2025 Winter maintenance
1969 FLH
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
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.
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
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.Mongrel505558 wrote: Sun Jan 12, 2025 3:39 pm 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.
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance

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
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
Don't feel bad Jim, this is the first I've heard of such a thing too...Mongrel505558 wrote: Sun Jan 12, 2025 3:39 pm 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.
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.
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
I guess I have some catching up to do.Raytag wrote: Sun Jan 12, 2025 4:29 pm![]()
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
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
Be sure you get a chain with a masterlink,
And here's a millennium using a chain breaker....
And here's a millennium using a chain breaker....
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
I think he was making fun of a certain age group

Probably who ever took the photo for the ad!
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
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.
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
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. Noted instructions.
Lubing: D & E
Chain sag: C
Old O-ring chain did about 25,000 miles.
X-ring chain now fitted. Rivetted joiner. Chain lube of choice. Noted instructions.
Lubing: D & E
Chain sag: C
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
Removed the clutch pack to inspect. Fingers lightly grooved. Everything in good shape, except one buffer going bad. Will replace.
12 deg F out, with a decent snow pack.
Old N0 24 pulling its weight tonight.
12 deg F out, with a decent snow pack.
Old N0 24 pulling its weight tonight.
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
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.
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.
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Re: 2025 Winter maintenance
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...panhead_kicker wrote: Mon Jan 20, 2025 5:05 am,,,Any logic to replacing the bearing while I'm in it? It appears to still be good.