Kdx Chain & Sprocket Combo Questions

[joelyles2004]

What size sprockets can I use with an O-ring chain on my soon to be 2001 kdx 200? And what about with a regular non-oring type chain? I'm really worried about the chain rubbing the cases and chain guide.

 

[CaptainObvious]

I've run both standard and o-ring 520 chains on my KDX and never had a case-rubbing problem. I haven't heard anyone mention a problem with a 520. A rear sprocket greater than 50T will rub into the chain guide, but that will wear in before it wears out.

 

[Feanor]

I've run both standard and o-ring 520 chains on my KDX and never had a case-rubbing problem. I haven't heard anyone mention a problem with a 520. A rear sprocket greater than 50T will rub into the chain guide, but that will wear in before it wears out.

Same here with the 520 o-ring/non-o-ring chains on my 04 KDX-220... I've run both and haven't had a problem with the chain guide or case.

O-ring chain is a bit wider than a standard chain though and the stock chain guide kind of "wears" the nice gold finish of the DID o-ring chains off... If that's important to you it can be significant :)

For me, I keep the O-ring (actually x-ring) DID chain as a backup, and now use a standard non-o-ring DID racing chain... Not that I have delusions of racing, but the tensile strength rating is much higher and I like to look at that from a reliability standpoint.

I ditched the o-ring because I have this tendency to keep my bike really clean (the wife thinks I'm obsessive compulsive) and I actually remove the chain after every other ride and give it a good cleaning in solvent before relubing (I've got a box FILLED with master link clips LoL!)... Taking the chain off also helps me to get at the otherwise inaccessible areas of the engine case for cleaning...

I also like the fact that the non-o-ring chains are far more pliable and operate with much less friction... although everyone will probably laugh at me, I swear I can feel the difference when I ride my bike with o-ring compared to non-o-ring... mainly in acceleration from low speed... Maybe the fact that the thinner non-o-ring also does not rub against the sides of the chain guide and that helps a bit as well...

As an aside, for those who think that its a huge advantage getting an o-ring chain standard with a 220 as opposed to a 200, I think they are in error... THe stock o-ring that you get with a 220 is JUNK! and it feels like a solid steel shaft would flex easier than it too! It was one of the first things I replaced...

anyhow... good luck to you!

Feanor