best "0" ring chain or otherwise for the C5

[wildbill]

hi all
I've decided that i might try one really good chain "0" ring or otherwise and get rid of the  factory job.
 so just wondering if price isn't a drama what would the best running chain on a C5. any imput greatly appreciated
regards

[Ducati Scotty]

The best types are x-ring, not o-ring.  The seal is an X in cross section.  Better seal and less friction than o-rings.  DID is my preferred brand but there are many out there of good quality.  Figure on spending $100-125 or maybe a bit more. 

A rivet master link is a bit stronger and more secure but takes a special tool to install, not sure if you have one.  These bikes don't put out enough power to stress the easier to install clip type master.  Buy two and put one in the tool box for emergencies.

Scott

[mattsz]

Scott - DID has a bunch of chains of differing specs and uses.  Do you happen to know which you use?

[motorat]

i put a tsubaki o ring on mine with the clip link.
as Scotty said the enging does not pull that hard and it is an over kill with the 530 chain, 102 links.
i have the DID x ring on my suzuki vstrom.

[Ducati Scotty]

I have no idea what I've used in tge past.  Right now i have a non o-ring model that cost $35. The key things to know are size, 530, length, 102 links, and which type of master link you want.  Some chains include the master link some do not.  Then choose regular, o-ring, or x-ring.  Within that group there will still probably be a few choices. Usually the more expensive ones are a little higher quality, but if you buy a good brand even the lowest chain will be very high quality. 

Things like "super strong" are usually just hogwash.  The cheapest 520 chain (smaller than a 530) usually has enough tensile strength to handle the most powerful liter bike out there.  I have a good link at home, I'll post it later.

Scott

[Ducati Scotty]

Crud   Can't find the link I had.  It explained all the tech specs and different pieces of the chain and how they work, etc.  Oh well

Like I said, our bikes don't put out much power and use a large 530 chain.  If you get a good brand it will last a long time if you just clean and lube it regularly.

Scott

[shamelin]

I switched over to the Tsubaki Omega 530 102 o-ring chain a couple of months ago on my B5.  At the same time, I upgraded the front sprocket to a 18T.  It was a huge improvement in the ride- the shifting was far smoother.  I can't attribute it all to the new chain- more than anything it was probably the sprocket upgrade, chain slack adjustment, and rear wheel alignment.  But I'm really happy with it and would definitely recommend it.

I think I picked it up on eBay for a little less that $100.

[singhg5]

Crud   Can't find the link I had.  It explained all the tech specs and different pieces of the chain and how they work, etc.  Oh well

Like I said, our bikes don't put out much power and use a large 530 chain.  If you get a good brand it will last a long time if you just clean and lube it regularly.

Are you thinking about this link ?

http://www.enfieldmotorcycles.com/forum/index.php/topic,8269.msg92214.html#msg92214

[Ducati Scotty]

Nope, but that will certainly do.  Thanks

[GSS]

I went with a Tsubaki Omega 530 102 o-ring chain with clip link on my C5 when I installed a 19T front sprocket. No issues so far.

[mattsz]

I switched over to the Tsubaki Omega 530 102 o-ring chain a couple of months ago on my B5.  At the same time, I upgraded the front sprocket to a 18T.  It was a huge improvement in the ride- the shifting was far smoother.  I can't attribute it all to the new chain- more than anything it was probably the sprocket upgrade, chain slack adjustment, and rear wheel alignment.  But I'm really happy with it and would definitely recommend it.

Our B5's come with a 17-tooth front sprocket - can anybody comment on the benefits or drawbacks of changing to an 18-tooth, or why such a change would improve shifting?

[barenekd]

The benefits are that you can install a good 530 Oring chain, as for what a good Oring chain will cost, start at about $100 at a discount supplier. Anything less will be suspect in quality. DID, Tsubaki and others have totally adequate chains in the $100 range. If you spend too much more for an Xring chain you are probably in the neighborhood of diminishing returns. The good chains will show their tensile strength. With an Enfield you certainly don't need the toughest thing out there. I have 7,000 miles aon a Tsubaki oring chain and I haven't have to adjust it yet. Still the same slack as new.
The disadvantage of an 18T sprocket is that it will kill a bit of punch off the lights and will possibly cut your top speed an mph or two. More advantages are that it will raise the comfortable cruising speed about 5 mph before that vibes set in. However, with the  new chain, it will smooth out the bike quite a bit, too. Didn't see much difference in the mileage between the two chains. To me, the 18T sprocket seemed more practical and user friendly. It will also reduce chain wear slights, the bigger the sprocket radius, the less the chain has to twist.
Bare

[mattsz]

Bare - are you saying that a good 530 Oring chain cannot be installed without an 18 tooth front sprocket?

I know our high end performance is limited by horsepower more than gearing, but I don't understand why the "comfortable cruising speed" increases, while top speed decreases...

And, why would the larger sprocket improve shifting?

[gremlin]

sometimes it's best to let me keep my delusions.

[Ducati Scotty]

The G5 has a 217t fromt sprocket stock and cannot use an o-ring chain without switching to an 18t, it's a clearance issue.  I think this applies to the B5 also but someone check me on that.

The C5 has an 18t front sprocket stock and can use an O-ring chain with no sprocket change.  It has an o-ring chain stock.

Scott