Best Roller Chain Manufacturers in 2023

With many roller chain brands available in the market, it’s very confusing to choose the best one which is not only budget-friendly but also last longer. And if you are here to learn about the famous brands that have earned the trust and admiration of riders worldwide, then you are at the right place.

1) What Is a Roller Chain?

As you know, chains act as a link between two points for the transmission of mechanical power, and a roller chain is a specific design made by fixing many cylinders ( rollers ) with plates. And toothed wheels called sprockets are fixed on two ends, which then hold the rollers and move the chain. A most famous example of roller chains is motorcycle chains.

Unlike belts, roller chains do not slip because they have rollers that freely rotate and engage with the sprocket’s teeth, ensuring no slipping occurs, even in extreme conditions. Roller chain design results in highly efficient power transmission. Moreover, the distance between the shafts can be easily adjusted, making it versatile and suitable for various applications, like;

• Cars
• Bicycles
• Motorbikes
• Printing presses
• Industrial machinery
• Agriculture machines

2) Best 6 Motorcycle Roller Chain Manufacturers Worldwide?

1. i) RK
2. ii) D.I.D.
3. iii) KOBO
4. iv) Tsubaki
5. v) EK Chains
6. vi) Regina Chain

i) RK

RK Chain has a rich history dating back to 1953, when it was founded. The name “RK” stems from the initial letters of “Rollenkette,” the German term for Roller Chain. This choice reflects the company’s respect for German engineering and technology during the 1950s and its vision to achieve technological excellence through continuous research and development.

Over the years, RK has made significant technological strides, positioning itself at the forefront of the global market. Through relentless efforts and research, the company has attained top-level expertise in its field.

RK Japan Co., Ltd., resulting from mergers and establishments, has evolved into a leading entity in its industry. RK Japan continues to thrive in its core business areas, which include manufacturing and sales of motorcycle chains, motorcycle parts, and industrial chains. Moreover, the company’s supply chain extends to OEM motorcycle manufacturers such as Honda, Suzuki, Triumph, and many others, as well as distributors worldwide.

RK’s diverse product portfolio caters to various industries, offering motorcycle chains, kart chains, chains for power equipment, various conveyor chains, sprockets, precision press components, and more. The company’s excellent reputation and high-quality products have earned them a list of esteemed clients, including Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Suzuki Motor Corporation, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd., Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., Ktm-Sportmotorcycle AG, Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., and Triumph Motorcycles Ltd.

ii) D.I.D.

D.I.D. (Daido Kogyo Chain & Industry Co., Ltd.) is a renowned Japanese manufacturer specializing in producing top-of-the-line motorcycle chains, sprockets, and other drivetrain components. With a rich history dating back to its founding in 1923, the company proudly calls Ishikawa, Japan, its home base.

The success of D.I.D. can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to quality and durability. Their chains have garnered the trust of leading motorcycle manufacturers worldwide, including esteemed names like Honda, Yamaha, and Suzuki. D.I.D. chains are synonymous with reliability and are highly regarded for their ability to endure the challenging conditions of motorcycle usage.

D.I.D. offers a diverse range of chains catering to various needs. Their collection includes O-ring chains, X-ring chains, and non-o-ring chains, all meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards. These chains boast exceptional materials, made from heat-treated steel and adorned with chrome-plated components, ensuring their longevity and performance.

One of the key attributes of DID roller chains is their smooth operation, facilitating efficient power transfer to enhance the overall riding experience. Moreover, these chains necessitate less maintenance than other alternatives, making them a practical and reliable choice for motorcycle enthusiasts.

As a global enterprise, D.I.D. operates in over 50 countries, further solidifying its presence and reach in the international market. The company’s continuous emphasis on research and development sets them apart, as they consistently innovate to refine their products and stay ahead of the competition.

iii) KOBO

KOBO, a renowned roller chain manufacturing company founded by Emil Köhler and Hermann Bovenkamp in 1894, has a rich history in the industry. They established a standardized production process that still guides their operations today, contributing to their global success in various sectors.

A key principle at KOBO is prioritizing customer success, which has led to long-lasting partnerships with many clients spanning decades. With production facilities in Germany, Poland, and China, KOBO strategically drives the company forward through its experience and competence.

KOBO takes pride in being a certified chain technology partner, ensuring the highest quality in management and production processes with DIN EN ISO 9001 certification. Over the years, their innovation has been instrumental in achieving enduring success across different industries.

Offering high-performance roller chains tailored to meet specific requirements, KOBO’s chains come in DIN/ISO/ANSI specifications and are pre-stretched to 30% of the measured breaking force. Customers can rely on KOBO for precision roller chains according to American or European standards, as well as chains suitable for extreme temperatures and corrosion resistance

iv) Tsubaki

Tsubakimoto Chain Co. is a well-established company based in Osaka, Japan, with a rich history dating back to its foundation in December 1917. Throughout its long journey, it has become a prominent player in manufacturing and selling roller chains and various industrial products. The company’s headquarters are situated in the Nakanoshima Mitsui Building, adding to its reputation as a trusted and reliable organization.

The company was formally incorporated in January 1941 and has since seen steady growth, boasting a substantial capital of ¥17,076 million as of March 31, 2023.

With a dedicated workforce of 8,691 employees as of March 31, 2023, the company is committed to delivering top-quality motorcycle chains and services to its customers worldwide. Tsubakimoto Chain Co.’s primary business activities include manufacturing and selling various variable speed drives, handling equipment, electric and electronic equipment, and related parts. Additionally, the company offers subcontracted design, construction, and installation services for handling and electric equipment.

Tsubakimoto Chain Co. takes pride in its diverse range of products, catering to various industries and applications. Their portfolio includes power transmission products, materials handling solutions, mobility products, and specialized items like zip chains and lifters.

The company operates multiple plants across Kyotanabe, Saitama, Nagaokakyo, Hyogo, and Okayama, enabling efficient production and distribution of its products. Furthermore, they engage in the import and sales of their products, ensuring a comprehensive reach in the global market.

Tsubakimoto Chain Co. is not only focused on its existing businesses but also actively seeks opportunities for investment and expansion related to its core offerings. With its solid financial performance, as evident from the consolidated net sales of ¥251,574 million in FY 2022, the company continues strengthening its position in the industry.

v) EK Chains

EK Enuma Chain, founded in 1941 as a general roller-chain manufacturer, has been at the forefront of chain technology since its inception. Headquartered in Kaga, Japan, near Komatsu on Japan’s west coast, the company has a rich history of innovation.

Notably, in 1974, Enuma introduced the world’s first sealed O-ring chain, setting new standards in the industry. Quality is paramount for Enuma Chain, as evidenced by their ISO 9001 certification 1997, ensuring safety and precision in every product they offer. Their commitment to research and development has resulted in technological breakthroughs, including the revolutionary ZZZ chain, boasting an impressive 11,100lb. Tensile strength with a lightweight design. Additionally, their proprietary Zero Stretch Technology (ZST) virtually eliminates initial chain stretch, providing excellent durability.

The EK ZVX stands out among premium chains for sport bike enthusiasts, excelling with a tensile strength of 10,560 lbs. The company also offers ideal OE replacements like the MVXZ Quadra-X Ring chain, which has outstanding performance, and wear life compared to standard O-Ring chains. Furthermore, their SRX series chains provide excellent value for street machines, featuring reduced friction and a Quadra X-Ring design for extended chain life. At Enuma Chain, relentless commitment to innovation drives everything they do, ensuring their products continue to lead the industry.

vi) Regina Chain

Regina, established in 1919 as “Società Italiana Catene Calibrate Regina,” initially focused on manufacturing roller chains and free wheels for bicycles, mopeds, and motorcycles. Over the years, the company expanded its production to include industrial and motorcycle chains, eventually venturing into international markets.

Regina’s expertise in motorcycle chains dates back to 1939, achieving global success in various competitions and applications. The company collaborates closely with top international motorcycle manufacturers, providing added value and co-design services through its R&D team.

In addition to motorcycle products, Regina has significantly contributed to the technological advancement of the Conveyor sector since the early 1980s. The company offers many products like bottling, packaging, glass, food, and can manufacturing applications, including stainless steel and plastic chains, plastic modular belts, gripper chains, sprockets, curves, wear strips, and other components. With production facilities in Italy, China, Argentina, Spain, and the USA, Regina operates worldwide through wholly-owned commercial and manufacturing subsidiaries.