You will never get lost in choosing a drive chain anymore!
I will introduce how to read the drive chain size and know its meaning, and the replacement timing that most riders are concerned about.
Do you know what it means that "chain size is 520 and number of links are 112"? The drive chain for the motorcycle is different depending on the model of the motorcycle, only a few riders know by looking at the size notation of the drive chain, which dimensions and specifications it represents. So, I will introduce how to read the size of the drive chain.
How to read the size and number of links
I will introduce how to read the chain size and the number of links that are required on choosing a drive chain. Let's try to choose a chain for your beloved motorcycle, after checking the image below!
Chain size
The drive chain size has been expressed in each chain manufacturer as an inch standard. This is because each chain manufacturer has been adopted as a universal standard. However, this common standard is for the inner width and pitch of the chain, the outer width of the chain varies depending on each chain manufacturer.
Therefore, be careful when converting the size of the drive chain. In the case for the actual notation of the chain size 525, the first digit "5" represents the chain pitch, it means 5/8 inches in the inch notation. It is 12.7mm in millimeter notation. The other two digits "25" indicate the inner width of the chain inner link, which is 7.93mm in millimeters.
Some riders often convert the drive chain from 530 to 525 or 520 sizes, but in this case, the pitch of the chain does not change and only the inner width changes, so it can be handled by replacing the sprocket. If you want to know the size of the drive chain of your beloved motorcycle, the size is marked on the outer plate of the currently installed chain.
For used motorcycle, there are cases where the drive chain size has been changed from the standard, and the case where the number of links is different from standard due to the change in the number of the sprocket tooth, so be sure to check the tooth of the sprocket that is currently installed.
Number of links
In general, the links on the motorcycle drive chain is usually a gourd-shaped plate.
When counting the links, count the number of inner and outer plates on one side of the drive chain. Also, some riders calculate the number of links by the chain outer plates x 2 times. There are cases that the number of links is different by the elements such as changing of the sprocket, so be sure to check the actual number of the chain link before replacing.
Here's the tips for counting a chain, I recommend to count one turn based on the part that becomes a mark, such as the caulking part of the drive chain chain.
By doing that way, you can easily see where you counted from. Besides, the part number of the drive chain describes the color of the drive chain, the series name, and the type of joint.
Applicable drive chains by motorcycle model
Another important factor on choosing a drive chain is the compatibility according to the model of motorcycle. Use caution in using an unsuitable drive chain, it may lead you to a serious accident, so please be careful in choosing a drive chain. Make sure to check the compatibility list of each chain manufacturer.
Maintenance and replacement time
Generally, it is recommended to replace a seal chain with a well-maintained condition of about 20,000km and a non-seal chain with about 5,000km as a guide. If the drive chain maintenance is not performed regularly, the replacement time will become earlier.
For maintenance, lubricate the drive chain after traveling 500km or after the rain, and adjust the drive chain tension in every 1000 to 2000km.