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Motorcycles are either shaft-driven or chain-driven. A chain-driven motorcycle uses a chain and sprocket mechanism to transfer power. If you ride a motorcycle, you want to use the best motorcycle chain on the market for both performance and safety. This buying guide can help you to make an informed decision about the best motorcycle chains.
DID X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
A long-lasting chain with features that make for a smoother, faster ride, such as the X-ring with less friction.
Unibear 530 Gold Motorcycle O-Ring Chain
This is a high-quality chain designed to reduce friction and give you great, long-term performance.
Renthal C241 R1 Works 420-Pitch 120-Links Chain
This is a reliable chain built to withstand wear and tear and corrosion. It is ideal for the rigors of off-road use.
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
An O-ring motorcycle chain features O-rings between the inner roller covers and outer link covers of every chain link. It is a common feature in off-road motorcycles as it keeps the chain dirt free. O-rings ensure that factory-applied lube stays in the pins and between the plates. The chain remains lubricated, and grit, dirt, and other contaminants do not get into the links.
X-ring motorcycle chains are more efficient than O-ring ones, which is why they are perfect for the charged environment of a racetrack. They provide less drag and give your motorbike more mileage. One of the benefits an X-ring chain has over the O-ring chain is that it is a better utilizer of lubrication. This feature makes it easy to maintain and ideal for newer motorcycles.
You’ll find non-sealed motorcycle chains on most vintage motorcycles. There are not too many on the market even though they are cheaper than O-ring and X-ring chains. Their one major shortcoming is that they are not easy to maintain. You will spend a lot of money on maintenance costs every year.
Motocross enthusiasts are familiar with DID motorcycle chains. DID is a U.S.-based company that has created a niche market for motocross bike chains. It has a very strong presence in the United States and Europe where it supplies gold motorcycle chains meant to withstand high-octane action. One of the company’s top performers is the DID Gold Chain with Connecting Link.
Japan-based RK’s industrial endeavors started back in 1932 when it was known as Takasago Tekko K.K. However, it wasn’t until 1953 that the company went into RK motorcycle chain production. Since then, RK Japan has partnered with racing brands such as Honda and Yamaha. Its U.S. office, RK Excel America, oversees the sale and distribution of one of its best-sellers, the RK Racing Chain Gold X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link.
Renthal Limited was founded in 1969 by engineering and motorcycle enthusiasts. It is headquartered in Bredbury, England. Its motorcycle accessories are used in bikes such as Kawasaki and Suzuki. The Renthal Z-Ring 520-Pitch 120-Links Chain is among the company’s top-selling motorcycle racing chains due to its patented Z-ring design.
One of the most important factors you need to consider is the size of your motorcycle chain. Size is measured in pitches, which is the distance between rollers in the chain. In a sprocket, it's the distance between points. Matching the chain and sprocket pitch size gives your bike optimal speed and efficiency.
The best 520 chains can turn a bike from ordinary to powerful. But the best 530 motorcycle chains can handle engine displacements of 1000cc and are an excellent choice for speedsters. However, due to its versatility, the 520 chain and sprocket kit works for most motorcycles.
The tensile strength of a chain tells you how much weight your bike can carry. The strongest motorcycle chains can carry loads as heavy as 8,000 pounds. Some chains come pre-stretched for better efficiency.
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If you use the DID X-Ring chain, you can rest assured that you’re getting a highly adaptable chain. With the right sprocket, the X-ring design will reduce your expenditure on lubrication. If all you want is a noise-free ride, this is a great pick. The X-ring also minimizes drag and speed issues and has a tensile strength of 9,220 pounds.
One of the biggest advantages of this chain is that it evenly self-distributes lubrication. This ensures your bike covers more miles, depending on where you ride. Even if you’re an avid off-road rider, it will still offer 36 times more durability than a run-of-the-mill chain. It has high rigidity, tensile strength, and engine displacement (750cc).
If you aren’t an aggressive rider and would like a simple, affordable, but practical chain for your bike, then the Unibear 530 might be your best bet. It’s a 130-link chain system that comes with a connecting master link for easy installation. The chain is made from heat-treated and pre-stretched alloy steel for good wear resistance.
The chain has an elegant gold finish that reflects light as it sits on the sprockets to give your motorbike more visual appeal. It also comes pre-greased so you can install it straight out of the box without adding a lubricant. Apart from that, it has a tensile strength of 9,400 pounds.
However, this may be an unnecessary addition if you are looking for a stronger chain to help you win some races. This is because it can snap easily if you frequently ride too fast. It’s better to only have it as a spare chain for emergencies. Another downside is that it’s a bit heavier than other O-ring chains.
The Renthal C241 R1 Works 420-Pitch 120-Links Chain is a high-strength chain designed for off-road use. It is very strong, has a lot of low-end torque, and provides exceptional impact-load resistance. It handles extremely well in high-stress situations. It withstands activities such as hare scrambles, enduro riding, and trials without much stretching. The chain is lightweight and designed to provide optimal power transfer.
Features include shot-peened alloy steel side plates, chamfered inner links, extended bushings, chromised bearings, and gold side plates. These elements combined reduce chain derailment and friction, maximize power output, provide wear resistance, and prevent corrosion. Users report that the chain is good quality, looks sharp, and holds up well over time.
However, a standard master link may not fit this chain.You may need an extra master link because other brands are not as thick and are unlikely to work with this chain. Also, it will stretch out after a while.
This chain is for the rider looking for two things: a great price and high value. The O-ring design makes it an excellent choice for off-road bikes. It keeps away those fine bits of dirt and contaminants your bike is likely to pick up as it moves around. It also comes pre-stretched and pre-stressed for more durability and high performance.
The chain can carry up to 7,000 pounds per foot and comes with a clip-type master link that you can easily replace since it’s a 520 chain. Despite its design, it’s one of the best sportbike chains. It is built with a focus on durability and has heat-treated, hi-carbon steel parts.
The Pro Taper is a 120-link X-ring chain system that’s designed for 125 to 530 cc applications. It’s made from high-strength chromoly steel alloy, which is lightweight but can take a beating from off-road riding. The chain is gold-coated for an elegant look and to maintain a reflective shine even as you go through dirt trails.
The chain has a tensile strength of 8,800 pounds and has been tested against the effects of aggressive riding, harsh weather, and extreme temperatures. It’s suitable for off-road or street use on any 4-stroke motorbike or ATV.
However, it’s not one of the most durable options and there’s a good chance that it will stretch out with time. Another issue you may face when installing it is that you have to slightly adjust its size for a snug fit and maximum performance
The JT Sprockets is another great option if you are looking for a heavy-duty X-ring drive chain. It’s a 120-link system made from high-grade steel alloy, which surprisingly weighs less than 3 pounds and experiences less friction in comparison to standard O-ring chains. It is further reinforced with quad-riveted pins that resist lateral forces on the router plate, which can break the chain.
It’s designed to offer reliable performance during on- and off-road riding, and would be a great addition for anyone with an enduro, dirt bike, sportbike, or any dual sportbike. It can also accommodate different riding styles.
The major letdown we noted about this model is with its connecting link. It comes with a poor quality, clip-style master link, which may come broken or may break as you try to attach it. Consider having an alternative link mechanism on hand in case that happens.
The Niche 530 X-Ring Chain is designed and tested to offer better performance than your OEM chain, and to hold up under extreme conditions. It’s a 120-link system that’s made from hardened steel components with quad-riveted pins so that it can handle rotating at fast speeds with minimal friction. Supposedly, it experiences 50 percent less friction and has twice the lifespan of conventional O-rings.
You will appreciate that you can reduce the size of the chain to fit your bike with the help of the clip and connecting master link provided. Also, it will remain in good condition as long as it's properly aligned and lubricated after every 350 miles. Lastly, it's compatible with most Kawasaki, Honda, and Suzuki motorbikes.
Unfortunately, the drive chain doesn’t come pre-greased but the manufacturer provides a tube of 0.4-ounce lubricating oil with the package. However, the oil isn’t quite viscous and may come leaking or you may end up wasting it if poorly handled.
This EK Chain is an X-ring chain that combines a 3D design and a gold finish for prolonged elegance and reflective shine. It also improves its resistance to corrosion. It also has a slim design consisting of 120 links with inner plates and pins with lightening holes to reduce the overall weight of the chain.
The chain is designed to reduce friction and promote the natural flow of your wheels for enhanced transmission efficiency, and to improve your riding experience. It has a tensile strength of 9,000 pounds and comes with a non-removable, rivet-style master link.
However, this chain is on the expensive side. Also, upon receiving the package, you may notice that the finish is more brass-colored than gold, so this can be disappointing to some people.
A: 520 pitch and sprocket combinations can only be replaced with other 520 pitch combinations. A 530 pitch used in place of a 520 chain can cause mechanical issues and accidents.
A: The lifespan of a motorcycle chain depends on the user, weather conditions, and its quality. A high-quality motorcycle chain can give you months of service if you don't subject it to high impacts.
A: Mechanical mishaps can spell doom if you aren’t attentive to your motorcycle’s needs. Whenever you notice a drop in performance, consider looking at the state of your chain. The sprocket might have eaten away at your chain’s link, so regular maintenance is key.
A: Slack is the degree at which your motorcycle chain hangs. It is normal for slack to increase, especially after substantial mileage. Retightening your chain ensures it is tight enough to transmit full power.
If you are looking for a reliable motorcycle chain designed for high-impact action, we recommend the DID X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link for its durability.
For a more pocket-friendly option, consider the Unibear 530 Gold Motorcycle O-Ring Chain.
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