Wrong, wrong, and wrong. Ask anyone in the know, like the guy at your nearest parts counter, RK chain isn't the same RK now, different people, different poor quality. Tsubaki is a sleeper chain, not many seem to know about or use them. Tsubaki is the only chain company all manufacturers trust to make the timing chains in all their 4 strokes, because they only trust Tsubaki not to break or snap. Most 530 chains go up to low 9000 tensile strength, the Tsubaki sigma is well over 10000. You want a little overkill as far as a strong chain, for less adjustments and something that can easily handle 150 or more HP. Go Tsubaki Sigma, keep the o-rings moist with lube and thank me later.

 

Your 1st mistake is listening to the guy at the parts counter!! 2nd Rk gxw 520 is rite around 9000 ten str. Very close to your 530 o-rings. 520's can very easily handle a lower powered liter bike like the 929 as well as all the new liter bikes! Mind u for a newer higher powered monster i would choose EK ZZZ 520 which is 11000 ten str. A bit more than ur sigma! Ive been using rk's for about 8 yrs now and have had nothing but success. 520 chains have come a long way over the last few yrs there strentgh is there! Again properly maintain any1 of the pitch chains we r discussing and you will get long life from them

 

Nothing wrong with RK chains. My 530XSO gold has almost 15,000 miles on it and it's still in great shape.
I clean the chain with WD40. That's it. Spray, wipe, and repeat till it's clean. Some peeps like to cover their chains in whatever, but I don't. O/X-ring chains are sealed. People like to argue with me over this, but I also know a few who agree with me. It's a personal choice.

I like the RK X-ring because they've been good to me, they're reasonably priced, and the gold ones hold up much better to surface rust.
You can argue all day about Regina vs. RK vs. DID vs. Tsubaki vs. EK etc.
IMO, they're all good chains. Get what's made for your bike and keep it clean and adjusted. I don't really trust buying no-name chains, though.

Btw... to the OP.... X-ring chains are designed for less friction and to hold the lube in/dirt out better.
Here's a cutaway.... the orange stuff is lube.

 

Sorry but I needed to clarify a few things based on your comments above.



This is strictly for your information and we encourage you to purchase whatever brand you are most comfortable with.

RK Chain has been manufactured in Saitama, Japan for over 50 years. The same people and employees are manufacturing the same high quality product that they have been for decades or more. If you review any reputable market share survey for drive chain in the USA, RK chain is and has been in the top three percentages for years. DID and RK make up over 70% of all roller chain sold in the USA. This is not to say that other brands do not offer a quality chain, it is simply a market share comparison.

There is no such thing as a drive chain that does not break. Any company that tells you that is not being truthful. Any chain regardless of brand can break under certain conditions. RK has some of the best technology on the market today for motorcycle drive chains. We encourage you to compare all brands and to contact us should you have any questions or problems regarding our products.

Happy travels and ride safe!

Kipp McGowan
Sales Manager
RK Excel America Inc
760-732-3161

 

Thanks for your input. I've run a lot of chains and RK were among the best. The RK 520 I ran on an '04 CBR 1000RR lasted longer than I did ... I just could not take the sucky mileage and buzziness of -1 +2 Ran it around 10K miles with no significant stretch after initial. After which it ended up on a co-workers 4 wheeler.

 

Nice to see you on here Kipp. Welcome to the CBRForum. Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.

Always good to have a factory representative to clear up any misconceptions.

Now, how about our CBRForum Member discount?

 

Oyvey, I guess that puts me in my place, I sure got told. Thanks for posting and clearing up any misconceptions. I guess concerning your nearest parts guy and everyone else, not everyone knows exactly what the're talking about, and rumors are just that.... rumors. Thanks again for setting things straight.

 

I say damn...big ups to Kipp man for coming in and putting some good info to the thread as far as chains go. A riding homie of mine has an Rk Xring chain with the extended swingarm like mine, now I don't know if Ek an Rk are the same manufacturers but the boxes look very similar...but anyway my homie has never had to stretch his chain an keeps it greased. To me the x-ring chain jus looks like a better built chain as if there was more work to go into it! I think imma go with the Ek xring like he has...I just think that will do best for my bike! Aye an Kipp, I don't know if you'll read anymore of this thread but check my bike out on my page an tell me what you think an maybe you guys cans sponsor me an ill run your chain on my bike....jus a thought that could happen cause its a rare bike and I get a lot of attention while riding! Lol Thanks everybody for all the input, very much appreciated!!! Keep it comin!!!