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I ride and race motocross only. I got 10 hours out of my junk stock chain and sprocket set on my 450 before they wore out. When they did, I replaced them with a set of Dirt Tricks sprockets and a Firepower X-ring chain. I’ve gotten over 85 hours out of this set, and while it is showing a little wear, I’m sure I can get plenty more out of it. I think I’ve only adjusted the chain twice in all those hours. Can I just keep running this chain and sprocket set until the sprockets are worn out (like I used to do with standard chains and aluminum sprockets) then replace them as a set, or do chains “time out” like a piston, where even with no visible wear, you replace them to prevent catastrophic failure?
I’d replace it. You can usually wear out 2-3 chains before the Dirt Tricks sprockets are fried.
It that rule of thumb for X-ring or standard chains? How do you know when an X-ring chain is worn out?
When the chain is stretched enough that it starts to hook the sprockets, Your there...
Or you can just run it until it starts popping teeth. I can usually get 3 chains out of a rear but keep an eye on the front for wear.
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When you have over 85 hours on it.
For safety sake, I would replace chain and sprockets.
Buy a chain wear tool, cheap and easy way to tell if your chain is toast.
https://dirttricks.com/shop/hardware/dirt-tricks-extras/520-chain-wear-gage/?v=7516fd43adaa
This is my answer too, especially a cheaper chain like a Firepower. You got 85 hours out of it, it doesn’t owe you much else.
As chains stretch that is when sprockets wear. Not sure which chain Firepower uses but typically the in house brands WPS is Firepower brand and use good quality builders to rebrand.
Use GOOD quality chain lube and the Oring chains last a very long time. I personally like Maxima chain wax because it does not make a mess all over the bike.
Use GOOD quality chain lube and the Oring chains last a very long time
^^That’s debatable ^^
I put 135 hours on my Mika Metals X-Ring chain and Mika Metals Hybrid rear/ DirtTricks front sprockets and they still had plenty of life left. I have never used chain lube one time… I spray WD-40 on it after I wash it and that’s it.
Being in California, we don’t get all that much rain, so it didn’t get abused with mud very much, but chain lube on an X-Ring/ O-Ring chain is not necessary. The lube is on the inside of the o-ring, unless it gets blasted out from too much pressure washing
I have a buddy that always bags on me for my chain wax. He runs an O-ring with wd sometimes.
Firepower is not a high quality chain, trust me. The OP's is kinked as well. I had one on my 2021 KX250 and pulled it off after 5 rides because it was stretching so bad. I have one on a hot 125 and it's holding up OK.
I replaced my chain and sprocket very frequently. It’s easy and cheap so might as well.
I never found that lubing an O or X ring chain did any good at all. The purpose of the rings is to keep shit out. If lube helps...that means the chain is shot.
That doesn't mean it's about to ruin your day but it does mean more drag on a chain that already has a lot of drag.
I love the ring stuff because they seat and rarely need a second adjustment but while my 600 couldn't care less...my 250F tells me..."where's my DID dude".
I have been using RK MXU chains for years, never use chain lube, only WD40 after washing, and get 100hrs plus out of them.
A langhammx said, the lube is sealed inside the chain.
It’s not kinked, bro. It’s a cold X-ring chain. Until they warm up, the drag from the X-rings makes them look like they are binding.
The seals definitely add some drag when cold, that's why to check the wear you measure the distance between a specified number of pins. Just an eyeball test is pretty useless unless it's completely shot.
I didn't mean kinked solid Bro. When they get worn they do that. The thing is spanked. Keep running it and so will be your sprockets.
It depends on a lot of factors, as a few people have mentioned quite a few above. A lesser quality reputable chain that is well maintained will last longer than a good quality reputable chain that is poorly maintained. They go hand in hand. Riding conditions also play a massive factor, if you’re always riding deep sand or through mud and water, that will accelerate wear on your chain.
For peace of mind, I changed mine each year so when I started a new season everything was fresh. Chains are cheaper than a trip to the ER or having to replace your cases!
80 on my Mika..then she went bye bye. All riding done on sand tracks.
Pit Row
That's solid Bro.
Any of you remember the old chain clean/lube trick? Stick a countershaft sprocket on a bbq grill electric rotisserie motor...loop the chain into a bucket of diesel to clean and 30w to lube.
Worked like a dream but nothing could stop the old roller chain stretch.
I run standard chains and soak them in gas, degrease them, then soak them in gear oil and hang to dry. Works well for me.
Who the fuck runs a chain for 100 hours 🤦♂️
C’mon man, you know the right answer. When they start getting really flat on the edges (like yours) and kinking weirdly, and/or ends of link pins get worn flat, especially on master link, ya got yourself a time bomb.
Save yourself a trip to Indonesia and buy a chain.
I do the same thing. WD-40 after a wash and I’m good to go.
Hundo minimum
I got about 175 hours from a good x-ring chain and Ironman sprocket set, changed the cs sprocket 3 or 4 times though.
Most of the people I ride with !
my friend owns Costa Rica Unlimited tours and they get 150-200 hours on their bikes and they are in mud and water most of the time. He uses grease on them every morning, he buys it in 5 gallon buckets.
Berny 1x* a CR legend...
Another no-chain-lube user here. I stopped oiling my o/x-ring chains well over a decade ago. No difference in wear, and my bikes are much easier to clean now.
I’m right there with you on this. I spray WD-40 on the chain (X-ring) after I wash the bike, then wipe the WD-40 and residual water off with a rag.
Post a reply to: How many hours on an X-ring chain?