O-ring or no O-ring Chain
 

I believe the drive chain on the GZ is of the O-ring type. Can one use the non O-ring type or not? What difference does it make? Thanks for any info.

You can use a non-O-ring chain but you may not be happy with the results. O-ring and X-ring chains have sealed in lube and require much less TLC overall. Less internal wear and chain adjusting make the added cost justifiable over time.
O-Ring chains have one seal while X-Ring chains have two seals to provide even more longevity to the life of the chain.

Most OEM chains are O-ring to the best of my knowledge and seem to be an industry standard.

Now that my interest has been peaked, why are you asking? Are you thinking of using a non-O-ring chain or just wondering about the use of an older design of chain?

I have been contemplating changing out my chain. I have over 15,000 miles on it and chain adjustments have become more frequent. I can't really see any wear and tear on my sprockets and the alignment notch is still in mid range of the markers. It seems to run pretty quiet too. I have always used a dry teflon lubricant and it looks almost new. I ride in a pretty clean and dry environment here in Vegas. Any thoughts?

So your final drive has 15k miles and your thinking of just changing the chain itself??
If you do this then it's best to go ahead and get a CHEAPO chain Cuz that's a waste imho.
However if your doin chain and both sprockets then by all means if you can afford it do a x or o ring chain.

Oh... and yeah. No ring chains wear out way faster.

So I have read. When I am ready to change sprockets, I will go with an O or X ring chain. I don't need to be cleaning and oiling the chain any more than necessary and I would be doing that a lot more with the cheapo. Thanks for the advice guys.

Yah know.
The tone of my response may be a bit.. Off.
After spending so much time fighting an engine build that didn't want to happen my R&R decided to
blow up again leaving me a dead battery at work today.
So I guess I'm saying sorry if I worded poorly. 8~/
Meh

No offense taken spldart. I am not that thin-skinned. Sorry about your ride. You have been through some really bad luck with it and deserve to be frustrated. As always, good luck with getting it up and running again.

Thanks.
Since this a third R&R I already have a quick fix.
Lawn and garden tractor battery strapped to the back seat parallel to bike battery.
I ride around during the day then charge at night.
At least till new filters and r&r come in.

Sounds like some one should send you a Ride Bell to scare away the gremlins.

LMAO!
I think it was you that told me what this bell hanging off the bottom of my bike was a couple years ago when this thing was new to me.
I had never heard of one before one of you guys told me!
Previous owner hung it there.
By the by...
Had to clean it real good as it was coated with dirty motor oil and road grime after the blown head gasket. ;)

Hrm... who was it that educated me to the bell story???