Ask the Editors: Are Gold Chains Worth Their Weight in Gold?
The chain King Midis would run.
That’s a really good question – the answer is one of durability. The gold coloration that these chains boast (and what gives them their name) is the result of the links being coated in titanium nitride. As you might expect, unlike real gold, this is an extremely hard material; designed to both improve durability of the chain as a whole as well as reduce need for lubrication.
Do you absolutely need a gold series chain for your ATV? Of course not. A properly cared for and lubricated chain can last for years, even decades. If, on the other hand, you ride in conditions that are particularly hard on exposed moving parts (like sand) or are the type to ride your quad and “put it away wet” as it were – the additional expense is just some assurance of longevity.
OEMs like Honda put a gold series chain on their machines from the factory not to make additional money off you (after all, the choice to stick with such a chain when it comes time to replace is entirely yours) but to make sure your original chain lasts as long as possible. And if this is the first chain you’ve needed for your 2009 model, it sounds like they’re onto something.
