The motorcycle chain is not the most glamorous part of a motorcycle. Still, it is a crucial component of a motorcycle’s drivetrain system, which transfers power from the engine to the rear wheel. The Chain comprises metal links connected to form a loop, which runs between the motorcycle’s front and rear sprockets.
Choosing a reliable and high-quality chain that can withstand the stress and strain of regular use is imperative. However, with so many available options, selecting the best motorcycle chain for your bike can be daunting, especially if you need to familiarize yourself with the different types and brands available.
But fear not dear rider; in this article, we have enlisted the top 10 motorcycle chains, each with its unique features and benefits, which will help you to easily choose the best chain for your motorcycle.
The Pro Taper 520 MX chain is high-performance for road riding. Its shock-absorbing, impact-proof, and wear-resistant properties stand out even on dirty, uneven, or bumpy roads.
This Chain is stylish with its gold-plated finish and made of chrome steel alloy materials, making it stiff & durable enough to handle any condition with ease. Additionally, it is lightweight and exceptional in its design, providing superior performance.
One of the Pro Taper MX chain’s standout features is its corrosion and rust resistance. This Chain is designed with an X-ring to make it tough enough to withstand extreme weather conditions, including temperature changes and dirt elements.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gold/Black |
| Weight | ● 3.8 lbs / 100 links |
| Material | ● Chrome-Steel Alloy |
| Ring Style | ● X-Ring |
| Application | ● 125 cc ~ 530 cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 8,800 lbs |
| Master Link Included | ● Clip-Style Master link |
➔ Pros
✓ Lightweight
✓ Best for 4-Strokes Motorbikes
✓ Gold Color coating gives a shiny, Premium look
✓ Slim outer plates with forged pin collar for extra strength
✓ Can handle Off-roading biking due to its high-tensile strength
✓ Chromium carbide layered pins for reduced friction and impact absorption
➔ Cons
X No pre-stretched
X Need adjustment after some miles.
X Some complaints by users on its durability and exceeding of Elastic limit
If you’re in the market for a chain that delivers style and performance, the EK Z 3D could be a perfect choice.
This Chain boasts a stunning 3D curved design and a beautiful gold finish, setting a new standard for chain aesthetics. But its performance is just as impressive – it’s forged from high-strength steel to deliver maximum power to the rear wheel and ensure long-lasting durability.
Thanks to its inner plate center & edge cutouts and chromium carbide roller pins, the EK Z is lightweight and has a smooth 3D shiny surface with reduced friction, providing optimal performance for your motorcycle.
With lengths available in 120 or 130 links and tensile capability up to 11,200 pounds, this Chain is suitable for even heavy 1400cc bikes. Its impressive tensile strength means it can handle any task you throw at it.
And with QX2-ring technology, the EK Z 3D has 30% better wear resistance than the QX-ring, making it an excellent investment for motorcycle enthusiasts seeking a stylish and high-performing chain.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gold & black finish |
| Weight | ● 4.8 lbs / 100 links |
| Material | ● High-Strength Steel |
| Ring Style | ● X-Ring |
| Application | ● 1400cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 11,200 lbs |
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Master Link Included |
● Rivet-Style Master Link
( Non-Removable ) |
✓ Lightweight
✓ Stylish 3D Design
✓ Highest tensile strength
✓ Dimpled Outer Plate for additional strength
✓ Can be used for Street Bikes and Touring motorcycles
✓ 30% more wear resistance than normal QX-ring chain model
X Very Expensive
The EK Chain 525 SRX2 is a QX-Ring chain designed for high performance and efficient power transfer from the engine to the rear wheel. It is durable, strong, and suitable for a heavy-duty off-road dirt bike.
The Chain boasts a stylish design and exceptional tensile strength, enabling it to handle rough and bumpy terrain efficiently. The “Q” in the QX-Ring, means Quadra or 4, which means that this X-ring chain has 4 content patches which lower friction more as much as 40% and makes the chain last 50% longer compared to any O-Ring motorcycle chain.
Moreover, the EK Chain 525 SRX2 is lightweight yet sturdy, making it resistant to wear and tear. Some riders even claim that this QX-ring chain is better than all other O-Ring chains in the market.
This SRX2 chain has specially made lightning holes in alternative links to keep the chain’s overall rotating mass & overall weight as low as possible while keeping the strength intact. These changes help get faster throttle reactions and better power.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gold / other |
| Weight | ● 2.36 lbs / 100 links |
| Material | ● Solid, Billet Steel |
| Ring Style | ● X-Ring ( Quadra ) |
| Application | ● 800 cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 9000 lbs |
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Master Link Included |
● Screw-Style Master Link
( No need for special tools to install |
➔ Pros
✓ Durable Chain
✓ Special Patent Screw-Style Masterlink
✓ Can be used on Higher-Capacity Bikes
✓ 40% Less friction than any 0-Ring Chain
✓ Weight Lightweight due to Special Lightning Holes
➔ Cons
X Very Expensive
Renthal is a renowned brand in motorcycles, and their R1 Chain is a top-performing product. It is a high-strength, non-O-ring Racing chain that absorbs impact loads and stresses. The R1 Chain is ideal for 2-stroke bikes up to 250cc and 4-stroke bikes up to 450cc, delivering exceptional power without causing damage.
The R1 Chain comprises chrome-plated bearing pins that resist wear and tear, ensuring a longer life. The extended bushing also reduces friction and enhances power transmission. Additionally, the chain’s side plates are gold-colored, helping to prevent corrosion. The R1 520 chain has a clip-type master link that securely holds it together.
Overall, the R1 520 chain offers an excellent combination of high strength, weight savings, and maximum power transfer. It’s an optimal choice for those seeking a top-performing chain for their motorcycle.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gold |
| Weight | ● 2.13 lbs / 100 links |
| Material | ● Steel Alloy |
| Ring Style | ● Non-O-Ring |
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Application |
● 2-Stroke Bikes up to 250cc
● 4-Stroke Bikes up to 450 cc ● Trails up to 400 cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 7,644 lbs |
| Master Link Included | ● Clip-Style Master Link |
➔ Pros
✓ Lightweight
✓ High Impact Resistance
✓ Non-O-Ring design is best for Off-Road Racing
✓ Chromized bearing pins to reduce wear resistance
✓ Fewer Derailment chances due to Chamfered inner links
➔ Cons
X Very high price
The Niche 530 X-Ring chain is a premium-quality chain known for its top-class features. It offers smooth power transfer and outstanding durability, thanks to its construction with high-quality steel that resists wear and can withstand extreme conditions.
This Chain features a 120-link system made from tapered steel components, and it has quad-riveted screws that enable it to have small or zero friction even at top speeds. Additionally, this Chain is versatile and can be easily modified to fit different motorcycle models by cutting down on the number of rollers or links.
With its long lifespan and wear resistance properties, the Niche 530 X-Ring chain is an excellent investment if it is adequately lubricated and aligned.
The Niche X-Ring Drive Chain reduces chain friction, extends seal life, and improves seal performance compared to O-ring alternatives. It is the perfect choice for riders who demand ultimate performance from their Chain.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gold |
| Weight | ● 5.9 lbs / 100 links |
| Material | ● Hardened Steel |
| Ring Style | ● X-Ring |
| Application | ● 1,000cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 9440 lbs |
| Master Link Included | ● Clip-style master link |
➔ Pros
✓ Rated for On/off Road Use
✓ Much smoother and quieter
✓ Ultra high-performance X-ring chain
✓ Excellent Stiffness and Wear Resistance
✓ Can be fitted on Asian bikes like Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, etc.
➔ Cons
X Need Lubrication every 350 miles
X Doesn’t come in Pre-lubricated condition
The DID 520VX3 X-ring chain is a reliable and stylish choice for mid-capacity motorcycle owners. With X-rings to minimize friction and power loss, it’s available in various sizes from 82 ~ 130 links.
Its gold finish looks great and provides better corrosion resistance than other finishes, ensuring long-lasting durability. The chain’s side plates help retain grease, lowering friction which gives more horsepower. And with X-ring’s four contact points, the Chain is resistant to wear and dirt, making it an excellent investment for any motorcycle rider.
In short, the DID 520VX3 X-ring Chain is a high-performing and visually appealing option for those searching for a reliable chain for their mid-capacity motorcycle. So, why wait? Upgrade your Chain and take your rides to the next level!
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gold / other Natural Finishes |
| Weight | ● 3.35 lbs per 100 links |
| Ring Style | ● X-Ring |
| Application | ● Up to 800cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 8,210 lbs |
| Master Link Included | ● Clip Master Link |
✓ Super Quiet
✓ Easy to install
✓ Comes in Pre-stretched condition
✓ Last longer than any 0-Ring chain
✓ Suitable for Mid-capacity Motor-Bike
✓ It has high rigidity, which makes the handling experience smoother.
➔ Cons
X It doesn’t come with a rivet-style link.
X It is not good as DID 525 or 530 variants
X Can’t last longer on high-power bikes like 1000cc
The DID 520ERT2 is a standard-style chain suitable for motorcycles up to 450cc. It comes equipped with an exclusive SDH pin treatment, giving it a higher impact strength than standard chains. Additionally, the Chain provides superior shock absorption.
The Chain has a bright gold finish on its outer surface, which enhances its wear resistance. It is specifically designed for motorcycle racing and is used by many world-class MX and Supercross racers.
Compared to a standard 520 chain under similar conditions, the 520ERT2 Chain gives 4.3 times longer wear life than a 520 standard chain. It has a 3% bigger pin diameter and is 5% lighter than the previous ERT chain model.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gold Outer Plates / Black Inner Links |
| Weight | ● 3.8 lbs / 100 links |
| Ring Style | ● Standard Style ( Not X nor O-Ring ) |
| Application | ● 125 ~ 450cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 8100 lbs |
| Master Link Included | ● Clip-Style Master link |
➔ Pros
✓ High Wear-resistance
✓ Excellent Shock Absorption
✓ Premium & Stylish looking Shiny Gold finish
✓ High impact resistance due to SDH pin treatment
➔ Cons
X Stretching issues after 100 miles or so.
The Unibear 530 chain is a cost-effective option for those needing a strong motorcycle chain. This chain can withstand 10,000 pounds of force, making it one of the strongest chains in the market.
With 130 links and a connecting master link, this O-ring style chain is easy to install. The Unibear 530 chain is built from heat-treated and pre-stretched alloy steel, which gives its exceptional life. Its gold finish adds a stylish touch, and above all, it comes pre-greased, ready for quick installation.
It has specially-made side plate holes to reduce weight, increase heat dissipation, and facilitate self-cleaning. It only has one-demerit that it comes with a 0-Ring style which makes it wear faster than X-Ring chains. However, it has protruded bushings to help increase 0-Ring life and prevent kinking.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-install, stylish, and reliable chain for your motorcycle, this is one to consider.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gold finish |
| Weight | ● 4/6 lbs |
| Material | ● Steel Alloy |
| Ring Style | ● O-Ring |
| Application | ● 250cc/ 400cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 10,000 lbs |
| Master Link Included | ● Clip master link |
➔ Pros
✓Stylish Gold Finish
✓ Inexpensive as compared to other 530 chains
✓ Can be installed right out of the box because it comes pre-greased, so there is no need to dirty your hands.
➔ Cons
X Heavy
X Not long-lasting as the other 530 chains
X Only comes in 130 links
This JT sprocket 134-link heavy-duty X-Ring motorcycle chain is a well-known, tried-and-tested design that delivers outstanding performance on and off the road. It is particularly suitable for mid-capacity bikes like street, MX, enduro, ATVs, etc.
One of the biggest benefits of this chain is that it weighs only 1.63 pounds per 100 links which makes it one of the lightest in the market. It may be lightweight, but it has exceptional durability and excellent tensile strength, making it a perfect choice. The advanced high-strength steel alloys used in its construction ensure it can withstand even the harshest conditions.
The JT chain has a clip-on master connecting link that keeps it secure and easy to install and remove. The X-ring seals used in the Chain provide a better seal, producing less friction and extending the chain’s life. This Chain is the best choice for anyone looking for a high-performance chain at a reasonable cost.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Black Steel |
| Weight | ● 1.63 lbs / 100 links |
| Material | ● High-Grade Steel Alloy |
| Ring Style | ● Non-O-Ring |
| Application | ● 250 cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 4189 lbs |
| Master Link Included | ● Clip-style master link |
➔ Pros
✓ High Durability
✓ Budget Friendly
✓ Easy Installation
✓ Best for all Conditions ( On or Off-road )
✓ Very Lightweight ( One of the Lightweight in the market )
➔ Cons
X Need regular maintenance
The RK Racing Chain 520-SO-120 is a high-performance O-ring chain for motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes. It has O-rings between the inner and outer links to retain lubrication and prevent dirt and debris from entering, minimizing maintenance and prolonging its life.
Its 120-link length that can be trimmed to size makes it versatile enough for various applications. Its tensile strength of 8500 pounds makes it ideal for high-stress situations and heavy loads, which is popular among racers.
The Chain is crafted from high-strength alloy steel and has a clip-style master link for easy installation and removal during maintenance. This chain is very famous among SuperSport racing teams, FIM World Championship teams, and AMA World Superbike teams.
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Specifications
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| Color | ● Gray |
| Weight | ● 1.5Kg/ 100L |
| Material | ● Heat Treated Hi-Carbon Steel |
| Ring Style | ● O-Ring |
| Application | ● Up to 400cc |
| Tensile Strength | ● 8,500 lb/ft |
| Master Link Included | ● Clip/ Rivet type |
➔ Pros
✓ Come Pre-Stressed
✓ Even at High Speeds, it is very Silent
✓ 3 times longer life than non-seal Chains
✓ Motorcycle chain maintenance because of the O- Ring design
✓ Versatile Use; can be used for Streeting, OFF Road, and ATV riding
➔ Cons
X Expensive
X Less lasting than X-Ring Chains
X Not available in Premium Gold color
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