Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

* Atlantic Motorrad - get DID X-ring chain * [http://bmwmotorcycleclubcape.co.za/specialised-distributors-projects Specialized Distributors and Projects] - one of our members and advertisers, Mark Burton Very nice - I've just realized this is good advice for public speaking, social responsibility, relationships, being a mensch, being a student, being a good husband, and riding a motorbike! Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

I've had good service from Tracmac in Bellville. Replacing the chain often requires grinding off extra links which they are used to doing. Also got an X-Ring and seems to be lasting well despite the abuse I dish out to it. The front sprocket seems to wear less than the rear one, but you'd be well advised to at least change the rear sprocket and chain at the same time. ''If you can dream it you can do it!''

I've heard an x-ring is complete overkill for a 650. And a chain that outlasts your sprockets is useless, since you should change sprockets and chain at the same time.

then buy better sprockets, dear fellow! :p Do you think the guy from whom "you've heard" will come collect you when it goes bottom up and you have to replace more than the chain..?? I would far rather spend a few bux more and know that the chain will get me home than save at the starting gates to end up having to spend 1000's getting folk out to help. Still, that said, I bought from Bike Stuff, and the things are really doing well.. not even the slightest teeth wear (yet!) My relationship with the bank manager still doesn't allow me to attempt genuine BM parts - well, not for everything :) Inglsman

When you next change your sprockets you will also have to change your vendor as very sadly Bike Stuff is deceased, passed on, no more! Warwick is a really good gent and was instrumental in getting the Ladies Track Training at Killarney going, and sadly the last one was rained out, so Jane is still awaiting a new date.

I also got my last replacements from Bike Stuff. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with an o-ring chain. Why spend the extra money just so you can say 'oooh, I got an x-ring, see how pretty?' You and your bike wont know the difference. yes, it may last longer than an o-ring, but then you gotta fork out for expensive sprockets as well.

Cloud, the way Matthew and I don't maintain our chains, they need all the strength they can get. A few extra ront is well spent if you don't need to buy chain cleaner and chain lube '''and''' then still spend priceless time actually doing the cleaning. My chain and sprockets rationale even got Corne to stop cleaning his chain with a toothbrush! He spent the money he saved buying a shaft (and a nice 1200 Adventure to go with it) :) In fact, I am busy not maintaining my chain right now, and Matthew started not maintaining his a few minutes before that ;-) Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

alas, the shekels required for such a chain adjustment are not within reach...:( Inglsman

This change the sprockets with the new chain seems a bit of a marketing ploy, much like dazzle stripes make cars and bikes go faster. The real long distance 'round the worlders', like Rene Canadian and Nathan the Postman ride their sprockets till they are close to shot...smooth like a 10 000km rear knobblie, but seem to change chains sooner to avoid a snapped chain.

You still need to clean and lube an x-ring as much as an o-ring.

I didn't clean the O-Ring, and I cleaned the X-Ring even less - that is exactly my point. And I got pretty good mileage out of both chains... ;-) YMMV Website Administrator [http://honeybadger.net Honey Badger IT Services]

Precisely. But why stop at an x-ring? You can also get t-rings and z-rings. And at the end of the day they're all just chains that are almost identical except for the seals.

The closes I get to cleaning rings is the bath tub ring and that's only so often Inglsman

I know I am a bit slow on the draw but anyway....

 

Ironically- the X-ring is NOT more expensive than the O-ring. My FIL got quotes from TracMac, end of 2009, and the negligible R30 or R40 difference saw him opting for an X-ring. Overkill it may be, but for the same price (or a negligible difference), rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. But, you are quite right when saying there is nothing wrong with an O-ring either.

 

My 2million Zim dollars worth.