nothing wrong with them, IMHO, just marketing hype, by the makers, my chain is different than yours therefore better, personally I think a plain o-ring will do it's job (hold the permenent grease) better but the x-ring may have less friction

 

The stated reason that an X is better is that the profile of seals has 2 points of contact rather than the one with a "plain" o-ring chain, therefore more able to hold in grease & keep out muck.

 

I think part of the theory behind going to an "X" shaped seal is that anything that is trying to force its way past the seal actually causes it to seal better because the "X" just tries to open and applies more force to the sealing edges.

The drawing is simplified but it conveys the concept. Apply the blue force from "out" to "in" and the resultant red forces help seal. Not so on a simple "O" ring seal.

 

If you can notice the difference in friction between an X and O ring chain, you're a motorcycle god! Given daily street riding scenarios, if you abuse your chain, both will wear out equally fast. If you take proper care of your chains, both will last just as long as the other. Proper maintenance does more for chain life than any type of seal can. Many poeple have tens of thousands of miles on well maintained stock O-Ring chains.

As for stretching, it's more the rollers and sprockets wearing, causing slop, which then causes perceived "stretching". You're not going to get around that with any kind of chain of the same metal composition.

Probably the most overlooked factor of chains are the load ratings. Get one that matches or exceeds the power output of your bike. Snapped chains while in motion are NOT fun.

Of course, if you're after some bling, they make some nice blue, green, gold, etc.. colored X-Rings for a nice little premium!

Cheers!

 

Good illustration Heavy...

I have an x-ring on my Wee at the moment. It has about 21,000km on it. I cant notice any difference between wear rate, adjustment intervals between it and the o-ring chains I have used in the past.

Cheers!

 

Jeff, I have a 530 X-ring DID on my Buffalo and have about 9000 miles on it, I may have adjusted it 3 times, not much even then. I think it will last as long as I ride the bike.