Topic: What kind/size of chain are yall 750 guys running?

[KCs76Cafe]

While my seat is being covered    I figure I will replace the sprockets and chain. I've read all thru the FAQs about chain and sprockets and cant decide/figure out what I need to run. Some comments say that an O ring chain will scrub the block without a spacer behind the sprocket.....and some say that they run just a plain jane chain.

I've been window shopping in the Kirk catalog and seems all the plain jane chains are for smaller cc bikes. I would like to run an O ring if possible. Been eyeballing those EK chains that are available in GREEN

Kirk catalog says stock for my 76 is a 530x100 with 18x48 sprockets. Havent checked it out to see whats actually on the bike but Im happy with the gearing. If the speedo is right, Im taching around 5k at 60mph.

Whats my options? Can I run an O ring without much hassle?

[HondaMan]

O-ring chains reduce HP, if you're looking for that extra power and MPG...they will wear the sprockets faster unless you lube them, which means you might want to save the $$ anyway and use a regular chain...

The little bit of drag you can feel when wiggling the O-ring chain translates into losses of torque. That's where power loss comes in.
A chain with lots of side-play in the plates transfers power almost 8% better than a stiffer chain (sideways-speaking), because of the "crash" that occurs while the chain engages the sprocket. If the chain can "bounce" sideways a little to cushion the blow, this reduces losses. O-ring chains don't do this very well, because the O-ring is squished into those sideplate gaps under considerable (20% of O-ring thickness) pressure. Lastly, when under heavy throttle, the swingarm, axle shaft, axle bearings, shocks and frame bend a little, causing some misalignment. A wiggly chain will not increase friction during these moments, which means a little more power reaches the ground.

These things matter a lot in racing, maybe not so much on the street.   

[Clyde]

I run an o-ring chain on my K0, F1 and K2. No problems. The K2 and F1 use 18/48 sprockets and the K0 uses 17/45 sprockets.
Sure they do increase friction, but as I want to be able to use them in all sorts of weather on the road, I prefer the o-ring type.
Do not be fooled into thinking that they do not need lubricating; they still do, but not as often as straight chains. Also because they are packed with grease internally there is much less likelihood of internal wear and a chain snapping.
I usually give them a spray of chain oil every 5-600km
Regds Clyde

[ofreen]

I've been running o-ring chains on my '75 750F for about the last 80,000 miles.  Each has lasted at least 20,000 miles.  Back in the late '70s, I used Diamond standard motorcycle chain and would get about 5,000.  I took care of them the best I could, but living in the Pacific Northwest and then Southcentral Alaska, I was riding in the rain a lot.  If you aren't going to put that many miles on the bike, and ride it in the dry, the standard chain will be fine and cost a lot less.  If it will be a daily rider and ridden in the wet, the o-ring chain will last longer.  I've used RK o-ring chains and been satisfied with them.

[Dave Wyatt]

I've been using an O ring chain for two years now and rarely have to adjust it.  I didn't touch it last year, but may tweak it this year.  A lot of that has to do with the fact that I ride a Hondamatic, but then again I had to adjust the old non O ring quite often.  I go 300 - 400 miles between lubes too, unless I've been in the rain.  Under dry conditions the PJ-1 blue lube tends to last longer on the O ring than it did on the old chain.  It does run closer to everything, but other than some issues with the master link and chain guard that I outlined in another thread, I have had excellent results with the O ring style.

I was replacing the chain and sprokets at the time and it was well worth the extra money spent.

[KCs76Cafe]

So can I use an O ring chain with no mods....ie..spacers?

I wouldnt mind running a regular chain if I had to......Im used to lubing the chain from my old dirt bike days. I just havent saw a non O ring chain for anything over 400-500cc's.

[ofreen]

So can I use an O ring chain with no mods....ie..spacers?

On a 750, yes.