What is an X ring chain

Q: What is X

D.I.Ds X-Ring chain is designed for high performance motorcycles and Quads. Their patented X-Ring construction creates a chain that is both low in friction and high in wear resistance. Split (ZJ) link provides the same durability and resistance to fatigue as exhibited by regular riveted links of chain.

Q: How do X ring chains work?

With an X-ring chain, the sealing rings profile resembles an X”” The X-ring is more readily compressed between the plates, and its shape provides four sealing surfaces around each link pin (instead of two), but with less total surface area, resulting in less drag.

Table of Contents Show

Development[edit]
Design[edit]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
What is the difference between O and X ring chains?
How do X ring chains work?
How long do X ring chains last?

Difference between X-ring and regular O-ring chains. The seals are red in color.

The X-ring chain is a specialized type of sealed roller chain used to transfer mechanical power. Like the standard O-ring chains it is also used in high performance motorcycles. It uses X-ring seal to keep lubricant (usually grease) in place.

It has higher performance (in terms of durability, lifetime, and power loss) than non-O-ring chains as it has less friction than O-ring chain while providing adequate lubrication and protection against foreign elements which also increases reliability.[1] It can last twice as long as the O-ring chain under some circumstances.[2]

Development[edit]

The X-ring chain is developed from O-ring chain which in turn is developed from non-O-ring chain. While the regular O-ring chain has high durability, it also has more friction (compared to other types of roller chains) due to distortion of the O-ring due to pressure from the inner and outer chain plates.[3] This results in loss of power in the transmission. Therefore, X-ring chain was developed by replacing O-ring seal with X-ring seal which greatly reduced friction and increased durability.[1]

Design[edit]

Like the O-ring chain it has sealing rings which keep the contaminant (dirt) out, and lubricant in between the pins and bushings. This is known as internal lubrication. However, unlike O-ring chain, it has X shaped seal which does not experience increased surface area (which is in contact with the chain plates) when under pressure. Therefore the friction in X-ring chain does not increase much when pressure is applied by the chain plates. Due to their unique shape, they have two additional sealing surfaces to a traditional O-ring.[4]

Comparison between Standard roller chain, X-ring, and O-ring chain.[5]

Chain type	Standard roller	O-ring chain	X-ring chain
Lubrication	Externally lubricated	Self lubricating (Internal)	Self lubricating (Internal)
Durability	Low	High	Very High
Efficiency	High	Relatively low	Very High
Maintenance	Frequent	Less frequent, special care	Least frequent, special care
Stretching	Regular	Limited	Limited
Cost	Relatively cheaper	Relatively expensive	Relatively expensive

References[edit]

^ a b "O Ring and X Ring Chains ¦ Motorcycle Chains ¦ Technical Help ¦ Bike Torque Racing". www.biketorqueracing.co.uk. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
^ "O-Ring vs.X-Ring and Patching Tires | Ask the Geek". Sport Rider. Retrieved 2017-09-29.
^ SevenRockCityCycles. "WHAT's THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN O-RING and X-RING CHAINS? – Rock City Cycles". Retrieved 2019-06-19.
^ "O-Ring vs.X-Ring and Patching Tires". Cycle World. Retrieved 2019-06-19.
^ "Drive Chains: O Ring/ X Ring Vs Non-O Ring Standard Chains » BikesMedia.in". www.bikesmedia.in. Retrieved 2017-09-29.

External links[edit]

Cleaning a Motorcycle Chain - webBikeWorld

What is the difference between O and X ring chains?

Deformation Resistant: A standard O-ring tends to deform when it has been pressed between the plates for too long. Conversely, an X-ring holds its shape much better. More Sealing Surfaces: The X-ring shape has more surfaces that can hold lubricant against the plates and pins.

What is X

D.I.D's X-Ring chain is designed for high performance motorcycles and Quads. Their patented X-Ring construction creates a chain that is both low in friction and high in wear resistance. Split (ZJ) link provides the same durability and resistance to fatigue as exhibited by regular riveted links of chain.

How do X ring chains work?

With an X-ring chain, the sealing ring's profile resembles an “X”” The X-ring is more readily compressed between the plates, and its shape provides four sealing surfaces around each link pin (instead of two), but with less total surface area, resulting in less drag.

How long do X ring chains last?

If maintained regularly a decent quality motorcycle chain should give you 15,000 to 20,000 miles (24,000 – 32,000 km) of hassle free riding while high end Gold X or O-ring chains will last 20,000 to 30,000 miles (32,000 – 48,000 km).