Sealed Chain Types

A chain seal helps maintain lubrication as well restrict dirt from entering between the chains inner and outer plates.

There are many chain manufacturers in the motorcycle industry but most (including some Japanese manufacturers) only offer a single type of sealing ring, using a “one type fits all approach” which is used on all their drive chains. This can be inefficient depending on the intended use. Different types of seals for different applications maximises efficiency and performance

Both CZ Chains and RK Chains offer different types of chain seals.

Minimum 3 times longer chain life than Non-sealed Chain
Does not elongate until the end, does not cause pitch error during operation
Efficient Power Transmission = Minimum Loss of Horse Power
Able to prevent debris from entering the chain = Maintain performance in muddy or rough road conditions

NS - Non-sealed
O - Standard O-Ring seal
RX / Active (X-Ring) - Double barrier, Better Chain Life
XW (Preimum X-Ring) - Triple Barrier, Best Chain Life
U - Ultra Thin (0.8mm), Lightest Chain Weight
UW - Triple Barrier, Improved Chain Life Over "U"

The graph shows how each seal type across the RK range differs in terms of elongation over time

The first and standard type of chain seal
Simple and robust design
Cheaper than X-Ring designs
Used in GSV chains

Improved seal technology over O-ring seal
RX ring Developed in 1978
RX-ring 'X' shaped seal has 2 times stronger ware life than O-ring chains
RX-ring has one lubrication pool and 2 contact lips, improving the chain life and lowering friction
Used in XSO chains