On the Ducati 450 I'm running 428 (½" x 5/16") chain, the standard is ?" x ?" (530), from the "The-Chain-Man". Link to website:
"The-Chain-Man"It is an IWIS chain from Germany and I am running it with a cranked link (odd number of links required, due to gearing chosen by me) and a split link, with the spring clip wired in place. I have also used a 428 "Motocross" chain, no 'O'rings, without problem.
So far the chain has over 5,000 miles on it and along with sprockets that have done 9,000 miles in two and half years and all is running well. However, after 5,000 to 6,000 miles of single cylinder torture, I shall probably renew it, just for my heads sake!
IMHO a CGT (RE Continental GT?) is probably not putting out more grunt than my Duke and whilst the Ducati dosen't have room in the cases to fit 'O'ring chains, I think that 'O'ring chains are a bit of overkill for the engine power/annual mileages that you quote. Every time the Ducati engine oil is changed, bearing in mind that Ducati oil filters are only a nylon guauze, at 1,500 miles, the chain gets whipped off, rinsed in paraffin, then brake cleaner, hung up to dry, then dumped in a tub of EP80/chainsaw chain oil 50:50, allowed to soak and then hung up to drip dry, wiped over to remove excess oil and then re-fitted. Using a bit of copper wire to thread it back over the engine sprocket and toward the rear sprocket. Fortunately on the Ducati the gearchange mechanism that is contained within a separate case, outboard of the engine sprocket, comes away with the removal of 6 allen screws, leaving the sprocket exposed for maintanence or replacement when required.
Both the Honda Bross 400 (33BHP) and the SRX's 600 (40-45BHP) run 'O'ring chains and get 10,000 to 12,000 miles from them before being reduced to "knackered"! They just get wiped down to clean them after 2,000 miles and then the EP80/chainsaw chain oil 50:50 mix applied by dunking, then hanging up to drain. The problem with 520 or 525 'O'ring chains is the shear weight of them and if dry, the ability to absorb power, create heat, noise and wear on sprockets. I have used both spring links and rivetted links on the 'O'ring chains and the wired spring links have given no problem, so far.
The "top up" chain lubricant of choice that I use is "Bulldog BDX" from NI. Link:
"Bulldog BDX"As for tyres! If they are more than 5 years old, or have less than 2mm of tread, across the central third of the tread, I consign them to the re-cycling yard. My Council, re-cycle private tyre disposals, at no cost. I don't wish to add another potential risk to my neck by using rock hard, perished or polished rubber. OME rubber as a selling point on old/classic/vintage/veteran machines is just Baldock IMHO!
Just puts up my insurance premium!
