Your safety is at stake here and having a chain break while you are riding can cause an accident.

this.

I started to buy a new X-ring chain for my old cb550, and right after I ordered I found out I can't use a fancy new chain because they are a little bit wider than original and will the engine/transfer case and eventually make a hole.

 

jaha2000

Senior member
Jul 28, 2008
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If this is a steet bike with big HP, no way would i chance that.
On a modern motocross bike? Maybe in a pinch.
On a 50? You bet, thing makes 8 hp.

If you are replacing a chain, replace your sprockets too... Stuff should be done as a set for wear rates.
 

ondarkness

Platinum Member
Nov 10, 2004
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Thanks guys-
This is where my direction was headed through google. I'd be curious to find the tensile streangth for the hardware chain just for kicks, I'll see if I can contact manufacturer.

I was not planning on the sprockets, but after my readings it's seems necessary also. Thanks Jaha-

Will be picking up at the local Parts Unlimited today-
good stuff fellas- :beer:
 

mooseracing

Golden Member
Mar 9, 2006
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Definately replace sprockets with the chain, otherwise there will be premature wear on the newer part. Also like someone stated above check the width on your o-ring chain you want. You may have to modify the sliders and guards to fit it.
 

ondarkness

Platinum Member
Nov 10, 2004
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Originally posted by: jaha2000
No worries..
What kind of bike if you dont mind me asking?
I have a couple at home.
http://i103.photobucket.com/al...orldwide2/CIMG0449.jpg
http://i103.photobucket.com/al...orldwide2/CIMG0457.jpg

2000 Duc Monster
here she is as my wallpaper
Next to my friend's SV
And next to some of the other guys

Just did a tail chop on it yesterday, and it looks so cool now :cool:
no more beer holder on the back though :frown:

Nice Triumph Jaha-
The color looks similar to my Monster Dark-
My brother and I have been wanting to get a CRF 50 to wheelie on, your 500 looks fun though!

 

jaha2000

Senior member
Jul 28, 2008
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my old roommate had one just like that.. 800? I rode it a couple of times, the torque is great and of course nothing sounds like a twin :) Plus you just dont see many ducs, one reason i bought the trumpet.

Not gonna lie.. The 500 is flat stupid fast. Why they ever made that thing.. No idea. I would bet from 0-80 that dirt bike would mop the floor with the 675 granted you could get it to hook up and keep the front tire down. It is fun though, top gear and 60 miles an hour, pin the throttle and if you dont feather it your going over backwards. Everybody should ride an open class motocross bike just once. Of course, you ride one, your going to have to own one :)
 

ondarkness

Platinum Member
Nov 10, 2004
2,003
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750 and hops around like crazy- :D
Even though I'm thinking of going slightly bigger on the rear sprocket this time just for kicks.

haha- I agree about everyone giving the motorcross bikes a go!
I get all revved up when I hear them open up on the throttle- almost as much as when I hear my D&Ds rumble- Can't wait to get home and work on her now... It's going to be a nice bike maintenance weekend :thumbsup:
 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,583
984
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Nice bike!

A friend of mine rides a Ducati GT1000 Classic Sport. He has let me ride it a few times and honestly I don't think it's much faster than my SV650...definitely not in the twisties.

Here is my bike I've upgraded the front suspension with Racetech springs and emulators and I just replaced the rear shock today with a fully adjustable one. It's a fun bike that excels at canyon carving. My next bike will be a Ducati Monster 1100 though...the new one.
 

jagec

Lifer
Apr 30, 2004
24,442
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I use a DID X-ring chain on mine.

Originally posted by: mooseracing
Definately replace sprockets with the chain, otherwise there will be premature wear on the newer part. Also like someone stated above check the width on your o-ring chain you want. You may have to modify the sliders and guards to fit it.

With steel sprockets on a street-ridden bike that doesn't have a ridiculous amount of power, you ought to be able to get 2 chains per sprocket change. The second chain won't last as long, but you still save money and it's perfectly safe.
 

Elganja

Platinum Member
May 21, 2007
2,143
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sprockets are so cheap you should just replace it when you replace the chain.

I personally have a EK ZZZ Chain and love it.

My Bike

 

JulesMaximus

No Lifer
Jul 3, 2003
74,583
984
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Originally posted by: jagec
I use a DID X-ring chain on mine.

Originally posted by: mooseracing
Definately replace sprockets with the chain, otherwise there will be premature wear on the newer part. Also like someone stated above check the width on your o-ring chain you want. You may have to modify the sliders and guards to fit it.

With steel sprockets on a street-ridden bike that doesn't have a ridiculous amount of power, you ought to be able to get 2 chains per sprocket change. The second chain won't last as long, but you still save money and it's perfectly safe.

Sprockets aren't expensive. Best to replace them when you replace the chain.
 
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