O-Ring vs X-Ring Chain: What’s the Difference?
The chain is an incredibly important part of any motorcycle. They provide the gears and drive that spin the rear wheel and actually make the bike accelerate. Even though chain alternatives – such as belts and driveshafts – are available they still pale in comparison to good old-fashioned chains. Motorcycle chains come in two categories: unsealed and sealed. Unsealed chains are more common on vintage bikes and older models, and need constant lubrication to ensure they function effectively. Sealed chains, on the other hand, use small rubber components to lock in grease on the chains and sprockets. This keeps them lubricated for much longer. There are two main types of sealed motorcycle chains: the O-ring chain and the X-ring chain. As their names suggest, the core difference is in the shape of the rubber sealants that sit in between the chain plates. They each have their own pros and cons,