Best All Gold non-o-ring chains?

dbx33
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8/13/2020 8:32am Edited Date/Time 6/15/2022 12:28am
Had some of the stock ones come on FE's and the gold is only on the side links. I've seen some chains where the inner links and even rollers were gold colored. What lightweight all gold chain should I get?
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Boomslang
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8/13/2020 8:40am Edited Date/Time 8/13/2020 8:45am

Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's. Pro Taper chains are manufactured with lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly steel alloy for added performance and durability. Premium gold series motocross style chain. Lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly construction.



Around $100.00
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Boomslang
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8/13/2020 8:55am
I've had great luck with DID.
We use Pro Taper which are excellent quality chains. DID are also excellent quality, same with RK, ER...there are a bunch of top notch chains on the market.

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The Shop

Lightning78
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8/13/2020 8:56am
Honestly I dont think the gold plating does anything aside from corrosion and rust. The gold chains have a slightly higher tensile strength statistic but I recently bought a RK black chain bec the shop had one and i wanted to get rid of the putrid green o ring chain that was a link short the previous owner had put on my 03 KX250. I think the gold chains are better than the non gold ones but honestly, at double the price i can guarantee you the dont last twice as long.

Im going to give the RK standard black 520 chain a long term test and continue to use them to see if they last. I checked multiple sources for statistics on the Gold Chains vs Standard 520 chains and the tensile strength numbers didnt really sway me.

The std RK 520 chain has a tensile strength of 6,700lbs
The gold RK 520 chains have a tensile strength varying from 7,700lbs to 8,800lbs and are double to almost triple the cost of the STD chain. I wanted to compare apples to apples by mfg to have a consistent statistical bias on the numbers they report.

Granted I ride a 2 stroke 250 so I'm not basing my opinions off of a 450 4 stroke but I think all non oring chains stretch a good amount after their first ride and then kind of stay where they are for a bit before wearing to an unusable length. As far as I know, the roller pins are the same on the STD vs the gold for RK unless you buy the super high end chain but for my weekend warrior out of shape ass riding local mx tracks I'm probably gonna save some money sticking with the chain I'm using going forward.
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omalley
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8/13/2020 8:58am
rockyuno wrote:
DID ERT3 for ever
This 100%^^^^
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8/13/2020 9:01am
It's probably this chain you saw the EK 3d mxr gold on gold.

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Lightning78
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8/13/2020 9:02am
Btw the STD RK 520 I bought was $32 and the gold chains average $100 or more I dont think I'm getting triple the life out of them and I definitely know I'm not getting triple the strength ....for triple the cost.

I'm sure my theory will be shot down by the gold chain faithful but I cant see where a gold chain by any mfg is 3x better than a std black 520 chain and probably not even 2x better, the gold chains ARE better but cost vs longevity I just dont see it, I know I'll be replacing the black chains more often but like I said not at 3:1 or even 2:1. Running a steel rear sprocket mitigates the damage of a worn out chain if the chain is replaced at the time needed and not used to the bitter end.
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FGR01
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8/13/2020 9:20am
Btw the STD RK 520 I bought was $32 and the gold chains average $100 or more I dont think I'm getting triple the life out...
Btw the STD RK 520 I bought was $32 and the gold chains average $100 or more I dont think I'm getting triple the life out of them and I definitely know I'm not getting triple the strength ....for triple the cost.

I'm sure my theory will be shot down by the gold chain faithful but I cant see where a gold chain by any mfg is 3x better than a std black 520 chain and probably not even 2x better, the gold chains ARE better but cost vs longevity I just dont see it, I know I'll be replacing the black chains more often but like I said not at 3:1 or even 2:1. Running a steel rear sprocket mitigates the damage of a worn out chain if the chain is replaced at the time needed and not used to the bitter end.
No, you're absolutely correct. The gold plating is a corrosion prevention thing only. But, like you said, at the speed that non-Oring chains wear out, most people are not running a chain long enough for corrosion to really be a concern.
Spooner
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8/13/2020 9:37am
A gold chain is no stronger than a non gold chain. And its usually just a small upcharge for the same chain if its offered in natural and gold colors.
TeamGreen
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8/13/2020 9:38am
Boomslang wrote:
Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's...

Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's. Pro Taper chains are manufactured with lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly steel alloy for added performance and durability. Premium gold series motocross style chain. Lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly construction.



Around $100.00
I've run 3 of these and have been very impressed. Even off-roaded in Nevada...water crossings ....deep sand...the cahin is pretty damn tough and doesn't stretch much...at all.
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Boomslang
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8/13/2020 9:42am
Btw the STD RK 520 I bought was $32 and the gold chains average $100 or more I dont think I'm getting triple the life out...
Btw the STD RK 520 I bought was $32 and the gold chains average $100 or more I dont think I'm getting triple the life out of them and I definitely know I'm not getting triple the strength ....for triple the cost.

I'm sure my theory will be shot down by the gold chain faithful but I cant see where a gold chain by any mfg is 3x better than a std black 520 chain and probably not even 2x better, the gold chains ARE better but cost vs longevity I just dont see it, I know I'll be replacing the black chains more often but like I said not at 3:1 or even 2:1. Running a steel rear sprocket mitigates the damage of a worn out chain if the chain is replaced at the time needed and not used to the bitter end.
Nothing wrong with RK standard black 520 chain. You'll get good milage out if it when maintained regularly...and like mentioned, half the price.
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RbR
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8/13/2020 9:46am
rockyuno wrote:
DID ERT3 for ever
omalley wrote:
This 100%^^^^
100%
DynoDan22
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8/13/2020 10:10am
It's odd that we say chains "stretch" when the chain pins are actually wearing leading to the chain length growing and adjustment needed. Except for a 73hp factory 450, most mid level chains from a reputable brand will be fine. Chain maintenance has far more to do with life span of a chain than the tensile strength. I've seen people smoke a $130 chain on a 125 in 10hrs while a $50 DID chain will last someone 35hrs on a 450 with good maintenance.
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Rickyisms
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8/13/2020 10:11am
Boomslang wrote:
Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's...

Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's. Pro Taper chains are manufactured with lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly steel alloy for added performance and durability. Premium gold series motocross style chain. Lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly construction.



Around $100.00
I tried 2 a couple years ago and they seemed to wear pretty quick. I'll have to give one a try again. Right now I'm using the DZ2 from DID which I like. I am trying a couple different budget chains in the next couple months to see which I have the best experience with so I can stock a budget gold chain at my shop. I'm going to try firepower next and then give the PT a go again. Kinda nervous about the firepower thoughSad
mx317
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8/13/2020 10:15am
Regina Gold
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TeamGreen
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8/13/2020 10:15am
Boomslang wrote:
Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's...

Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's. Pro Taper chains are manufactured with lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly steel alloy for added performance and durability. Premium gold series motocross style chain. Lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly construction.



Around $100.00
Rickyisms wrote:
I tried 2 a couple years ago and they seemed to wear pretty quick. I'll have to give one a try again. Right now I'm using...
I tried 2 a couple years ago and they seemed to wear pretty quick. I'll have to give one a try again. Right now I'm using the DZ2 from DID which I like. I am trying a couple different budget chains in the next couple months to see which I have the best experience with so I can stock a budget gold chain at my shop. I'm going to try firepower next and then give the PT a go again. Kinda nervous about the firepower thoughSad
What about the $32 "STD 520" RK that was brought up earlier? That's "Hellacheap"!
Laughing
Lightning78
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8/13/2020 10:24am
Boomslang wrote:
Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's...

Designed, tested and produced with the highest level of Pro Taper quality. The gold series chains are purpose built for today's demanding 4-stroke bikes and ATV's. Pro Taper chains are manufactured with lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly steel alloy for added performance and durability. Premium gold series motocross style chain. Lightweight, ultra high-strength chromoly construction.



Around $100.00
Rickyisms wrote:
I tried 2 a couple years ago and they seemed to wear pretty quick. I'll have to give one a try again. Right now I'm using...
I tried 2 a couple years ago and they seemed to wear pretty quick. I'll have to give one a try again. Right now I'm using the DZ2 from DID which I like. I am trying a couple different budget chains in the next couple months to see which I have the best experience with so I can stock a budget gold chain at my shop. I'm going to try firepower next and then give the PT a go again. Kinda nervous about the firepower thoughSad
TeamGreen wrote:
What about the $32 "STD 520" RK that was brought up earlier? That's "Hellacheap"!
Laughing
Yep....bought it at Cyclegear in Modesto
mattyhamz2
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8/13/2020 10:25am Edited Date/Time 8/13/2020 10:25am
Mika 520 Gold, DID MX520, Renthal R1
Redrcr34
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8/13/2020 10:30am
rockyuno wrote:
DID ERT3 for ever
Enough said, have used those DID ERT for the last 20 years. Always held up the best and have never broken one.
bvm111
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8/13/2020 11:15am
rockyuno wrote:
DID ERT3 for ever
Redrcr34 wrote:
Enough said, have used those DID ERT for the last 20 years. Always held up the best and have never broken one.
if you scrounge around on ebay or even amazon you can sometimes find 120 links for 60-70 bucks, i always buy a couple when i find them for cheap!
mirramaxx
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8/13/2020 11:36am
I have ran Renthal for years. 13 CRF 450, 08crf250 and my 06cr250 R1 chain has held up great !
crusty_xx
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8/13/2020 11:44am
another vote for DID ERT3. Plus it looks awesome
8/13/2020 11:53am
I've used DID ERT2, DID ERT3, and now FirePower Heavy Duty. I keep track of the hours for all the parts on my bikes.

I'd usually get about 30 hours or so out of a DID ERT2, slightly more with a DID ERT3, before it got too close to "out of spec" for comfort (by measuring pin-to-pin length over 10 lengths).

I just crossed 50 hours on my current FirePower HD, and its just now getting to that "too close to OOS" point so i'm now replacing it.

DID ERT3 costs $70-80.
FirePower costs $40-45.

Appearance wise, they look nearly identical.

Its a no brainer for me. I now use FirePower HD chains on all my MX bikes.
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Rickyisms
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8/13/2020 12:00pm
I've used DID ERT2, DID ERT3, and now FirePower Heavy Duty. I keep track of the hours for all the parts on my bikes. I'd usually...
I've used DID ERT2, DID ERT3, and now FirePower Heavy Duty. I keep track of the hours for all the parts on my bikes.

I'd usually get about 30 hours or so out of a DID ERT2, slightly more with a DID ERT3, before it got too close to "out of spec" for comfort (by measuring pin-to-pin length over 10 lengths).

I just crossed 50 hours on my current FirePower HD, and its just now getting to that "too close to OOS" point so i'm now replacing it.

DID ERT3 costs $70-80.
FirePower costs $40-45.

Appearance wise, they look nearly identical.

Its a no brainer for me. I now use FirePower HD chains on all my MX bikes.
Firepower are made by EK. I have yet to try one, but I would like to.
seven10
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8/13/2020 12:34pm
I've used DID ERT2, DID ERT3, and now FirePower Heavy Duty. I keep track of the hours for all the parts on my bikes. I'd usually...
I've used DID ERT2, DID ERT3, and now FirePower Heavy Duty. I keep track of the hours for all the parts on my bikes.

I'd usually get about 30 hours or so out of a DID ERT2, slightly more with a DID ERT3, before it got too close to "out of spec" for comfort (by measuring pin-to-pin length over 10 lengths).

I just crossed 50 hours on my current FirePower HD, and its just now getting to that "too close to OOS" point so i'm now replacing it.

DID ERT3 costs $70-80.
FirePower costs $40-45.

Appearance wise, they look nearly identical.

Its a no brainer for me. I now use FirePower HD chains on all my MX bikes.
Rickyisms wrote:
Firepower are made by EK. I have yet to try one, but I would like to.
I’ve got 5 hours on a firepower gold non o-ring chain and I couldn’t be happier!! I honestly think these firepower chains are the best deal in moto!
Timo_2824
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8/13/2020 5:07pm
I didn't realize people ran non o-ring chains anymore, sounds crazy to me.
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8/13/2020 6:33pm
Timo_2824 wrote:
I didn't realize people ran non o-ring chains anymore, sounds crazy to me.
robs less power (drag) and is lighter.
8/13/2020 6:53pm
Timo_2824 wrote:
I didn't realize people ran non o-ring chains anymore, sounds crazy to me.
O-ring chain are heavy for small bike

Also, most factory team/pro use non o-ring
Rickyisms
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8/13/2020 9:53pm
Timo_2824 wrote:
I didn't realize people ran non o-ring chains anymore, sounds crazy to me.
An O-ring chain is VERY noticeable on my 125 and 150. I won’t run one again on either of those bikes.
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