O-Ring Chain VS Chain?
Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2006 12:30 am
Comparing the Ninja 250 and the 500 I see the 250 has an "O-Ring Chain" and the 500 has a chain drive. What is the difference?
Both are chain drive. The 250 specs specify that the chain is an O-ring type, but I'm pretty sure that the 500 also comes with an O-ring. They may have not bothered to include that factoid in the specs. Most chains on new street bikes are of the O-ring type.MidSSouth wrote:Comparing the Ninja 250 and the 500 I see the 250 has an "O-Ring Chain" and the 500 has a chain drive. What is the difference?
A standard chain depends on you, the rider, to provide all chain lubrication. This usually means constant applications of gooey chain lube that flies all over the place and generally makes a mess. An O-ring chain has it's rollers internally lubricated (and sealed with O-rings). These chains require much less maintenance. The only lube you need to provide is to keep the roller running smoothly over the sprockets.
On the off chance that the 500 doesn't come with an O-ring chain, you can replace it with an O-ring when the first chain wears out.