Best Motorcycle Chains: Put Your Power Down
Take good care of your motorcycle by getting it the best chain.
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Too much chain slack between your front and rear sprocket leaves horsepower on the table. Keeping on top of chain maintenance is one way to ensure this never happens. But nobody wants to adjust their chain after each ride. You want a chain that’ll handle your bike’s power with ease and won’t stretch out too quickly. Firstly, this means getting the best motorcycle chains with the appropriate tensile strength to handle your engine’s power output. And then you’ll need to make sure you get a reliable model that won’t corrode when it gets the first whiff of wintery weather. Generally, when it comes to chains, you get what you pay for. Spring for an X-ring model with a high pitch, so you can spend less time adjusting and more time riding.
DID 525VX3 X-Ring Chain
- Suitable for 1,000cc motorcycles
- X-Ring
- High tensile strength
- Pre-stretched
- Not the cheapest 525 chain
Unibear 530 Gold Motorcycle O-Ring Chain
- Fantastic value
- 10,000 lbs of tensile strength
- Comes pre-greased
- Gold finish
- O-ring rather than X-ring
EK Chain 530 Z 3D Chain
- Highest tensile strength
- Weight-reducing cutouts
- QX2-rings have great wear resistance
- Rivet-style master link
- High price point
Summary List
- Best Overall: D.I.D 525VX3 X-Ring Chain
- Best Value: Unibear 530 Gold Motorcycle O-Ring Chain
- Honorable Mention: EK Chain 530 Z 3D Chain
- Best for Motocross: Renthal R1 520 Works Chain
- Best 520: D.I.D 520VX3 X-Ring Chain
Best Motorcycle Chains: Reviews & Recommendations
D.I.D is arguably the biggest street bike chain manufacturer in the game, and the 525VX3 X-Ring is the best all-rounder from the brand. Since it’s an X-ring chain, it’ll cause less friction and last longer than its O-ring counterpart. This model has a high average tensile strength of 9,980 lbs, meaning riders on large-capacity machines won’t need to worry about excessive wear.
It weighs 4.09 pounds per 100 links, which is in line with the best 525 chains on the market. Some chains require a breaking-in period, as they stretch a lot during the first few hundred miles. Thankfully, this model is pre-stretched at the factory. A clip master link is included in the sale, but it would be nice if this was a rivet-style link. Although this model is priced higher than some other 525 chains, it's a known quantity and sure to last a while.
Specs
- Make: D.I.D
- Model: 525XV3
- Type: X-Ring
Pros
- Suitable for 1,000cc motorcycles
- X-Ring
- High tensile strength
- Pre-stretched
Cons
- Not the cheapest 525 chain
Anyone who wants the strength of a 530 chain but doesn't want to break the bank should get the Unibear 530 Gold Motorcycle O-Ring Chain. It’s a 130-link chain that comes with a connecting master link for easy installation, but unfortunately, it doesn't come in any other sizes. The chain is made from heat-treated and pre-stretched alloy steel for good wear resistance.
The chain has a gold finish, which is perfect for riders who want their bike to stand out. It comes pre-greased, so you can install it straight out of the box without adding a lubricant. This model has a tensile strength of 10,000 pounds, making it one of the strongest on this list. Unfortunately, it is an O-ring chain, so it will wear more easily and require more maintenance than its X-ring counterparts.
Specs
- Make: Unibear
- Model: 530 Gold
- Type: O-Ring
Pros
- Fantastic value
- 10,000 lbs of tensile strength
- Comes pre-greased
- Gold finish
Cons
- O-ring rather than X-ring
- Not as high quality as other 530 chains
This EK Chain is a QX2-ring chain that combines a 3D design and a gold finish to make it a stand-out model in the looks department. This model is available with 120 or 130 links and weighs 4.8 lbs per 100 links. Weight-reducing cutouts help to keep the weight down. It's an immensely strong chain, having a tensile strength of 11,200 pounds. So even the torquiest 1,400cc bikes won't give this model any trouble.
It uses the QX2-ring, which according to EK Chain, has 30% better wear resistance than the previous QX-ring. This model comes with a non-removable, rivet-style master link. This is the priciest chain on the list, but it's also the strongest and arguably the best looking, so it's worth every cent to anyone with a high-performance motorcycle.
Specs
- Make: EK Chain
- Model: 530 Z 3D Chain
- Type: X-Ring
Pros
- Highest tensile strength
- Weight-reducing cutouts
- QX2-rings have great wear resistance
- Rivet-style master link
Cons
- High price point
In the world of motocross Renthal is the biggest name, and the R1 520 Works is the brand's top motocross chain. This non-O-ring chain is specifically designed for racing and will work with 2-stroke bikes up to 250cc and 4-stroke models up to 450cc. It has an average tensile strength of 7,644 lbs, meaning that you can lay the power down without worrying about damage. Inspiring more confidence is the fact that this chain uses chamfered inner links to reduce the chance of chain derailment.
Chromised bearing pins resist wear, and extended bushings reduce friction and improve power transmission, which is exactly what you need when off-roading. Rehthal states that the gold-colored side plates also help to reduce corrosion. Included in the sale is a clip-type master link. This is one of the most premium motocross chains, so you can expect it to come with a premium price tag.
Specs
- Make: Renthal
- Model: R1 520 Works Chain
- Type: non-O-ring
Pros
- Suitable for highest capacity racing motocross bikes
- 7,644 lbs of tensile strength
- Chamfered inner links
- Chromised bearing pins
- extended bushings
Cons
- Premium price tag
The D.I.D 520VX3 X-ring chain is my go-to model for mid-capacity motorcycles. It features D.I.D’s patented X-rings to reduce friction and minimize power loss, meaning this chain can last up to twice as long as O-ring models. It has an average tensile strength of 8,210 lbs, meaning it won’t last very long on high-performance 1,000cc motorcycles, but is perfect for mid-capacity machines.
This model comes in various sizes ranging from 82 to 130 links and is available with gold or natural side plates. It weighs 3.35 lbs per 100 links, and there's a clip master link included in the sale. Although this model won’t last as long as thicker 525 or 530 variants, it’s the best 520 chain on the market. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a rivet-style link.
Specs
- Make: D.I.D
- Model: 520XV3
- Type: X-Ring
Pros
- Suitable for mid-capacity motorcycles
- X-Ring
- 8,210 lbs of tensile strength
- Pre-stretched
Cons
- Won't last as long as 525 or 530 variants
Our Verdict on the Best Motorcycle Chains
If you are looking for a reliable chain that's made for mid-to-high capacity machines, I recommend the D.I.D X-Ring 525VX3 X-Ring Chain.
For a more pocket-friendly option, consider the Unibear 530 Gold Motorcycle O-Ring Chain.
FAQs
Q: Can you replace a 520 pitch with a 530 pitch chain?
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.
Q: How long do motorcycle chains last?
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.
Q: How do I know when I should replace my motorcycle chain?
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.
Q: What is slack?
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.
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