A few months ago, I learned of a company that serves the
bicycle racing community by treating new chains so they have
less internal friction. This is done by removing the original
lubricant and running the chain under load to "wear off" any
microscopic rough spots (burnishing, perhaps?). The chain
is then re-lubricated and tested for how much power it takes
to run it at a certain speed and load. A significant improvement
results, as shown by the tests (before AND after treatment, one
may assume).
I don't know the name of the company, and please remember that
they serve the bicycle community, not (to my knowledge, anyway)
the motorcycle or automobile community. But since money talks,
maybe something could be arranged . . .