Topic: O ring chains for CB 500

[CB500_k2]

I have been restoring a CB 500 and decided to replace the used up chain with an O ring chain.   I used a removable link to make it easy for maintenance.  After about 100 miles I decided to replace the old clutch cable.  When I opened up the case I found that the clutch linkage was badly damaged.  It appeared that the removable link (a little longer than the other links) had been impacting the linkage when the clutch lever was pulled.  I don't know whether I should just switch to a standard chain or replace the removable link with a rivited link.  Has anyone experinece with O ring chain on a CB 500? 

[CB500_k2]

For anyone who is interested, I replaced the removable link with a rivited link and the interference with the clutch linkage was cleared up.  The chain and sprockets I used were from Cycle Recycle.

[SteveD CB500F]

So would you recommend an O Ring chain for these bikes?

Are they larger - causing the fouling on the cases?  My "ordinary" chain has a removeable link and doesn't foul.

[CB500_k2]

The O ring chain is wider (4.5mm by my measurement) to accommodate the O rings on either side.  This, plus the extra width of the removable link caused the problem.  If I were to do it again, I would use a conventional chain with a removable link to allow easy chain maintenance.  The clearance between the O ring chain and shift linkage components is just too tight for my comfort.

[SteveD CB500F]

I assume that the o-ring chains are designed to seal in the lube and hence last longer?

I only do 2000-ish miles per year so new chains (and sprokets) are a fairly rare occurance.

[CB500_k2]

It is my understanding that the O rings both seal in the lubricant and seal out grit which can cause wear.  For limited riding a standard chain should last a long time with proper maintenance. I put 10000 miles touring Europe on 500 cc Triumph Tiger one summer in the early 60's without cleaning or oiling the chain once. I did have to have a link removed when I ran out of room to adjust the chain slack.  It was my first bike and I was not up on proper care and feeding at the time.