The power of your bike’s engine translates to the wheels with the help of the chain. Without the chain working correctly, you won’t be going anywhere. That’s why you need to have the best motorcycle chain on your ride.
Yes, the ones that come with the bike eventually need to be replaced. No doubt, you can clean the bike chain with all the lube and cleaning kit to keep it in shape, but that only increases the lifespan.
After a time, there is no other option left other than replacing your motor bike chain. But the question is with what? What kind of motorcycle drive chain should you get for the bike? To get all the answers and much more, keep on reading.
DID 520-ERV3 Chain
For my best pick, I would go with the DID 520-ERV3. And the reasons are apparent. This one offers you to enjoy high-speed bikes. The X-ring on it keeps the chain move smoothly that reflects on the wheels as they rotate faster than ever. And even when the chain heats up moving fast, it won’t stretch or break as it has high tensile strength. All these features make it certainly makes it most people’s top pick just like mine.
DID 520VX2-120 X-Ring
I would say all of the bike chains are good enough to be the best choice. But if I’ve to pick a particular one, I would say the 520VX from DID. That’s because it lasts 36x times longer than your regular chains. In addition to that, the control you get on the ride is just ideal when you ride the bike fast. The chain accelerates and brakes in an instance, which is vital to be safe while riding on the road.
RK Racing GB520XSO
The RK racing chain offers the best value for money. Just like the DID, it also is an X-ring. That means you get the same type of quality sealing that increases the life expectancy of the chain. Besides that, it also has excellent tensile strength. But what makes it even better is the fact it is quite lightweight and effortless to install. If you want a chain without breaking the vault, this is the one.
Quick Comparison Chart: Top 10 motorcycle chain reviews
RK Racing Chain 520-SO-120 O-Ring Chain
- 120-Links.
- Wear resistant.
- Perfect for racing.
JT Sprockets (JTC420HDR134SL) Steel
- 134-Links.
- Perfect for offroading.
- Easy to install.
DID 520ERV3 Gold Chain with Connecting Link
- 120-Links.
- 31 times longer life expectancy.
- 8000+ tensile strength.
530 Gold Motorcycle O-Ring Chain 120 Links
- 120-Links.
- Requires less maintenance.
- Better durability.
DID 520VX2-120 X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
- 120-Links.
- Supports higher CC engines.
- Minimum power loss.
DID 525VX X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
- 120-Links.
- Wear life is 36x times longer than regular chains.
- Provides better control and faster speed.
520 Chain with Connecting Master Link
- 120-Links.
- Easy to remove and add chains.
- Perfect for a variety of vehicles.
1. RK Racing Chain 520-SO-120 120-Links O-Ring Chain: Motorcycle Racing Chain
Highlighted Features
- Gets pre-stressed for maximum performance.
- For long life gets pre-stretched.
- Has O-ring design.
- Clip-type master link.
- Get a max cc of 400 on both street and offroad.
For the motorcycle racing chain, you need to go for the RK racing chain. Just because it says racing, doesn’t mean it will be for racing. But this one is as most world championship teams in AMA supercross championship uses it.
Now, what you get here is a chain that gets made from high carbon steel. It gets heat treated. That not only increases the strength and wear of the strings but also make it better for the application.
The bike chains also get prestressed. That’s to minimize chain stretch so that you get a smooth running experience. Besides that, it also ensures long-lasting durability on the chains. Not to forget, they come pre-stretched before to make sure the stretching of chains remain minimum.
And as it is an O-ring style chain, you can expect it to last longer than the standard ones. But you have to put less hour on maintenance as it doesn’t accumulate much dirt and water like the other ones.
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What's the tensile strength of the chains?
It is 7.700 lbs/ft, which is quite impressive.
What's the feature that makes it so great?
It is a sport bike chain that professionals use in racing tournaments. That tells you a lot about the quality.
2. Renthal C294 R3-2 O-Ring 520-Pitch 120-Links Chain: Best dirt bike chain
Highlighted Features
- O-ring retains special vaccum injected grease to extend chian life.
- Shot-peened alloy steel plates offer superior strength.
- High carbon alloy steel bearing pins resist wear.
- Side plates get colored in gold to prevent corrosion.
- Pre-stretched to enhance performance.
For the best offroad experience, you’ve got to try the O-ring chain from Renthal. To me, its the best dirt bike chain for one simple reason. That is, it keeps the grease inside intact better than most other rings of this type. You don’t have to worry about scuffing or abrasion damage due to constant motion.
Besides that, the O-rings also prevents dirt and other stuff from getting inside the chain and its link. So, it performs smoothly over the course.
Then comes the part of its build quality. You get alloy steel in the side plates and carbon alloy in the bearing pins. Both of them help the chain to resist the wearing. Not to mention, they help the chain to take maximum load impact while you ride through the rough terrains.
And unlike others, it won’t get rust as it has side plates colored in gold to resist the corrosion.
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Does the chain come pre-stretched?
Yes, the chain comes pre-stretched to avoid too much expansion while you ride the bike.
What's the feature you should look forward to in the Renthal?
The shock absorption quality of the chain would help you enjoy the ride even on those uneven rocky tracks.
3. JT Sprockets (JTC420HDR134SL) Steel 134-Link 420 HDR: Heavy-Duty motorcycle chain
Highlighted Features
- Engineered for off-road racing.
- Has minimum weight.
- Made using leading-edge technology with high-grade special steel alloy.
- Perfect for modern bikes, street bikes, MX, Enduro, off-road, and ATV.
- JT sprokets hav 134-Links.
For off-road racing, you need a heavy duty motorcycle chain like the JT Sprockets. What makes it great is its low weight. With a weight of 1.63 pounds per 100 links, it is one of the lightest motor bike chains out there.
Leaving aside the weight factor, you get a chain that uses high-grade steel alloy. It won’t get damaged that easily for sure. Meantime, the JT advanced leading-edge technology on the chain ensures you feel minimum vibration on the wheels as the chain absorbs most of it.
No matter what bike you ride, you can use this best motorcycle sprocket for your ride. And not just for the bikes, you can use it to for MX, Enduro and ATV’s too. The versatility the chain offers is something you would enjoy.
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How do you will know if it will fit your ride?
The JT chain has 134 links. Just count your old chain links, and you will figure out whether it would fit or not.
What's the best feature of it?
Its durability is unmatched as it has an impressive 4189lbf tensile strength.
4. DID 520ERV3-120 Gold Chain with Connecting Link: Motorcycle drive chain
Highlighted Features
- Boasts an X-ring construction.
- Offers half the friction and better lifespan.
- Maximum engine displacement is 750cc.
- Has a tensile strength of 8660 pounds.
- Lasts 31x times longer than standard chain.
- Master link included.
The motorcycle drive chain from D.I.D is the best motorcycle chain. You get something different here as it has an X-ring construction. And its better than the O-rings for a couple of reasons.
For starter, compared to your standard O-rings, it has a better sealing between the inner and outer plates. That means it does a better job of retaining the grease. As a result of that, there is less friction and wear, which translates into a faster and smoother ride.
You don’t lose the power of the engine while coming to the wheels due to its greater rigidity. Not only that, but you can also use it with a higher power engine as it can support up to 750cc. All that’s possible because of the high-tensile strength that helps it last 36 times better than your regular bike chains.
Then there is the master link that makes it easier for you to connect and disconnect the chain without looking for any tool.
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Why opt for the X-ring?
X-ring is a different type of O-ring. What makes it better is that it twists between the plates and not get squeezed. Therefore there is less surface, which results in less wear and friction.
What is the key feature of the D.I.D bike chain?
Its high-performance is something to look forward to as you can get true engine power reflected on the wheels. There is less power loss in between.
5. 530 Gold Motorcycle O-Ring Chain 120 Links: Low maintenance motorcycle drive chain
Highlighted Features
- Comes pre-greased.
- Made from heat-treated alloy steel.
- Clip style master link.
- Has a tensile strength of 10000 lbs.
- Chain weighs around 5.45 pounds.
The 4-side riveted chain from Unibears is one of the best motorcycle chains when it comes to maintaining it.
That’s right!
As the chain comes pre-greased, you don’t need to lubricate it. Just put the chain on your bikes sprocket and enjoy it. What makes it stand out from others is its superior strength. The motorcycle drive chain has a 10000 lbs tensile strength. So, this can take heavy loads and impact with ease.
The 4-sided rivets not only add extra durability to the chain, but it also requires less care. Usually, they can resist corrosion, moisture, and even chemicals to keep the chain in perfect shape. Plus, they don’t come off loose even in high vibration.
But they do weigh a bit more, which is something you can look past because of all the other benefits.
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How many links are there on the chain?
It is a 120 link chain.
What's the best feature of it?
For me, the ease of maintenance is something many would enjoy. You don’t have to lubricate it that often as it comes pre-greased. Also, it retains that pretty well.
6. RK Racing Chain GB520XSO: Best motorcycle sprocket chain
Highlighted Features
- Has the X-ring design.
- Two lubrication pools and seal points.
- Offers tensile strength up to 8500 lbs/ft.
- Chain weighs around 4.4 pounds.
- Perfect for high-performance applications.
If you’re looking for a high performing bike chain, give the RK racing a go. The X-ring chain offers you the sudden acceleration and braking power that you need while riding a racing bike.
Also, due to its two lubrication pools and seal points, the chain works smooth. There isn’t any drag which is always good to hear. That’s because you get better mileage. Not to mention, the power of the engine reflects better on the wheels. That’s why it is the best motorcycle sprocket chain.
When it comes to durability, it doesn’t fall behind, either. The durable chain of RK don’t wear out, nor it gets rust. It is perfect for off-track use as it doesn’t attract much dirt or gum on it.
And can’t help but agree with RK racing about its unbeatable value.
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Does it come with a master connecting link?
Yes, it does come with the link for secure connection and disconnection of the chain. Therefore, you won’t require any more tool.
What's the feature that makes it stand out from the rest?
I think its X-ring construction holds the lubrication well. It helps the chain to move smoothly without any interference, which is its best quality.
7. DID 520VX2-120 X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link: Heavy-duty motorcyle chain
Highlighted Features
- Greater rigidity offers smoother handling and response.
- Supports engine power up to 750cc.
- Has a tensile strength of 8210 pounds.
- Lasts 35 times longer than standard chains.
- Comes with a master link.
Next on the line is another D.I.D product. This time it is the DID 520VX2-120. Going on with the tradition, it is also an X-ring chain. Therefore, you can expect to get less drag. That means less fuel consumption.
But what stands out for the DID 120 link chain is the rigidity. It doesn’t stretch even if gets too hot nor does it loses the grease that is in the X-ring. All that result in a smoother handing ride that reacts instantly while giving you the ecstasy to enjoy the full power of the bike.
And you can enjoy the speed as this chain has an engine displacement of 750cc. Don’t worry about the load; the 8210-pound tensile strength chain can handle the heavy loads without any sweat.
All that quality is what makes it the best motorcycle chain.
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What type of connection link does it use?
With the DID, you get a clip-style master link.
What feature of the DID will win you over?
You can’t help but notice the improvement of the handling of the bike. The quick response of the chains will win you over for sure.
8. DID 525VX-120 X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link: Best Motorcycle Chain Brand
Highlighted Features
- Has an engine displacement of maximum 750cc.
- 9220 pounds of tensile strength.
- Wear life is 36 times longer than regular chains.
- Includes master link.
- Better rigidity for superior handing and response.
Another D.I.D chain makes on to the list. It shouldn’t come as a big surprise as DID is the best motorcycle chain brand. And from that top brand I’ve got here is the VX- 525 120 link chain.
As it is a VX series chain, it boasts an X-ring design. What it means is that you get a ring that offers less friction and vibration to help you enjoy a smooth ride.
Even if pressure increases, the surface area doesn’t increase within the rings. You get the same result riding on smooth tracks or bumpy roads as the friction remains the same in all conditions.
If you put the DID chains in test side by side with regular ones, it will last 36 times longer than those of yours in similar conditions. That tells about the quality of the build of this chain.
For better control and speed, you’ve got to try the motocross chain.
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Can you use it for off-road riding?
Yes. With its X-ring design chains, you can certainly use it for off-road riding.
What's the best aspect of the DID chain?
The durability of the chain is superior to most. Even it costs a bit more, it is worth the money as it provides better service life.
9. 520 Chain 120 Links with Connecting Master Link: Best Dirt Bike Chain
Highlighted Features
- Uses O-ring sealing.
- Made using high quality alloy steel.
- 120 link chain comes with a master link.
- Fits most motorcycle, dirt bikes, quad bikes, ATVs and go karts.
- Thickness: 14.7mm/0.58".
No doubt, the 520 chain from Kids ATV Parts is the best dirt bike chain. But don’t stop there. You can fit it to almost any bike, quad bikes, ATVs or even go-karts if you wish to do so. What makes this so easy is the fact that you can cut it down to the length you need—no fitting issues.
Then there comes the quality of the chain. It uses high-grade alloy steel. Even in regular use, it won’t break or stretch that use.
The O-ring chain does keep the inner and outer link protected from the off-road dirt. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about it getting contaminated that much. Besides that, the ring helps to keep the lube in the pins and plates to keep the thing rolling smoothly for a more extended period.
If you’re looking to buy motorcycle chains, go for it as there aren’t many as versatile as this one.
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What type of connection style it uses?
It uses clip-style connection.
What's the best feature on this chain?
The build quality is top-notch as it uses premium quality alloy steel.
10. 420 Motorcycle Chain: Premium Quality Motorbike chains
Highlighted Features
- Made from heavy duty alloy steel.
- Chain has a 1/2" pitch, 1/4" roller width, 5/16" roller diameter and 227". sprocket thickness.
- Links are removable.
- Perfect for application with 50cc, 70cc, 90cc, 110cc, 125 cc rides.
- Package includes a roller chain and a chain breaker.
Removing and fitting motorbike chains is one of the toughest things to do. That’s why you go to the mechanic shop, spending extra bucks on it. Not anymore, you have to do so thanks to the Flow month bike chain.
Why’s that?
That’s because the pack not only provides you the chain to replace the old one but also offers a breaker with it. Now, you can quickly get the old chain off without any issue. And if the string is too long to fit the ride, you can use it to remove links from it also.
Now, coming to the main attraction, the chain. It gets made using alloy steel. The heavy-duty chain takes hits pretty well as you don’t feel the shocks while riding the bike. Also, it is highly durable.
Not to forget about the strength of the chain, as it can manage heavy loads. In total, it is a great deal that you should look into for sure.
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How many links does the chain have?
It got 132 links, but you can use the breaker to remove as many links as you need.
What's the best thing about the chain?
I love the fact it comes with a breaker as it makes it easier to do the fitting on your own.
Best Motorcycle Chain Buyers Guide
The ring of the chain is the seal between your inner and outer plates. It holds the grease to keep everything moving smoothly so that you get maximum power on the wheels. If there is friction, the bike moves slower. Not to forget, the chain wears out faster. To avoid such an issue, you’ve got to pick a chain with a ring.
Now, there are two options that you can choose from when it comes to rings. You’ve got the O-ring and the X-ring. The O-ring is the standard ring type you find in most chains. It is good enough to keep the thing sealed and hold the grease to ensure a smooth performance. But due to its design, its gap gets wider with more friction, which can be troubling as it would get more dirt and grime into it.
The other X-ring option is a more advanced O-ring. What makes it better is that it keeps the gap minimum, even in high friction. Therefore you don’t lose the grease, nor do dirt and debris can get into it that easily. But they do cost a bit more.
If you don’t ride the bike offtrack a lot, you can manage with the O-ring with ease. Just weigh in the goods and bads and make a choice.
Pitch:
To get the chain fit on your bikes sprocket, you need to get the pitch right. If you don’t know what pitch is, then let me tell it in simple terms.
It is the gap between the pin and the chain. And every bike sprocket supports different pitch sizes. But most of them use 520, 525 or 530.
Just before going ahead with the purchase, make sure what pitch your bike supports, and then buy the chain. Otherwise, you need to get a new one as the teeth of the chain won’t fit on your sprocket.
Links:
The number of links would determine how long or short the chain is. In terms of finding out the right length, all you need to do is to check how many links your old bike chains got.
But you might like an option that has more links. Don’t worry; you can easily remove links from the chain to get the right size. To do that, you need a longer chain, as you can’t add more links to the short ones.
Link type:
It is the part that connects one end of the link to the other. Now, in terms of links, you’ve got two options. Either you can go for rivet style links or go for clip style. The benefit of clip-style links is that they are easier to install. You can easily connect or remove links. But they do have a higher rate of failure.
Compared to that, the rivet style is much more durable. Though, you can’t connect or disconnect it easily as it isn’t reusable.
Durability:
The tensile strength of the chain tells how much load it can take before it stretches. So, the simple way to choose a bike chain is to go for a higher tensile strength chain as they would last longer.
Other than that, you should also consider getting pre-stretched chains. That’s because they go through the rigorous test that ensures that they can withstand the day to day application on your ride.
Find the right combination, and you will get an indestructible chain for your bike.
The other stuff:
Besides all that, you can always look for an option that supports all kinds of ride. If you have different types of vehicles in your garage like ATV or a go kart, you can use the same bike chain on all of them. Some chains offer that kind of versatility.
Also, look for tools that make it easier to remove and add links to the chain.
But while doing all that, never go out of your budget. You should always have one as you don’t want to overspend on a bike chain that would rarely get used, and you will feel regret getting it.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a motorcycle chain?
The chain is the stuff that connects the transmission shaft to the wheels to make them rotate. In simple words, it makes the bike move.
How do I choose a motorcycle chain?
You should consider the ring type, the pitch size, the link length while choosing the chain. To know more about it, you can look into the best motorcycle chains buying guide.
How long does a motorcycle chain last?
A high-quality motorcycle chain can last 30000 miles or more. With the cheap ones, you would get somewhere between 5000-10000 miles.
Are all dirt bike chains the same?
No, as you can get them in both O-ring and X-ring style.
What is the strongest type of chain?
Heat-treated alloy steel is one of the most durable types of motor bike chain.
Final Thoughts
To replace your old bike chain with a new one, first, you have to find the right replacement. And looking for the ideal alternative can be a tall task.
That’s why I’ve come up with the 10-best motorcycle chain right here for you.
Just pick one that goes on the bike and enjoy miles after miles without any trouble. You will not only get a smoother and faster riding experience with them, but you will get better control over your ride.
Why wait? Get the best motorcycle chains and sprockets today.
