Topic: Are there any O-ring or X chains that do not rub on a CB500/550s case?

[Deltarider]

If you have good results with an O- or X-ring on a CB500/550, please let us know with what chain on what model. A few days ago I asked this the German site (both the CB500 and CB550 section) and today I have put the same question to the British, French and Italian site in the hope we all learn more. I look forward to report on this. Sofar a German CB500 owner claims he has good results with a DID-VX chain.
I quote him in translation:

... My old chain had a 25mm width which had milled a bit of the casing. The DID-ZVMX has 24,9mm width and would also rub.

Another CB500 owner had claimed he has good result with this ZVMX type. [explanation Deltarider]

...That's why I went for the DID-VX which has a width of only 23,3mm and this chain runs just free. One can even get a 2/10 feeler gauge in between, when chain is fully pushed towards the casing.

I'd like to add some remarks.
There could be a difference in clearances between the CB500 and CB550 models and even between the various CB550 models, K and F.
Both the CB500 and CB550 models can develop serious play at the rear wheel sprocket carrier which might have an effect on the chain's trajectory.

[tlbranth]

I'm pretty sure the front sprocket has to be machined on a 550. Ask FunJimmy. He's done it. Whatever you need to do, it'll be worth it.

[dave500]

I think the only ones that don't rub are the ones on the shelf?

[strynboen]

i had run for +5 years vith a o ring chain..machined the sprocket..2mm thiknes removed in the front side..give2mm air gab at the back side..

[Mooshie]

I had a spacer made for the front sprocket so that I can run an O ring chain.  Works like a charm.  No rubbing due to the wider O ring chain.  I have a CB550F

[carnivorous chicken]

I used a washer for a spacer as well -- but after the damage was one (PO installed the o-ring chain). The damage is to the rubber plug and (AFAIK) one has to split the cases to replace it (and the part isn't readily available). So I patched it up with jb weld and thin piece of steel and it's held for 3-4 years now.

[Erny]

I had a spacer made for the front sprocket so that I can run an O ring chain.  Works like a charm.  No rubbing due to the wider O ring chain.  I have a CB550F

so you had to machine sprocket, right? How much? 1, 2 mm? So then spacer has the same thickness, right?
This is my current plan too

[przjohn]

I'm a big fan of O Ring chains mainly because you don't have to constantly adjust them. Building a 550 now,  bit the bullet and went non o ring. My question on spacing the sprocket out is does it matter that much for alignment and sprocket wear?

[dave500]

ive never had wear issues with standard heavy duty chains on road bikes?do you really need an o ring?is it hype?ive spent years on dirt bikes and ya had to have one full stop because of the #$%* all over them,road bikes don't cop that abuse,i think a bit of hype goes on?x ring/o ring,they aint no stronger,probably to this day I could've saved money just wearing out a standard chain on dirt bikes?it aint a be all end all thing,i think o ring chains are over rated for the price,they aint no stronger and the initial wear contaminants are trapped within the o rings?

[bryanj]

Only advantage i saw in O ring chains was not lubing as frequently and only having to dribble oil on them not boil in grease or spray aerosol everywhere.

I have seen 1st hand the results of O ring chain on 500 and 550 so will not use them but another majour problem on the 500 is no matter what type if the chain has excessive play it can whip off the front sprocket and break rhe clutch pushrod which are now rare and selling for big bucks if new, you can make a silver steel one hardened at the ends but this is heavier and makes the clutch actuation slower.

[Deltarider]

Dave is right to put things in perspective a bit. Let's not forget sealed chains add drag. I myself had an O-ring once and was not impressed. Moreover, adjusting a chain can be done within 5 minutes and I have to be there anyway: I've made it a habit to check the rear tyre for nails halfway penetrating the rubber. Interesting to read so many of you turned to 'machining' and 'spacers' and what not. The original goal of this thread was to inventory what sealed chains there are that do not rub, this for those that are determined to have one. Too long we had the usual internet echo chamber. Now we have learned that the DID-VX 530 offers a pin length of 23,3 mm (0.917 in.) and that at least one German claims, it doesn't rub on his CB500. Does any of you happen to know what the pin length of a DID50VA Professional is or is it an old type that is no longer available?

[robvangulik]

I agree that a CB500/550 will run excellent on a 'normal'chain, but as I was riding a 750 in the late 70's early 80's when those o-ring chains started to appear the difference in duration was such that I was more than happy to go with the flow!
Around 10k km standard with always greasy hands to keep the chain lubed, or over 25k with just a spray from a can once a week.....
And I wouldn't want to run my current CBR1000f with a non 0-ring chain, a modern o/X or whatever chain keeps up some 3 years and over 40k km! With minimal maintenance.
I can't find the 50VA chain in any list anymore, here are some DID lists with pin lenghts and all.....

[slikwilli420]

As far as O/X ring drag, it was stated on DID's website that their X-ring chain had almost the same drag as non-o-ring chains once warmed up. For the sake of easy maintenance, I am running one on my race bike and won't ever run a standard chain. Despite the chains being the same, for whatever reason, O/X ring chains are listed with higher tensile strength than most non-o-ring options.

[Deltarider]

As far as O/X ring drag, it was stated on DID's website that their X-ring chain had almost the same drag as non-o-ring chains once warmed up.

Wow! On DID's website. I am impressed...

[slikwilli420]

As far as O/X ring drag, it was stated on DID's website that their X-ring chain had almost the same drag as non-o-ring chains once warmed up.

Wow! On DID's website. I am impressed...

Considering they are a world-leader in chains and sell both types, its seems like a credible source. Besides, the benefits of a ringed chain far outweigh a non-o-ring chain so if it fits your bike, its worth making that choice.