Basics
A motorcycle chain comprises two precision ground pins peened at each end as a rivet, two bushes, two rollers and two side plates. A further pair of outer side plates join each link to the next link. In O ring chain a round seal is fitted on the pin between the plates to retain lubricant. The seal is contoured for less drag in X ring chains.
The Number of links is measured by the number of pitches, which is the gap between each pin or rivet and includes a Spring/clip or Rivet link to give an even number.
Please note that we supply lengths of chain to fit standard sprockets. When using sprockets with 2 or more extra teeth a chain with more links is often needed. Feel free to call for any assistance.
Metric Dimensions
| Chain | Pitch | Width | Roller Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 415 | 12.70mm | 4.88mm | 7.75mm |
| 420 | 12.70mm | 6.35mm | 7.75mm |
| 428 | 12.70mm | 7.75mm | 8.51mm |
| 520 | 15.88mm | 6.35mm | 10.16mm |
| 525 | 15.88mm | 7.85mm | 10.16mm |
| 530 | 15.88mm | 9.53mm | 10.16mm |
| 532 | 15.88mm | 9.53mm | 11.10mm |
| 630 | 19.05mm | 9.53mm | 11.91mm |
| 632 | 19.05mm | 9.66mm | 12.68mm |
Side plate thickness varies with grade and make of chain. As a rule, 1.5 to 2.6 mm. It is important for safety to join chain with the manufacturers correct Rivet Soft Link or Split Spring Link.
Size, Manufacturer, and grade are often stamped on some of the side plates.
Firstly we should know what the pitch of a chain means so that we can find the right chain for our motorcycle and the distance between the center of two pins. The pitch measurement is based on the eighths of an inch.