Find the Perfect Drive Chain for Your Motorcycle
Re You Unclear Which Drive Chain Your Motorcycle Needs?
Picking the appropriate one isn’t constantly straightforward– especially with numbers like 520, 525, 118 web links, O-rings, and much more.
In this overview, you’ll find out specifically just how to identify, choose, and preserve the ideal drive chain for your bike– whether you ride on the road, off-road, or both.
What Is a Drive Chain?
A drive chain transfers power from your engine to the rear wheel — it’s a crucial part of your motorcycle’s performance and safety.
Chains are typically sized as:
👉 Pitch – Length
Example: 520-118
520 = Pitch (distance between pins)
118 = Number of chain links
Basic Info
| Model | Pitch | Minimum Inner Width of Inner Chain Link | Maximum Outer Diameter of Roller | Thickness of Outer Chain Plate | Thickness of Inner Chain Plate Head | Width of Inner Chain Plate Head | Diameter of Pin Shaft | Length of Pin Shaft | Length of Connecting Shaft | Minimum Tensile Strength | Average Tensile Strength | Maximum Displacement |
| (P) | (W) | (D) | (T1) | (T2) | (H) | (d) | (L) | (G) | (/) | (/) | (/) | |
| (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (mm) | (Kgf) | (Kgf) | (cc) | |
| 415E | 12.7 | 4.88 | 7.77 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 10.1 | 3.95 | 12.2 | 13.35 | 1250 | 1390 | 50 |
| 415H | 12.7 | 4.68 | 7.77 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 11.8 | 3.95 | 13 | 14.7 | 1810 | 1900 | 80 |
| 420 | 12.7 | 6.25 | 7.77 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 11.8 | 3.95 | 14.7 | 16.3 | 1640 | 1850 | 90 |
| 420H | 12.7 | 6.25 | 7.77 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 11.8 | 3.95 | 15.9 | 17.35 | 1840 | 2100 | 100 |
| 428 | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 12.15 | 4.45 | 16.25 | 17.7 | 1820 | 1950 | 125 |
| 428E | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 1.4 | 1.4 | 12 | 4.45 | 15.8 | 17.7 | 1704 | 1825 | 125 |
| 428FHS | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 4.5 | 19.05 | 20.05 | 2600 | 2800 | 150 |
| 428H | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 12 | 4.45 | 17.55 | 19.05 | 2180 | 2300 | 125 |
| 428HD | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 12 | 4.45 | 18.15 | 20 | 2180 | 2300 | 125 |
| 428HE | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 12 | 4.45 | 17 | 19.05 | 2100 | 2200 | 125 |
| 428HG | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 4.51 | 18.8 | 20 | 2200 | 2450 | 150 |
| 428HS | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 4.45 | 18.2 | 20 | 2100 | 2300 | 125 |
| 428DF | 12.7 | 7.85 | 8.51 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 12.15 | 4.45 | 16.25 | 17.7 | 1820 | 1950 | 125 |
| 520 | 15.875 | 6.25 | 10.16 | 2 | 2 | 14.75 | 5.07 | 16.85 | 19 | 2710 | 3050 | 250 |
| 520H | 15.875 | 6.25 | 10.16 | 2.35 | 2.35 | 14.75 | 5.07 | 18.25 | 20.2 | 3100 | 3300 | 250 |
| 525 | 15.875 | 7.85 | 10.16 | 2 | 2 | 14.75 | 5.07 | 18.45 | 20.5 | 2710 | 3050 | 250 |
| 525H | 15.875 | 7.85 | 10.16 | 2.35 | 2.35 | 14.75 | 5.07 | 20.6 | 22.55 | 3100 | 3300 | 250 |
| 530 | 15.875 | 9.4 | 10.16 | 2 | 2 | 14.75 | 5.07 | 20 | 21.55 | 2710 | 3050 | 250 |
| 530H | 15.875 | 9.4 | 10.16 | 2.35 | 2.35 | 14.75 | 5.07 | 21.55 | 23.5 | 3100 | 3300 | 400 |
| 630 | 19.05 | 9.4 | 10.91 | 2.35 | 2.35 | 17.8 | 5.95 | 22.5 | 24.5 | 3800 | 4000 | 400 |
| 630F | 19.05 | 9.4 | 10.91 | 2.35 | 2.35 | 17.8 | 5.95 | 22.5 | 24.5 | 3800 | 4100 | 400 |
Most Common Drive Chain Sizes
There are many sizes, but here are the most widely used drive chain pitches:
| Pitch | Application |
|---|---|
| 415, 420, 428 | Smaller bikes, scooters |
| 520, 525, 530 | Mid to large motorcycles |
| 630 | High-performance and heavy-duty bikes |
📌 Tip: Most chains are stamped with their size on the outer plates — check your current chain for markings before ordering.
Types of Drive Chains
Understanding the type of chain is just as important as the size:
| Chain Type | Features | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Drive Chain | Basic construction | Lightweight motorcycles |
| Heavy Duty Chain | Reinforced plates | Mid-size bikes, MX use |
| O-Ring Chain | Rubber seals hold lubricant | Road bikes over 400cc |
| X-Ring Chain | Improved seal design | High-performance & long-lasting |
✅ O-ring and X-ring drive chains retain lubrication better and reduce wear, making them ideal for daily riders and off-roaders alike.
When Should You Replace Your Drive Chain?
Replace your drive chain when:
- You’ve run out of adjustment space on the swingarm
- You can lift the chain off the rear sprocket
- The chain is noisy, kinked, or has tight spots
Always replace the sprockets with the drive chain — they wear together. Mixing old sprockets with a new chain will shorten its lifespan.
Chain Maintenance Tips
To keep your drive chain in top condition:
- Lube it every 300–500 miles for road bikes
- Lube after every ride for off-road bikes
- Use chain-specific lubricant, not WD-40 — WD-40 is fine for cleaning, but not for lubrication
Pro Tip: After lubing, wait 30 minutes before riding to allow the lubricant to set.
How to Install a Split Link (Safely)
When installing a split link on your drive chain, the closed end should face the direction of travel.
Why? If it strikes an object, it’s less likely to pop off.
Ready to Buy the Right Drive Chain?
We offer a full selection of drive chains for all motorcycle types:
- Standard • Heavy Duty • O-ring • X-ring
- Chain sizes from 415 to 630
- Top-quality materials built to last
Need help choosing? Contact our team — we’ll match the perfect chain to your bike and riding style.
Why Choose Us?
- High-durability motorcycle drive chains from trusted brands
- Fast global shipping & easy returns
- Expert support from real riders
Don’t let the wrong chain slow you down.
Explore our drive chain collection and ride with confidence.
👉 Browse All Drive Chains
Frequently Asked Question
It’s the distance between the pins (or rollers) on the chain — a key factor in compatibility.
Yes, but it’s easier to check the markings on your existing chain.
Not recommended. Use at least a heavy-duty or O-ring drive chain for bikes over 250cc.
Check the side of the chain — most have the size (e.g. 520) stamped on the link. You can also find it in your bike’s manual.
X-ring chains keep lube longer and use better efficiency, especially for high-mileage bikers.
Change it if it’s loosened, rusted, kinked, or out of change. Always alter the sprockace my drive chain?ets with it.
