As a motorcycle lover, you already know that the chain is one of the most critical components of a bike. It goes without saying that high-quality chains ensure a safe ride, while worn-out or low-quality chains can result in accidents & damage riders as well as motorcycles.
A high-quality motorcycle chain is essential for smooth acceleration and enhanced power delivery. If you are a heavy HP motorcycle rider and looking for the best 525 chains which can handle all the rough power & intense shock without breaking, then you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best 525 motorcycle chains, along with their advantages & disadvantages. Whether you’re a daily commuter, weekend rider, or professional racer, there’s something on this list for everyone. So, let’s uncover the best motorcycle chains available for you and your beloved motorcycle.
EK Chains are known as the “Legend of the Drag Racing Chains,” and their latest EK Chains 525 ZVX3 chain is a must-have for extreme sports bikes ranging between 800 to 1300cc. With its ZX-Ring technology, this chain boasts an impressive combination of style and performance.
The incredible benefit of the ZVX3 is its ability to reduce friction between each plate, delivering more horsepower directly to the rear wheel. Plus, tight tolerance between each plate translates to a smoother, more efficient ride that riders will surely appreciate.
Figure 1 EK 525 ZVX3 Chain available in multiple colors
With EK Chains 525 ZVX3’s quiet and durable construction, you can trust that this chain will stand the test of time, regardless of your adventures. You can use this on extreme HP bikes like Ducati 1199/1299, Yamaha R1m, and the BMW S1000RR.
Moreover, the ZVX3 is designed with lightning holes in the side plates, reducing its weight without compromising its strength. It also boasts large-diameter pins, and new-style ZX rings, which result in less stiffness & lightweight, hence giving more performance. EK 525 ZXV3 is one of the best heavy-duty chains in the market.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Available in 7 colors
✓ Come in various sizes for different bikes, like 120 ~ 150 links ( It can be cut short ).
✓ It can be used for street and touring motorcycles
✓ Specialized Weight Reducing Holes ensure low eight
✓ Less friction between plates due to the new design of ZX-rings
✓ ZXV-3 design has 15% more lifespan than its previous model
X Expensive
The MPM 525 O-ring motorcycle chain is a one-stop solution for all your chain needs. It has Quad-stake riveted design which ensures superior shock absorption for a smoother ride.
This chain has specialized protruded bushings to decrease kinking and increase O-Rings lifespan. In addition, to enhance resistance to pin rotation & elongation, the chain rivet pins are press-fitted and double-broached.
The MPM 525 O-ring style chain has a huge tensile strength of up to 9850 lbs, providing superior performance for extreme HP bikes. And the alloy steel rivet master link ensures a perfect hold, making it one of the most reliable chains on the market.
MPM chain is that it comes in multiple lengths, and you can also shorten it yourself using a chain breaker or bench grinder to punch pins out to fit any bike like the BMW S1000, RR Sport 1988-90, Honda XL600, and Suzuki DL650.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Very Durable
✓ Adjustable size to fit all kinds of bikes
✓ Rivet-Style Master Link for Easy installation
✓ 2.4 mm heavy-duty steel roller plates to reduce friction & enhance durability
✓ Come in a Pre-Stretched state, so very little maintenance is needed in the long run
✓ Cheaper in Price
X O-Rings have a shorter lifespan as compared to X-Rings Chains
The 525 Sigma is the top-of-the-line chain from Tsubaki’s current generation of superbike motorcycle chains. The Japanese chain stands out in the market with greater tensile strength, wear resistance, and lighter weight.
Its outer plate features a sleek gold-colored finish that not only gives it a stunning look but serves many other purposes, including increasing the chain’s strength, providing wear-resistant properties, and offering corrosion protection, making the 525 Sigma a true powerhouse among motorcycle chains.
Figure 3 Tsubaki 525 Sigma Chain
In order to decrease friction, a high-viscosity grease is injected internally by vacuum, which also helps to increase heat dissipation & shock absorption. Moreover, the super-sealed X-rings offer 50% less friction than O-rings, thus less wear which helps the grease stay in and makes the chain last much longer.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Excellent Wear properties
✓ X-Rings Sealings last 50% more than O-Rings.
✓ Higher load capacity due to Quad-Stake Rivets
✓ Enhanced corrosion protection due to Gold finishing.
✓ Least initial elongation because it is pre-stretched from the factory and has perfectly cylindrical bushings.
X Costly Chain
The DID 525 VX3 X-Ring chain is the ideal solution for various high-capacity bikes of all categories like street, ATV, and off-road applications. This chain is designed with advanced technology by DID, making it rigid, strong, and highly efficient.
In addition, as compared to being squashed as in O-Rings, this DID chain has twisting between the side plates, which helps spread pressure, decrease power loss, and reduce friction 50% more than O-Ring chains. This 525 VX3 chain has 1.5 ~ 2 times more wear resistance than most O-Rings chains.
Figure 4 DID 525 VX3 X-Ring Chain
The X-Ring’s four contact points significantly increase its sealing performance, keeping dirt out and lubrication in the chain links far more effectively. You can use it on high-capacity bikes like CRF1000 Africa Twin, Suzuki GSXR750 and DL1000, and BMW F750/F850GS.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
Advantages
✓ Comes in multiple sizes for all kinds of bikes
✓ It is said that the 525 VX3 chain has 41% more lifespan than 520VO.
✓ DID, under the initiative “Direct Energy Transfer,” has increased chain rigidity which ensures less power loss, enhanced performance, and a smoother ride.
X Slightly high in price
The JT X1R X-Ring heavy-duty motorcycle chain offers exceptional durability and strength. This chain is crafted from special high-grade steel alloys by keeping in mind the latest power transfer designs so you can use this on all kinds of low & high-HP motorcycles, including street, MX, Enduro, and ATV models.
One of the standout features of this chain is its X-Ring creating a long-lasting superior seal, which helps prevent loss of lubrication, ensuring less friction and a smoother ride.
Figure 5 JT Sprockets 525X1R Chain
The quad-riveted pins used in the construction of this chain provide an extra-strong rivet that can withstand even the most brutal forces. Plus, its special solid bushings ensure that no distortion happens even in big constant shocks. And all of these modifications ensure that the JT X1R chain can handle anything you throw its way.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Cheaper than other 525 chains
✓ Have exceptional Tensile Strength
✓ Ultra-low friction due to X-Rings superior sealing than O-Rings
✓ Comes Pre-Lubricated from the factory, so you can install it right out of the box
✓ You can use this chain for off-road racing as well as for cruising on the highway
X Don’t come in a Pre-Stretched state, so you need to do maintenance after a few hundred miles
This RK GB-525-XSO high-performance Chain is engineered with cutting-edge technology to take your rides to the next level. It’s made using RK’s advanced HIT (heat induction transfer) method, ensuring durability and top-notch performance.
Figure 6 RK GB 525 XSO Racing Chain
In addition, it packs 3 lubrication pools that control heat, abrasion, and torsional flex. If you are looking for quality, reliability, and unbeatable value for your street bike up to 900cc or off-road vehicle up to 750cc, then this RK’s GBXSO affordable and long-lasting chain is for you.
Its X-Ring seals feature two lubrication points, providing exceptional wear resistance for up to 30% longer than a standard O-ring chain.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Better Performace
✓ Suited for high-power bikes, both off-road and street ones.
✓ RX-Ring Patented design offers better lubrication leakage protection
X A little bit pricey
X No Pre-Lubricated
X Don’t come Pre-Stretched
Another excellent option on this list that combines affordability with high performance is the Reginal Z-Ring 525 ZERO chain. This chain is incredibly smooth-rolling and boasts a 50% longer service life than conventional O-ring chains.
Figure 7 Regina Z-Ring 525-ZREO Gold Chain
It is crafted from sturdy aluminum alloy, offering superior strength and reliability, making it a top choice for motorcyclists. In addition, Z-rings enhance the chain flexibility and keep the lubricant trapped for a longer time which helps decrease wear & tear and increases the life of the chain 50% more than O-Ring chains.
The high carbon alloy used to construct the chain’s pins minimizes wear and increases the roll thickness, thereby extending the life of the chain even further. The Reginal 525ZERO chain is perfect for road bikes, superbikes, and high-capacity bikes up to 800cc.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Best Motorcycle Chain for high HP bikes
✓ Specialized Z-rings for a smoother riding experience
✓ Offers 50% reduction in friction & longer life than 0-Ring Chains
✓ Minimal elongation during usage because it comes pre-stretched
X Expensive
The BikerMaster 525 BMXR Chain is the perfect replacement for original equipment manufacturer (O.E.M) chains. Due to its Q4 rings & reinforced pins, it boasts longer wear, impact, and fatigue resistance. Plus, Q4 rings help reduce friction & increase power transmission by 50% more than O-Ring chains.
Figure 8 BikeMaster 525 BMXR Orange Chain
Each part of this 525 BMXR chain is designed with detailed computer analysis and specially heat treated for more durability and tensile strength. You can use this remarkable chain on high-capacity bikes such as 1100cc street bikes and 900cc for off-road bikes.
Additionally, it features a rivet master link, ensuring easy installation and removal.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Supeior Wear Resistant
✓ Decreased friction due to special X-rings
✓ Ideal for very high HP bikes due to its exceptional Impact Resistance & Tensile Strength
X Costly than other 525 chains
X Don’t come in Pre-stretched condition, so you have to tighten it after some time
The Niche Gold 525 chain is the ultimate solution for riders seeking top-of-the-line performance from their medium HP sport bikes up to 500cc. With its ultra-high tensile strength and easy-to-install clip-style master, this premium X-Ring chain is built to deliver superior performance that surpasses regular O-Ring chains.
One of the super aspects of the Niche 525 chain is its patented NBR X-Rings which significantly reduce friction, thereby extending its life and enhancing overall performance.
The Niche X-Ring Drive chain is made with quad-riveted pins and hardened steel components and is designed to withstand the roughest environments and provide reliable strength and durability. This makes it the ideal choice for high-capacity bikes such as Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and many more.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Super durable and sturdy
✓ Can handle any racing conditions
✓ Have specialized NBR X-rings to reduce friction
X Stretches faster, so it needs maintenance more frequently
The DID 525 ZVXM X-Ring Chain is designed to increase power transfer from the engine to the rear wheel, making it an excellent choice for street and off-road riding. This chain is known for its outstanding resistance to stretching under heavy loads, making it one of the most robust chains available.
The patented X-rings and the design modification of twisting between the plates instead of being squashed help reduce friction by 50%, increase wear resistance by 100%, and extend the lifespan by 10 times that of any standard chain.
It is made from high-carbon steel for exceptionally durable and sturdy, with a total tensile strength of 8120 lbf. It is ideal for street motorcycles up to 1300cc and off-road motorcycles up to 800cc.
Specifications |
|
| Color |
|
| Weight |
|
| Material |
|
| Ring Style |
|
| Application |
|
| Tensile Strength |
|
| Master Link Included |
|
✓ Need little maintenance due to exceptional resistance to stretching
✓ Have many friction-decreasing modifications for a smooth riding experience
✓ It is one of the strongest chains in the market; rated for very heavy-duty bikes up to 1300 cc
X Pricey
Join our mailing list to be the first one to know more new parts release and marketing info. Stay informed!
We will contact you within 1 working day, please pay attention to the email “wholesale@mpm-motorsports.com”
Comments