choosing a new drive chain

thanks for the reply to my earlier post! now that i'm looking to replace the drive chain for my kz550 ltd, i'm trying to choose the right one to buy. i don't have $300 to buy the OEM chain and was concerned about cheaper chains on the market. in the kawasaki manual it says they use an endless type chain for strength. i am finding o ring chains with a master link that fall within my price range. would a chain with a master link be safe to use and what type of tensil strength rating should I look for? also, if there is anything else I should consider when choosing a chain please let me know. Thanks!!

I've been running master link chains for over 20 years with no problem. I got my latest X ring chain and sprockets through Z1 Enterprises.

X-ring chains are great, but they are expensive. I have never been totaly sold on o-ring chains. If you clean and lube your chain per the maintenance schedule a non o-ring chain will serve you just as well. I have a friend that runs 530 chain on his CB650 and he buys size 50 industrial chain from the farm supply, 25ft roll for $50. It's DID chain. They say it doesn't have the tensile strength of motorcycle chain, but he has never broke one.

Welcome.

Missed your other post.
Not sure if changing your sprokets was mentioned as well when you buy a new chain.
New chain and sprokets are done at the same time.

I run RK O-ring chains on all my Z1's & KZ1000's and Ive never even had to adjust them.

I have o-ring type chains on both bikes. Got them from the good folks at Z1 Enterprises.
I agree you should replace both sprockets whenever you put a new chain on. As far as using a clip type master link, both my bikes have them. I have never seen or known anyone to have one break or come apart yet. Keep your chain clean and well lubricated. They last a good long time. As far as what your manual says about tensile strength of chains, take into account the manual is over 25 years old. The chains of today are far superior to the chains back when.....