Chain type for a Honda CB350

[kempbartlett]

I recently purchased a 1973 Honda CB350 and have just purchased 16 teeth front sprocket and 36 teeth rear sprockets and am now in the market for a new chain. However this has turned out to be more difficult then i had expected. Through some research i have seen some members here and on other forums complain about how "o-ring chains" do not fit on the 1971 CL 350 because of clearance issues. So question number one is, is this a problem for all CB's/CL's or just the '71 CL? After reading that i got a little spooked and stared looking for OE spec chains for a CB350 and was able to find one for super cheap on DimeCityCycles steel on steel (original) for like $30 or something. At first this sounded great and seemed like the obvious choice. Upon telling one of my other four buddies building bikes this summer i was told that buying that chain was a terrible idea and i should really only be getting a D.I.D x ring chain ( think that's what it's called) which cost $143... obviously a LOT more than $30. So question number two is , what makes a D.I.D "x ring" chain better than an O-ring chain or an OE spec steel on steel chain to make it worth the extra $100? thirdly if this clearance issue with the o-ring chains is an issue for all CL's/CB's will the D.I.D x ring chain have clearance issues? As far as i have been able to find out 530 is the correct standard chain width and 96 links for the standard 16F 36R sprocket set up, is that correct? I gave a call to Sprocketspecialist and they said they had a chain that would work for me , but i have delayed calling them back til i determined really what chain i need! Thanks for all the help and sorry its a loaded question!

Kemp

 

[Sonreir]

Stay away from O-Ring, X-Ring, etc.

These guys do quality chains that are also reasonably priced:
http://montecdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MD&Category_Code=530SSS

 

[kempbartlett]

Thanks for the link! I full on trust you seeing as your the moderator here ha, but do you think you could tell me why to stay away from them? Trying to also gain some knowledge ( since imma need to inform my other building buds). What are their drawbacks? Any idea why my buddy who has been riding dirt bikes for like 16 years would be so admit about them? thanks again

Kemp

 

[HerrDeacon]

The problem with the x-ring and 0-ring chains on these old CB's is that they are too wide and cause clearance issues around where the front sprocket is. The chain is too big and it starts to rub on things it shouldn't (can't remember off hand what it rubs on the 350) and can/will cause problems. Its nothing against x-ring and o-ring themselves, they are great chains and probably should be used if you can since they last longer and are easier to maintain, but unfortunately not on the 350.

 

[Sonreir]

It's the clutch actuator, and that part is no longer available.

 

[jdavidakins]

From what I have read the major difference is how they hold lubrication. So you dirt biking friend may love them because they keep the dirt from wearing the chain. Me personally I don't have a preference but you pay for what you get.

 

[kempbartlett]

thanks allot guys, appreciate it!

kemp

 

[kempbartlett]

http://montecdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MD&Category_Code=530SSS
is without a doubt the worst company ive ever been i contact with. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EVERYONE STAY CLEAR AWAY FROM THEM. It took them well over 2 weeks to just process my order. They never sent me any sort of confirmation email. They have no shipping tracking, and when i asked to talk to someone higher up, i was brushed off. Did i mention i had to send atleast 2 emails for each reply i received. Sonreir i have no clue why you recommended them to me because they were the definition of horrible customer service. I canceled my order after 15 days of waiting for just processing. Thanks for the advice, but im going back to DCC who will process and ship my order to my door in under a week.

kemp