Types of Motorcycle chains

Types Of Motorcycle Chains

Chains drives are one of the efficient drive systems available in the automotive industry. Want to know about the other transmission drive .check this DRIVE SYSTEM EXPLAINED.

The chain drive system is the common drive system used in most automobile industries. The chain drive system consists of two sprockets (gears) and a chain. Smaller sprockets are connected to the engine and larger sprockets connected to the wheel and chain will be connected to the two sprockets so that they will act as the energy transfer medium. It will give the best results when maintained cleanly and there is some maintenance needed. It does not produce much sound. Pretty cheap compared to the other two driving systems.

There are three types of motorcycle drive chains used in the Indian market. They are mentioned below

• Standard Roller Chains
• O-Ring Chains
• X-Ring Chains

Standard Roller Chains:

Standard roller chain with sprockets

Standard roller chains are the chains that are commonly used in low cc engines /commuter bikes.
Basic components in standard roller chains are metal links connected to each other. Each unit consists of two outer plates, two inner pins surrounded by bushes (rollers), and two pins(Riveted). Only one link will be open to mount these chains on sprockets

One-Unit(Link design to mount/un-mount from sprockets)

 The series of units combined together and forms the chain. Chains will roll over on the chain sprockets with the help of rollers and the lubricants (Which give smooth transmission ).

A Series of units are connected together to form a chain.

Because of the simple design, it requires a lot of lubrication and protection. Thus covered by chain guard for protection. It requires regular maintenance/lubrication/cleaning. Dust and debris will damage the chains and the sprockets.

Chainguard assembled in bike

Vehicles using this kind of chain types are : Splendor, passion etc.

ADVANTAGE:

• Simple in design
• Lightweight in design
• Manufacturing cost is less
• Chain cover protects the chain from duct and debris

DISADVANTAGE:

• Difficult to maintain and clean as they are covered in a case
• Loosens frequently
• Makes the sprockets wear off faster
• Needs frequent lubrication
• Doesn’t last very long

O-Ring Chains:

An O-ring chain is quite similar in construction to the standard roller chain, except for one key difference - it has an arrangement to seal in lubrication between the links .

O-Ring consists of lubrication and is arranged in-between the outer and inner plates. The O-ring chains have a much longer life compared to standard roller chains, and they also don’t require lubrication for the most part bet requires regular cleaning at least between 500 to 1000km to enhance the life of O-Ring chains.

Bikes using an O-ring chain are Yamaha r15 series

ADVANTAGE:

• Easy to maintain
• Easy to clean
• Performs better compared to standard chains
• Make less noise

DISADVANTAGE:

• Cost is higher than the standard roller chains
• Chain cleaners and cleaners are costly
• Requires special lubrications at every 500km

X-Ring Chains:

The X-Ring chains were designed to overcome the relatively higher resistance and drag O-ring chains create as compared to the standard roller chains. As the name X-ring suggests, the rubber seals between the inner and outer links on the X-ring chain have an X-shaped cross-section as opposed to the O-shaped cross-section of the O-ring chains.

As opposed to the large surface area created by a compressed O-Ring, the X-cross section offers two smaller surface areas with lesser friction and wear, thus significantly reducing drag. X-ring is also known to provide better sealing than O-ring and therefore does a better job of packing the grease in. X-ring chains are also known to last longer than their O-ring counterparts.

Vehicles using X-ring chains: KTM bikes

ADVANTAGE:

• Easy to maintain
• Easy to clean
• Perform better in high and low speeds
• The life cycle of these chains is more compared to the other chains
• Performs better compared to standard chains & O-Ring chains
• Make less noise

DISADVANTAGE:

• Cost is higher than the standard &O-ring chains
• Chain cleaners and cleaners are costly
• Requires special lubrications 

CONCLUSION:

Standards rollers are standard for commuter segment, if you need chain for the next small cc sports bikes go for O-rings and X-rings are expensive if you can afford go ahead you do not regret your purchase.