Motorcycle Drive Chains

The majority of motorcycles today use a chain for the final drive. It is one of the simplest, most versatile and efficient ways to deliver power from the engine to the drive wheel. It can be found on almost any type of motorcycles, from scooters to high-performance racing bikes, as well as everything in between. Drive chains are durable, flexible and easy to maintain, and perform perfectly in different weather conditions. Depending on the type and model of your bike, it can differ in length and size of the links, however, its basic design and principle of operation remains the same.

There are three main types of motorcycle chains, such as standard non-sealed, O-ring and X-ring drive chains. The first one is the simplest design of motorcycle chains that can be found on older bikes. Non-sealed chains are cheaper than the other ones, however, they have a shorter service life and require constant care and maintenance. They need to be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted on a regular basis to ensure a smooth and safe ride. Improper maintenance will lead to premature failure of the chain, so you will have to replace it at least once or a few times per year.

O-ring motorcycle drive chains are the most common type of chains found in today’s bikes. They are self-lubricating drive chains that require next to zero maintenance and come filled up with grease from the factory. The secret of their maintenance-free operation lies in the construction of its links. Each link has small O-rings designed to ensure the pins between the plates are properly lubricated, as well as to protect the link from dust and dirt. Although, that doesn’t mean the chain itself does not collect dirt and debris at all, so regular cleaning and inspection for damage are important.

X-ring motorcycle chains feature a similar design to O-ring ones, however, instead of O-rings, they use X-rings. This allows for eliminating the main drawback of O-ring chains which is a lot of drag at high speeds. The use of X-rings reduces the surface area between the links, which, in turn, minimizes drag even at extreme speeds. Thanks to minimal drag and self-lubrication of X-ring drive chains, they last longer compared to both standard and O-ring counterparts. X-ring chains are the most advanced motorcycle drivetrain solution available today, so they are found in most superbikes and race bikes.

Due to continuous contact with the sprockets, your drive chain slowly wears out, so after some time it needs to be replaced with a new one. When its wear and tear reaches a certain point, you may experience chain slipping or even lose it while riding. That’s why it is very important to inspect your drive chain on a regular basis, clean and lubricate it. Proper maintenance will prevent you from unexpected expenses and save you a lot of headache in the long run. On our website, you’ll find various drive chains and all required hardware to keep your bike running at its best.