Difference Between Chain Types

[WyckedZX10R]

OK, I've been riding two wheeled motorized vehicles for about thirty years so I consider myself fairly wise in the ways of the motorcycle...but something I didn't know that I didn't know until today is this...

I'm shopping for a new chain for my bike and I don't know what the differences between a racing and a non-racing chain are.

Can someone enlighten me?

Thanks,

Doc

[kar_the_terrible]

www.dansmc.com has some info about racing chains etc. you can check it out if you want to read it in detail.

I think the difference is racing chains are a lot lighter, hence wear faster and need more frequent replacement.

[mikaloyd]

First off what Im going to write has to do only with O-Ring type chains used on street bikes and roadracing bikes. Dirtbikes and dragbikes have gone different directions with "racing chain"



The short answer to "What's racing chain?" is mostly advertising shenanigans. From the major manufacturers a "racing chain" is a somewhat stronger (but not for sure better for your use) chain than their standard chain of that size(almost certainly with sideplates plated a golden color so folks can tell you paid extra) Racing chain might or might not last longer than the chain which came with your bike. It wont even last as long btw unless you also replace your sprockets and ensure that they are properly aligned. From the less scrupulous manufacturers the term "racing chain" means nothing whatsoever. Except maybe gold sideplates and higher cost.

The long answer takes awhile

[WyckedZX10R]

The Cliff's Notes version is fine. Thanks tons.

[Itzamna]

The lighter weight is really the big difference to me. Usually replace with lighter weight sprockets as well, dropping some overall weight from the bike. I've heard from many people that they will wear real quick if you're real hard on the throttle. Especially the lighter sprockets.