Why does a X ring chain cost so much more than a O ring chain?

[Dellortoman]

RK about 80/90 $, it would bend the pins, rs250 pumping out 70hp

For an old fart like me who had a 1968 Yamaha 250 twin that made 29 BHP on a good day, it's hard to believe that they get over 70 BHP from the Aprilia 250 (I just looked it up - 72.5 in standard trim).

I remember when 100 BHP/litre was a performance target for racing cars. My old Yamaha was 116 BHP/litre so I thought it was something of a hot rod when I was 17. In 1969 the 500cc Kawasaki H1 came out and blew everything else into the weeds. It made 60 BHP (120 BHP/litre) and it was an almost uncontrollable road rocket for experienced adrenaline junkies only. So to me, the Aprilia 250's 290 BHP/litre is incredible for a road vehicle that's actually quite civilised to ride.

 

[piranha-bro2]

For an old fart like me who had a 1968 Yamaha 250 twin that made 29 BHP on a good day, it's hard to believe that they get over 70 BHP from the Aprilia 250 (I just looked it up - 72.5 in standard trim).

I remember when 100 BHP/litre was a performance target for racing cars. My old Yamaha was 116 BHP/litre so I thought it was something of a hot rod when I was 17. In 1969 the 500cc Kawasaki H1 came out and blew everything else into the weeds. It made 60 BHP (120 BHP/litre) and it was an almost uncontrollable road rocket for experienced adrenaline junkies only. So to me, the Aprilia 250's 290 BHP/litre is incredible for a road vehicle that's actually quite civilised to ride.

You'd need a very powerful large capacity four-stroke to out accelerate the Aprilia. My SFC'd SF was virtually dead even in acceleration with both and RGV260 Suzuki (main straight PI) and a TZR250 Yam (traffic light drag race) - and they predated the Aprilia by 10 or 15 years. I certainly didn't feel shamed by that - those lightweight rockets are super quick. Goes way back to RD and LC Yamahas.

 

[breganzane]

So even though the MX is of similar strength to the ERV you still used to break them, Cosi?! Or was the MX you refer to not a DID?

I got a DID X-ring from Batto so maybe you can chime in Steve? Can't recall the model - in bed with a serious flu so can't go and check. What do/did you use on the 917?

The chain I sold you was most likely a DID 530VX, when Drmsby was at McLeod's I got trade on them so stocked and sold a few and also used them exclusively on my own street bikes and also any friends bikes I worked on or rebuilt. Great chains, last forever and I don't understand the thread title because even now the current VX3 version is about au$150 retail and I consider that dirt cheap for the life you get out of them.

On the 917 I used a DID 520MX unsealed chain. Brilliant, never any issues. For big meetings we'd always start with a new chain and have a fresh spare also. Test days we'd tend to use the least worn used chains. Even earlier when the bike ran with no cush drive in the rear wheel and broke gearbox and primary chains it never had an issue with the rear chain. Broke a swingarm once, but never the chain!

 

[Paul LeClair]

Hi all

my supercharged2018 Kawasaki H2 is just due for another chain, as is my 2008 ZX14. Weird note in the description from DID on the web site I was about to order from. "Maximum engine displacement : 1000 cc" As this is supposed to be the strongest chain available, what the heck....?

The D. I. D ERV7 X-ring chain is the ultimate high-performance, lightweight, low-friction sealed ring race chain available. An improvement from the ERV3, the ERV7 boasts lots of upgrades, including an 11% longer chain life. D. I. D has upgraded the materials of the pin, bushing, inner/outer plates, and the patented X-Ring seal, increasing wear resistance and reducing friction. Weight per 100 Links: 3. 41 lbs. ; Tensile Strength: 8, 800 Lbs. ; Maximum engine displacement: 1000cc. Rivet Type Master link included. D. I. D's patented X-ring construction reduces friction by twisting between the side plates instead of being squashed. Other makers modified O-rings have squashed points that increase friction. The twisting action of the X-ring disperses the pressure and minimizes power loss, while the four contact points greatly increase its sealing performance. This keeps the dirt out and the lubrication in much better than any other O-ring. X-rings have the greatest wear resistance of any other type of O-ring or non-O-ring chain.