SO what are everyone's opinions on O-ring/X-ring vs. non o-ring chains. The Regina chain I ordered for my bike turned out to be a non o-ring. I guess I didn't look lcoasely enough in the catalog and assumed that all dirt bikes would use a o-ring chain.

Advantages (that I can see):

1) It's cheaper
2) It's lighter
3) A little easier to work with
4) lower friction when clean and lubricated

Disadvantages:

1) allows dirt and water into the rollers
2) Must be lubricated more often with proper lube, cannot just use motor oil. (who does that anyway?)
3) shorter life? (I had one mechanic claim there's little difference because all chains ususally fail due to stretch than roller wear)
4) more maintenance

Any opinions anyone? Will my chain only last less than 5000 miles? On my sportbikes, I typically got around 10,000 miles on an X-ring chain

 

I have being riding enduros for almost 20 yrs. O-ring chains last much longer than non O-ring ones. I have gotten over a year out of o-rings all off road in very bad conditions. I only have to adjust it once or twice after break in (they do stretch some at first). I have seen non O-ring chains need to be adjusted 2-3 times a ride!! On road life for both will be much better, but an O-ring chain might still outlast 2-3 regular chains.