Final Drive Belts & Chains
About Final Drive Belts & Chains
The drive chain or belt is the link between the gearbox and the rear wheel, and it handles every bit of engine torque. Riders shop here when a chain has stretched, kinked or rusted, when a belt has worn, or when they want a different finish or a heavier-duty chain.
Chain size is the first choice. Listings carry a size and series, such as 520, 525 or 530, and a link count, such as 120 or 150 links, and the chain must match your sprockets. The samples include sealed O-ring chains and standard chains, sportbike chains, heavy-duty chains, and black and gold finishes. A few listings are drive belts for specific machines, such as the Teryx 1000. Chains and sprockets wear as a set, so check both when you replace either.
Brands here include Athena, D.I.D, Vortex, Drag Specialties and EK. Pick your machine in the Ride Finder at the top of the page, and use the motorcycle chain size chart to decode sizes. The matching parts are in Sprockets, Final Drive Kits and Guards & Guides, all part of Final & Primary Drive Parts & Kits.
FAQs on drive chains and belts
What do the numbers in a chain size such as 520 or 530 mean?
The first digit is the pitch, the spacing between pins, in eighths of an inch, and the last two digits indicate the width. A 520 and a 525 have the same pitch but different widths. The chain must match the pitch and width of your sprockets.
What is the difference between an O-ring chain and a standard chain?
An O-ring chain has rubber seals that hold grease inside the links, so it resists dirt and holds its lubricant. A standard chain has no seals, so it needs more frequent cleaning and lubrication. Use a lubricant that suits the seal type.
How do I know if my chain is stretched?
Check for slack beyond the manual's limit once the adjuster has been used up, for tight and loose spots as you rotate the wheel, and for sprocket teeth that look hooked. Some manuals give a length measurement over a set number of links.
How do I find the right number of links?
Use the link count of your old chain if your sprockets are stock, since the same chain length fits the same sprockets. If you have changed the sprocket sizes, the count may differ, so check with the maker or the listing.
How often should I clean and lubricate a motorcycle chain?
Clean and lubricate it regularly, and after riding in rain or dirt, following the interval in your manual. Wipe off old grime first, avoid harsh solvents on sealed chains, and use a lubricant made for the type of chain you have.
