I need a chain, any ideas?

[7sma]

Time to replace the chain on my '82 CR250. I know enough to stick with an O-ring style and there's tons of good manufactures out there, I'm just having trouble with the fitment. Most sites I've been on (so called cycle "superstores") don't show my year make and model.
1.) does anyone know the specs, measurements, pitch etc for the links?
2.) any recommendation of a site someone has worked with successfully
3.) any suggestions of a brand that offers good value, I want to buy quality but like everyone else, I'm on a budget!

Thanks!

 

[cruisetopdown]

I'm using a 520 118 links Renthal o-ring chain.....
w

 

[justintendo]

tsubaki omega oring, have always done me well. 120 links, cut to fit..the service manual also shows what fits your bike.

you can also type CHAIN into the search bar and search the swedish section for this same info. we have discussed a few times

 

[ct cr430]

Did x-ring . Have it on both of my bikes . 75 hrs on my crf450r and on my 81 cr430 . Less drag than o ring and last a long time with a bit of maintenance .

 

[GaryM]

Choose X ring for sure. Second the choice. Still get the protection of a O ring without the drag.

 

[cruisetopdown]

Choose X ring for sure. Second the choice. Still get the protection of a O ring without the drag.

As slow as I ride, drag is the least of my worries.... LOL!!
w

 

[justintendo]

As slow as I ride, drag is the least of my worries.... LOL!!
w

modern oring chains have a miniscule amount of drag...ive been told by many its just about a myth

 

[Alfie]

If you need to pressure wash your chain after mud get one without o rings water gets inside and stays there

 

[fran...k.]

It is commonly called a 520 chain. the length between pivot point is 5 eithths of an inch and the width where the sprocket teeth go is 2 eighths of an inch.

Rocky mountain atv/mc or bike bandit are the "on line super stores" I use.

I generally get a 120 link package and cut as needed. I also, at least for my trail bikes spend the six or so dollars for a rivet on master link, it goes through the chain guide thing better.

I have been using did vm x ring, (not the quad version) but it seems to be replaced by an inproved version by now. Ebay works out cheaper if you find someone that actually lists low and takes what it ends up at. At least with a little paitence.

 

[ajcmbrown]

True Alfie, you should never pressure wash an o'ring chain. Worm soapy water and a stiff brush should be all that's needed.

 

[grouty]

I use standard heavy duty DID chains on both my 78 390's as the o-ring is too wide to fit between the chain guide under the swingarm pivot. I pressure wash them happily and then (when dry) boil them the old fashioned way in chain wax. They last very well and do not attract dust as the wax is not sticky.
I do run a DID o-ring on the old KLX twinshock though. That will last 2-3 years as it doesn't get ridden as much as the Husky's these days.

 

[ajcmbrown]

The last O'ring chain I had to replace was an original on my KTM 620, a DID X Ring with 16000 fairly hard kms and still had a fair bit of life left in it (it then went on my son's Suzuki), the only thing that chain wasn't exposed to was sand but loads of mud, water etc.

Given the lack of maintenance that chain got other than Maxima chain wax sprayed on when dry, I just can't imagine using anything else, unless as Grouty said, they won't physically fit.

 

[PawPaw]

Take a good look at Primary Drive O-ring chains from Rocky Mountain MC. I use them and they had worked better for me than the big name units and they are at a much better price. They are also rated way above the big name chains in strength.

Paw Paw

 

[Chayzed Pilot]

I've been using CZ chain on some of my Czech bikes. Works great.

 

[7sma]

Take a good look at Primary Drive O-ring chains from Rocky Mountain MC. I use them and they had worked better for me than the big name units and they are at a much better price. They are also rated way above the big name chains in strength.

Paw Paw

I think I'm going to go with this option. Seems like a good price for what you're getting. I'll just have to remember not to pressure wash!
Many thanks!

 

[GaryM]

With a side by side comparison the X ring basically feels much less friction. It really
feels like a normal chain. This were same make chains just O vs X. x ring master links are earlier to install
also.

Plus this chain is narrower - DID VT2 Narrow enduro x ring 520 chain. Bonus is this chain being
made more narrow it does not hit the bolt head on the 80s frame that the o ring chain can hit.

 

[juicypips]

Regina is what i use on me 360 have used renthal isis and some unbranded jobbies, get the most life from regina by a few months.

 

[ajcmbrown]

It is always a good idea to avoid pressure washing not only chains, but also wheel bearings, steering head bearings and swing arm linkages, the seals are not designed to prevent high pressure.
Tony.

 

[justintendo]

It is always a good idea to avoid pressure washing not only chains, but also wheel bearings, steering head bearings and swing arm linkages, the seals are not designed to prevent high pressure.
Tony.

the pressure washer stays away from bikes. i find a long handled automotive "wheel brush" gets almost the whole bike clean along with a bucket of soapy water.