2025 Winter maintenance

[Mongrel505558]

I'm familiar with o-ring chains. There was mention of an "x-ring" chain, which I have never heard of, unless it was a typo.

[RUBONE]

I'm familiar with o-ring chains. There was mention of an "x-ring" chain, which I have never heard of, unless it was a typo.

X-ring chains have been around a long time, merely a different type of seal on the sideplates. Basically an o-ring in an X shape.

[Raytag]

You`re a true oletimer Jim
Welcome to the 21st century !
There`re hardly any O-Ring chains around anymore
Nowadays it`s X-ring or XW-Ring

Some chains (Regina HPE) do NOT need to be lubed for 20.000 mls because of that hi-tek alloys employed however they`re strictly for hi-perf bikes.
And yes those do work without additional lubing
Us don`t need them hi-perf toys but I really enjoying this X-Ring on mine.
No stretch. Far less maintenance. Slimmer than a Diamond and me riding some 5-7K annually those ~70 bucks is a no-brainer to me

[panhead_kicker]

I'm familiar with o-ring chains. There was mention of an "x-ring" chain, which I have never heard of, unless it was a typo.

Don't feel bad Jim, this is the first I've heard of such a thing too...
I also learned last night that HD has/had a primary chain specifically for sidecar use. The light came on for me then, as I recalled struggling with my primary chain and tensioner after having installed the 22T compensator.

[Mongrel505558]

You`re a true oletimer Jim
Welcome to the 21st century !
There`re hardly any O-Ring chains around anymore
Nowadays it`s X-ring or XW-Ring

Some chains (Regina HPE) do NOT need to be lubed for 20.000 mls because of that hi-tek alloys employed however they`re strictly for hi-perf bikes.
And yes those do work without additional lubing
Us don`t need them hi-perf toys but I really enjoying this X-Ring on mine.
No stretch. Far less maintenance. Slimmer than a Diamond and me riding some 5-7K annually those ~70 bucks is a no-brainer to me

I guess I have some catching up to do.

[RooDog]

Be sure you get a chain with a masterlink,
And here's a millennium using a chain breaker....

chain breaker.jpg

[JUGPAM11]

is that a good place to break a chain????????

[panhead_kicker]

is that a good place to break a chain????????

I think he was making fun of a certain age group
Probably who ever took the photo for the ad!

[Mongrel505558]

is that a good place to break a chain????????

Out of more than 50 breakable links, that's the only one you can't use!

[hd74cid]

I've run an o-ring style chain on my shovelhead ever since they came out with them. Absolutly love how long they last and thought about putting one on my 45 flathead but I'm not sure if there is room for it under the cover.

[Excalibur]

I just swapped from O-ring to X-ring. The x-ring links are significantly less stiff so much so that I notice the difference when wheeling the bike out of the shed. No audible tick-tick-tick-tick sound.

Old O-ring chain did about 25,000 miles.

X-ring chain now fitted. Rivetted joiner. Chain lube of choice.

or1.jpg

Noted instructions.
Lubing: D & E
Chain sag: C

or2.jpg

[panhead_kicker]

Removed the clutch pack to inspect. Fingers lightly grooved. Everything in good shape, except one buffer going bad. Will replace.

Bad_buffer.jpg

12 deg F out, with a decent snow pack.
Old N0 24 pulling its weight tonight.

old_NO_24.jpg

[panhead_kicker]

Making a bit of progress tonight, too darn cold for much else!
Checking the generator brushes and found the end seal bad. Any logic to replacing the bearing while I'm in it? It appears to still be good.
The brushes don't appear chipped or broken; their wires are about in the center of the slot, so about half life left.

bad_seal.jpg

[hd74cid]

,,,Any logic to replacing the bearing while I'm in it? It appears to still be good.

I'm from the "well since I'm here" camp. If it's not going to break your budget, easy to get and since you've already got it out...