Mon Jan 29, 2007 1:15 am by little stanley
I used to run o-ring chains on both my rigid pan and swing arm pan shovel. I lubed them periodically with spray chain lube and they never gave any problems.
However, each time I took the chains off due to wheel lube, tire and brake inspection work the chain was so stiff like, hard to bend. Granted I think they are a stronger chain but their an overkill for a typical 4 speed big twin, you know they gotta be robbing some power and drinking the gas.
In the old days everybody would go and buy a Diamond chain for something like 20 bucks, big motors too. Only once did I see a buddy break a chain, it was neglected and old.
Too tight a chain on a swing arm will not only wear too quickly but it also will beat out the high gear and eat up sprockets. Rigids are a little easier to understand.
Tsubaki makes a good "mid range" "stand style" chain, can't remember what I paid for the one I put on my rigid pan recently but I think it was about 60 bucks. Diamond would still be a good choice if their still around.
The place for those high dollar stainless o-ring chains are those stupid fat tired choppers, those skinny little belts work only because they aren't ridden much.
Just my opinion.
-little hoss
