chains

bigblue2230 · January 24th, 2008, 09:26 AM

ok, so I just got a 2000 cr250. It is in great shape, but will probably need a new chain this spring. (the old one is stretched pretty good.)

My question is, what type of chain should I be using. I know there are several types out there, but I do not know the benefits or cons of any of these.

Please, someone school me on bike chains.

Kodiak450r · January 24th, 2008, 10:15 AM

the 2 types i'm aware of are o-ring and non o-ring. i've used o-ring chains on the few bikes i have had.

maybe this article i found will give some insight

Most stock bikes are equipped with an O-ring chain, and are endless-there is no link to split the chain for removal, and it has to be "broken." Replacement chains generally utilize either a rivet-type link, which must have the pin ends peened for assembly, or a clip-type link. A rivet link is generally stronger and less likely to come apart on its own, whereas a clip link is easier to assemble/disassemble but may come undone. If you use a clip link, safety wire around the sideplate and clip to hold it on, or use a dab of silicone sealant on the clip.

An O-ring chain employs tiny rubber seals between each plate and roller to keep the chain permanently lubricated. While it does add weight, this style of chain lasts longer and requires less maintenance than a non O-ring chain. The small seals may seem to add friction also, but once in use the grease thins out due to the induced heat, and an O-ring chain may spin as freely as a non O-ring unit.

Both styles, however, need periodic lubrication. The non O-ring variety more so-the O-ring type only displaces water and stops the outer surfaces from rusting. Use the appropriate type of lube-some spray-on types may damage the rubber O-rings-and oil your chain immediately following a ride. This will give the maximum amount of time for the oil to soak in. Always apply the lubricant from the inside of the chain, because centrifugal force will help the oil penetrate, rather than fling it on your tire.

This article was originally published in the August 2000 issue of Sport Rider.

steveo · January 24th, 2008, 10:22 AM

yeah, the o ring ones re the best. my banshee had a aftermarket one on it when i bought it, and it had it on it when i sold it.

Motor Slut · January 24th, 2008, 06:09 PM

Yeah a standard 520 O-Ring chain is the best. Only racers with money still use non O-ring chains.

Get a good name chain when you buy one. The cheap ones have been known to snap easily.

ScOoTeR · January 24th, 2008, 06:40 PM

Also, do a search on how to check your sprockets - you should replace the front one no matter what, and the rear one if it is worn.

Worn out sprockets will kill your new chain.

fsumotorhead · January 24th, 2008, 08:17 PM

I got four years of hard use out of my stock o-ring chain on my banshee, thats pretty good.

screamer25cc · January 27th, 2008, 04:56 PM

I would by the 2 sprockets and the chain all at once, That way you know everything is in working order...I have bought several of these off ebay....They have not failed once...

gofastbobby · January 27th, 2008, 07:19 PM

o ring chains are for people who dont know what maintenance is. get a good non oring chain, like a did or something. should be about 60 bucks. for what a sprocket costs, replace that too. every time you are done riding lube the chain. it will last forever.

jeepguy74 · January 27th, 2008, 08:12 PM

renthal or did is what i run and have never had any problems..now if it is time for new chain then it is also time for new sprokets ....

January 24th, 2008, 09:26 AM	#1
bigblue2230 still goin Join Date: 11-08-05 Location: Richmond/Troy Posts: 765 iTrader: (2)	chains ok, so I just got a 2000 cr250. It is in great shape, but will probably need a new chain this spring. (the old one is stretched pretty good.) My question is, what type of chain should I be using. I know there are several types out there, but I do not know the benefits or cons of any of these. Please, someone school me on bike chains.

January 24th, 2008, 06:40 PM	#5
ScOoTeR 667-Neighbor of the Beast Join Date: 11-09-05 Location: Canton Posts: 9,400 iTrader: (4)	Also, do a search on how to check your sprockets - you should replace the front one no matter what, and the rear one if it is worn. Worn out sprockets will kill your new chain. __________________

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January 24th, 2008, 10:15 AM	#2
Kodiak450r Senior Member Join Date: 11-14-07 Location: Waterford, MI Posts: 1,362 iTrader: (4)	the 2 types i'm aware of are o-ring and non o-ring. i've used o-ring chains on the few bikes i have had. maybe this article i found will give some insight Most stock bikes are equipped with an O-ring chain, and are endless-there is no link to split the chain for removal, and it has to be "broken." Replacement chains generally utilize either a rivet-type link, which must have the pin ends peened for assembly, or a clip-type link. A rivet link is generally stronger and less likely to come apart on its own, whereas a clip link is easier to assemble/disassemble but may come undone. If you use a clip link, safety wire around the sideplate and clip to hold it on, or use a dab of silicone sealant on the clip. An O-ring chain employs tiny rubber seals between each plate and roller to keep the chain permanently lubricated. While it does add weight, this style of chain lasts longer and requires less maintenance than a non O-ring chain. The small seals may seem to add friction also, but once in use the grease thins out due to the induced heat, and an O-ring chain may spin as freely as a non O-ring unit. Both styles, however, need periodic lubrication. The non O-ring variety more so-the O-ring type only displaces water and stops the outer surfaces from rusting. Use the appropriate type of lube-some spray-on types may damage the rubber O-rings-and oil your chain immediately following a ride. This will give the maximum amount of time for the oil to soak in. Always apply the lubricant from the inside of the chain, because centrifugal force will help the oil penetrate, rather than fling it on your tire. This article was originally published in the August 2000 issue of Sport Rider.

January 24th, 2008, 06:09 PM	#4
Motor Slut I put the Ick in Dick. Join Date: 11-10-05 Location: 49963 Posts: 2,396 iTrader: (0)	Yeah a standard 520 O-Ring chain is the best. Only racers with money still use non O-ring chains. Get a good name chain when you buy one. The cheap ones have been known to snap easily.

January 24th, 2008, 08:17 PM	#6
fsumotorhead ..stinks like sex in here Join Date: 10-24-06 Location: Monroe, MI Posts: 1,684 iTrader: (14)	I got four years of hard use out of my stock o-ring chain on my banshee, thats pretty good.

January 27th, 2008, 04:56 PM	#7
screamer25cc Newbie Join Date: 01-26-08 Location: Garden City, MI Posts: 25 iTrader: (0)	I would by the 2 sprockets and the chain all at once, That way you know everything is in working order...I have bought several of these off ebay....They have not failed once...

January 27th, 2008, 08:12 PM	#9
jeepguy74 Senior Member Join Date: 08-14-06 Location: near cadillac Posts: 1,415 iTrader: (8)	renthal or did is what i run and have never had any problems..now if it is time for new chain then it is also time for new sprokets ....