i aggree the chain guide could stop derailment ..preventing derailment could prvent snapping ,,i have one fitted but mostly for ruts and mud

ive had a bad chain on my xt ...mostly caused by a very quick wearing front sprocket in maroc ..

bad cush drive is not going to help a vunerable chain either .. ..so keep an eye on that

for what its worth ive found ek mvxz chain to be very robust ..but keep an eye on that front sprocket

just wonderiong how it looked irish ..the front sprocket i mean ...
we live we learn

Hmm thinking of adding a chain guide.. I have still a fresh memory of the only time i have snapped a chain
http://majland.org/blog/wp-content/u...varivalby1.jpg

The chain was only 4000km old and it broke by where it was put together with the clips. More pictures on: http://majland.org/blog/?p=220

I've only ridden endless chains since then. What does it take to fit and endless chain to a xt660z ? On my xtz750 it involves drining the oil and taking of the rear suspension arm ...

i really dont think you need to go to that extream ...just use a rivet link with the correct nm ,,,its surprisingly low to rivet a chain ..overdoing it causes tight spot s

Chains with hollow pins like DID are very easy to rivet with the right tool. But for peace of mind an endless one might be just a bit better... And you have to grease the rear swingarm once in a while anyway :)

The DID rivet links I've used only allow the pressed-on plate to go so far. So you can't really overdo the tension. Also, rough though you might think it is, I've always used a pair of uneven weight hammers to rivet the link. No problems after many years and km. Imo a good chain isn't too fussy as long as it isn't run too tight. That's when they tend to break, or pop the clip if one is fitted. A worn clip is also a bit risky!

In my experience: Yes. Very much so.

Easily doubles the life of a chain and reduces adjustments because the Scottoiler oils it AND keeps it clean.

I took my ratty old Triumph Tiger to Istanbul by way of Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia (wrong turning), Romania (Transfagaran), Bulgaria, Turkey, Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy (Stella Alpina), France - total of 5000 miles in a fortnight.

Didn't need to adjust the chain once - in fact a thousand miles later I still hadn't. The chain was adjusted when I replaced the rear tyre, not because it needed it.