The Hodaka Club Forum

Hi Linc, In some ways, the advantages of the o-ring chain are more substantially beneficial in the dirt where the likelihood of encountering chain-destroying fine grit, dirt, and sand is a guarantee. Some folks are concerned that the heavier construction of the o-ring chain may negatively impact putting power to the ground. I've not noticed any deal-breaking power reduction.

Matt-
Good stuff! I'd like to include a piece on this info in the next Resonator Revisited, hopefully with some pix to help folks understand . Could you please contact me off-line, so we can discuss?
Bob Whitman
[email protected] 541-954-0101

I sure can, Bob. I'm pretty jammed up this weekend, but should be able to get in touch early next week.

I have never used one yet, so I can't definitely say, but I have been told there is a difference in width between different brands of o-ring chains. I don't know if each brand has stats listed on their web sites, but might be worth a check. On older bikes, I would try to find the narrowest one with a good rating.

FYI, looking at DID chain specs, their 428 chains have the following pin lengths (width):

428D (standard) - 14.75mm
428HD (heavy duty) - 18.9MM
428VX (x-ring) - 20.65mm

Brian

Hodakaparts.com wrote:Hello, if the counter shaft sprocket is flat both sides its a 420 chain type, and if its dished a little on one side its the 428 type.

I thought the same thing, but looking through my stash of sprockets I found several dished 420 sprockets. I thought that maybe Hodaka dished the sprockets to keep the chain run straight when they added cush drive to the Ace and Rat rear hubs, but this is not born out in the parts diagrams.

Brian

Brian, Sprockets are an area, that with all the different Manf. out there of sprockets over the years, let alone Hodaka, it is hard to follow sprocket spec,s and designs, versus ID without, as you pointed out measure and compare to things like your chart. I might also point out to Bill that the Hodaka Resonator, may try and get a hold of a current Chain manf., and ask them to make a presentation of std and O,ring chain comparison. Ask the experts what is best for what conditions. We out in the user world have lots of opinions, of what might be best for what conditions, but getting the word from the horses mouth, might be best. Also at the same time, ask what lubricants and cleaning methods should be done on chains, each type of chain use,s different methods.

Chains. There isn`t a 100cc Bike on Planet Earth that needs anything larger than a 420 Chain. Just my opinion. The wider the chain, the more drag. More links, more drag. Every O ring causes drag. That is what is known as a (Parasitic loss). A Parasite. We all have Family so you should all know what a Parasite is. O Ring Chains serve a purpose, but try going from a Standard 420 Chain to a 428 O Ring Chain and the power loss will sicken you. The 428 chain will last longer than the 420 Chain will because of the wider pins BUT you will loose power. On a 100 cc Bike anything you can do to find more power is huge. A 428 Chain will rob power. I sure wish that I could find a Chain that was as long lived as the one that came on my Super Rat when it was new. Just a DID Standard 420. Joe.

Decided to stay with the .420 chain & bought a .420 countershaft sprocket. Was the easiest solution! Just pinched the crap out of my finger shortening the chain!!! OUCH!!! Victor

Broken engine left hand cases, shift cases, the stud below the sprocket , or the damage to the foot change inside cover. We have seen this many many times. 428 chain stopped this for me along with using my quick alignment tension and hold modification for the axle. Races are not won with a broken chain. ---------------Clarence