So I replaced my chain and sprockets last weekend and was amazed at how much crap was inside the sprocket cover.

Seems like it's fairly common from what I've read, but has anyone found broken chain o-rings inside theirs??   That can't be good.

It is the original chain on a 93 GS w/ 11k miles.  I knew the chain wasn't in great condition, but I didn't realize it was that bad!  Looks like the previous owner(s) didn't do any maintenance to the chain at all.

There were quite a few broken o-rings that were mixed in with the gunk.  How long do you think i would have lasted before having a firey crash due to a failed chain?

Also where does all that crap come from?

Surprisingly you could probably ride that chain till it wears out. Hell roller chains go entirely without o-rings. Only thing is, it will wear out faster in the links without o-rings so I'd just keep an eye out for kinking in the chain where the o-rings are missing, keep it lubed and when it does replace the chain and probably the front sprocket too. That gunk is from chain lube flinging off, if you have broken rings it's most likely due to the bike sitting for long periods of time. In situations where I store bikes with o-ring chains I make sure to clean and generously lube the chain with gear oil before putting it away. Make sure to get all around the chain, keeps them rings nice and fresh and ready to ride next time.

Someone else here had o-rings in the gunk, and I had a TON of gunk, it was disgusting, but my chain was disgusting, it looked like the PO lubed it with the kind of axle grease you get off Caterpillar tractors and such.