Image source: dimecitycycles.com
Motorcycle chains need to be cleaned once a week or twice a month based on how regularly they’re used. The dirt and corrosion that accumulate in them usually shorten the lifespan of the chain.
An O-ring chain is a high-performance motorcycle chain found in modern speedy bikes. The chain has small O-rings in every link of the chain to ensure the pins between the plates are well-lubricated. This article the pros and cons of buying an O-ring bike compared to other motorcycle chains.
Pros:
**1. Long-lasting: **O-ring chains have long operational life especially in off-road conditions. It can last 3 times longer than a standard roller chain.
**2. Less adjustment: **O ring chains require fewer adjustments as compared to roller chains which need to be adjusted more frequently because they stretch a lot. O-ring stretch less.
**3. Built-in lubrication: **The grease applied on the chains ensure they are highly lubricated and it helps reduce wear and tear.
**4. Cheap: **Although the initial outlay cost may be high, the longevity effect on O-ring chains makes them cheaper.
**5. Little maintenance: O-ring chains come with a grease pre-applied from the manufacturers making them low maintenance. You can clean them once or twice a month to remove all debris and dirt and occasionally apply lube to the chain. **
**6. Resistance to contamination: A well-lubricated O-ring chain seals the rollers protecting them from contamination with water, mud, and dirt. **
**7. Suitable for wet terrain: If you’re likely to ride in wet and dusty conditions, the O-ring chain will be the most appropriate for your bike. It can also endure rough riding and some style racing. **
**8. Long-distance rides: If you ride more than 30+ miles in a desert, the O-ring chain will be more efficient due to the sealing rings. The chain offers additional rolling resistance and provides you with a smooth ride for long distances. **
**9. Self-lubricating rubber: O-ring chains have a self-lubricating rubber insert between the outside link plates and the inner roller link plates. **
**10. No premature wear. **The lube used on the chain proves a long-lasting coating that prevents premature wear when you ride through the mud.
Cons:
**1. Expensive: O-ring chains cost three times more than the cost of standard roller chains making them very expensive. **
2. Group replacement of parts: In case of any replacement, you have to replace the front sprocket, rear sprocket, and the chain as a group for you to reap the maximum benefit of long life. Replacing a single sprocket or chain leads to quick wear of the new component.** **
3. Effects of countershaft: If the countershaft (CS) sprocket is worn out, it affects the chain and this will then impact the rear sprocket.
**4. Hefty weight: **A longer pin and additional O-rings add weight to the O-ring chain making the motorcycle-heavy. ** **
**5. Rust: **If you don’t lube the O-ring chain, it will rust with time. The more dirt that accumulates to the chain also shortens the lifespan of the O-ring chain.
**6. Increased friction: **The movement of the chain between the rubber increase friction creating more drag and less power to the rear wheel. It has a high compression force to seal.
7. Horsepower: O-ring chain robes the bike’s horsepower. When riding a bike with an O-ring chain you will feel a big difference in the bike’s power compared to when riding on a standard roller chain.** **
8. Racing performance: If racing performance is part of your goal, then you need to stick to the standard roller chain. The O-ring chain has a slow speed and can affect your racing performance.