Topic: Thoughts on non o-ring chain

[flybox1]

Being able to switch to an o-ring chain is one of the best things about going to the 650 engine in my 550.  I am super excited.  If my garage wasn't an icebox, I would get out there and get this swap done.

I hope the 650 engine doesnt have the clearance issue that the 550 does with the o-ring chain. 

[CBGhia]

Being able to switch to an o-ring chain is one of the best things about going to the 650 engine in my 550.  I am super excited.  If my garage wasn't an icebox, I would get out there and get this swap done.

I hope the 650 engine doesnt have the clearance issue that the 550 does with the o-ring chain.

Yep, not an issue on 650.  Researched that a while back when I was building a CB650.  The 500/550 is the only bikes I know with the issue.   Maybe some of the littler 4s, but I have not played with the 350/400. 

[Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er]

I read some where that these bikes have "oilers" on them.  Is that true?  I haven't actually looked or read in my manual yet to find it.

Some of these bikes have the chain oiler. Some do not.

[flybox1]

I read some where that these bikes have "oilers" on them.  Is that true?  I haven't actually looked or read in my manual yet to find it.

Some of these bikes have the chain oiler. Some do not.

IIRC pre-75/76 750's

[BobbyR]

I'm ordering new 630 sprockets and a chain for my cb750k7.   Is a o-ring chain really necessary?

Back on point:

1. The 750 K7-K8 were designed for a 630 O ring chain with no clearance issues at all. No conversion activities when fitting a 530. The spacing of the sprockets are designed in.
2. You can use a non O ring chain as well. It is a bit messy with chain lube flung into the wheels and swing    arm.
3. With a O ring you use a "chain wax" type lubricant to stop the side plates from rusting. You do not want a solvent based lube that will attack the O rings.
4. There is no chain oiler on the K7-8.

No matter what size chain you go with, proper alignment will slow down sprocket and chain wear.

[grcamna2]

I'm ordering new 630 sprockets and a chain for my cb750k7.   Is a o-ring chain really necessary?

Back on point:

1. The 750 K7-K8 were designed for a 630 O ring chain with no clearance issues at all. No conversion activities when fitting a 530. The spacing of the sprockets are designed in.
2. You can use a non O ring chain as well. It is a bit messy with chain lube flung into the wheels and swing    arm.
3. With a O ring you use a "chain wax" type lubricant to stop the side plates from rusting. You do not want a solvent based lube that will attack the O rings.
4. There is no chain oiler on the K7-8.

No matter what size chain you go with, proper alignment will slow down sprocket and chain wear.

 

[DaveBarbier]

Being able to switch to an o-ring chain is one of the best things about going to the 650 engine in my 550.  I am super excited.  If my garage wasn't an icebox, I would get out there and get this swap done.

You're in Texas, how cold could it get!? I'm doing this same swap this winter in my unheated shed and I'm in CT! Get out there a swap that thing! Bring some hot milk and honey

I hope the 650 engine doesnt have the clearance issue that the 550 does with the o-ring chain.

My 650 came with a wider chain than my 550 so I'm almost certain it's not an issue. I'll have to double check as I get into it.

[CBGhia]

Being able to switch to an o-ring chain is one of the best things about going to the 650 engine in my 550.  I am super excited.  If my garage wasn't an icebox, I would get out there and get this swap done.

You're in Texas, how cold could it get!? I'm doing this same swap this winter in my unheated shed and I'm in CT! Get out there a swap that thing! Bring some hot milk and honey

I hope the 650 engine doesnt have the clearance issue that the 550 does with the o-ring chain.

My 650 came with a wider chain than my 550 so I'm almost certain it's not an issue. I'll have to double check as I get into it.

OK, not that cold.  I'm just lazy.   

[Kenzo]

Converting to a 530 chain makes perfect sense but why one would not go with an "o-ring" style is beyond me.

"O-ring" style chains are internally lubricated, low maintenance (just keep clean & shot of WD40) and outlast non o-ring by a wide margin. Once up to operating temp the resistance is negligible over non o-ring chains.

Pro MX & SX Teams use non o-ring chains but replace them every weekend.

Top level off road enduro & hare scramble racers use "o-ring" style chains. They replace the chain when they wear out the countershaft sprocket. I could go through two countershaft sprocket before replacing the chain and the chain is still within spec! The only maintence was hose it off and WD40. We run in sand, water, mud and slurries of all three...you get that in your rollers and pins on a non o-ring chain and it's toast very quickly.

As soon as the CB550 I've got needs a sprocket or chain I'll be converting it over to a 530 o-ring setup.

Cheers,
Kenzo

Oops! My CB550F SS already has a 530 non o-ring chain...I guess I should look for maybe a 520 conversion?

My dirt bike(and most dirt bikes) use 520 o-ring chains as the go to...with the short stroke big bore kit(453cc) I put on it (originally 400cc) I'm nearing 50hp at the rear wheel and torque out the ying-yang.

Cheers,
Kenzo