Motorcycle Chains Explained

Ever wondered what size drive chain your motorcycle needs?

motorcycle chain

What way do motorcycle chain sizes work?

Generally sizes are described as 'pitch by length'.

For example 520-118 - this has a pitch of 520 and is 118 links long.

What does 'pitch' mean in relation to a drive chain?

It's actually the distance between the chain pins.

motorcycle chain pitch

How many different motorcycle chain pitches are there?

Loads, but commonly used there are the following:

  • 420
  • 428
  • 520
  • 525
  • 530

What are the measurements of all of the different motorcycle chain sizes?

Chain Pitch Width Roller Diameter
415 12.70mm 4.88mm 7.75mm
420 12.70mm 6.35mm 7.75mm
428 12.70mm 7.75mm 8.51mm
520 15.88mm 6.35mm 10.16mm
525 15.88mm 7.85mm 10.16mm
530 15.88mm 9.53mm 10.16mm
532 15.88mm 9.53mm 11.10mm
630 19.05mm 9.53mm 11.91mm
632 19.05mm 9.66mm 12.68mm

How do I know what size my chain is?

Well, unless you want to go measuring it you just need to look on the side of some of the links.

Most motorcycle chain brands stamp the size here.

size of your motorcycle chain

What's the difference with standard, heavy, o-ring and x-ring?

Standard is a regular chain. We normally only sell these for smaller road bikes. For example GN125, Varadero 125s, CB250 etc

Heavy Duty is the most popular for mid sized bikes on the road. Also most MX bikes can run a HD chain.

O-ring is what almost every road bike over 400cc takes. It's also used on some MX bikes, especially for enduro use. They retain lube better than HD chains.

X-ring is like a better o-ring. An x-ring chain can retain grease for longer due to the shape of the rubber rings. (If you took a cross section of one it is an 'X').

Why are o-ring (and X) rings chains better than heavy duty ones?

The o-rings keep the lubricant contained which reduces wear on the chain - therefore your chain lasts way longer!

X-rings are one step better again at retaining lubricant.

What direction should I fit my split link?

A split link should be installed with the closed end facing the direction of travel.

The reason for this is so that if it hits a branch or stone that the link isn't popped off the chain.

motorcycle split link

How often should I lube my motorcycle chain?

For road bikes I'd suggest every 300-500 miles.

For off-road/motocross bikes it's much more regular as the conditions will strip the chains dry. I'd suggest on every ride and certainly after every power wash.

With any bike you want to ideally apply chain lube and don't ride the bike for 30 minutes or more. This will give it time to dry in.

Can I use WD40 on my motorcycle chain?

The short answer is NO.

WD40 is good if you want to clean chain lube and dirt off you chain.

It's terrible if you want to lube it. It's so thin that it will fling straight off. If you're on a road bike it'll fling straight all over your clothes and your back tyre.

Use proper chain lube. It comes out of the can thin, penetrates the chain and thickens out as it dries on.

How do I know if I need to change my chain?

If you're out of adjustment is a general rule that you need to change your chain.

Also if you can pull your chain off the rear sprocket and there's a gap it's time to change.

motorcycle chain worn out

If you're changing the chain you almost always need to change your sprockets at the same time - they wear together.

Fitting a good chain onto old sprockets is asking for trouble.

If you have any questions or need to order a chain for your bike just contact us.