520 Motorcycle Chain Dimensions
520 O-Ring Motorcycle Chain its very common chain size on motorcycles, usually on medium weight motorcycles less than 600 cc for motorcycle racing, road or motocross motorcycles.
- The first number 520 indicates the chain pitch – the distance between pin centers on the chain. This is 5.20mm for a 520 chain.
- The second and third numbers denote the inner width between the side plates where the rollers sit. A common width is 20 (2.0mm).
So a 520 chain has a pitch of 5.20mm and a roller width around 2mm.
The 520 pitch provides adequate strength for moderate power outputs, keeping the chain compact and lightweight. It strikes a good balance of performance, weight and cost.
Summary List
Best Overall: DID 520VO Steel Professional V Series O-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
Best Value: NICHE 520 Drive Chain O-Ring With Connecting Master Link
Honorable Mention: Renthal R3-3 SRS 520 O-Ring Chain
Best for Motocross: RK Racing Chain 520-SO Steel O-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
Best 520: RK Racing Chain 520-SO Steel O-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
520 O-Ring Motorcycle Chain: Summary
The 520 size chain with O-ring seals is commonly used on middleweight motorcycles in street or dirtbike roles. This includes bikes with engine displacements from 250cc to 600cc where good sealing is desired but extremely high strength is not required. A 520 O-ring chain provides a nice balance of durability, sealing, and weight for daily-use street motorcycles and weekend off-road adventures.
Renthal R3-3 SRS 520 O-Ring Chain
Specs
Make: Renthal
Model: R3-3 SRS 520
Type: O-ring
SUMMARY |
The Renthal R3-3 SRS is a high-performance 520 pitch O-ring chain designed for street and track riding. It features nickel-plated steel construction with Renthal’s unique self-regulating seal system for maximum contaminant protection. |
REVIEW: “I put the Renthal R3-3 chain on my Yamaha R6 track bike. Way better than OEM. The self-adjusting seals keep debris out even when leaned over at full tilt. Still looks new after 5 track days of aggressive use and abuse.” – Dalton R.
D.I.D (520VO) Steel Professional V Series O-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
Specs
Make: D.I.D
Model: DID (520VO-112) Steel
Type: O-ring
SUMMARY |
The DID 520VO-112 is a premium quality 112 link 520 pitch O-ring chain. It features a tough steel construction and DID’s V-ring seal design that provides enhanced protection from dirt and debris. Ideal for performance and racing applications. |
REVIEW: “I upgraded to this DID chain on my GSX-R600 track bike. Smoother power delivery and definitely more durable than the stock chain. Holds lubricant better so I can go longer between adjustments too. Worth the premium price for racing and aggressive street riding.” – Mike R.
RK Racing Chain 520-SO(520 Series) Steel Traditional Street and Off-Road O-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
Specs
Make: RK
Model: Racing Chain 520-SO
Type: O-ring
SUMMARY |
The RK 520-SO-120 is a high quality 120 link street/off-road 520 pitch O-ring chain. It features nickel-plated steel construction with rugged HN seals for durability and corrosion resistance. Well suited for middleweight motorcycles. |
REVIEW: “I bought this chain for my KLR 650 dualsport. It was easy to size and install using the included connecting link. Much more durable than the stock chain and handles off-road abuse well. I clean and lube it after every long ride or muddy trail and it stays nice and smooth.” – Brian on RevZilla
NICHE 520 Drive Chain O-Ring With Connecting Master Link for Motorcycle ATV Dirt Bike
Specs
Make: NICHE
Model: 520 Drive Chain
Type: O-ring
SUMMARY |
The Niche 520 drive chain is a 120 link O-ring motorcycle chain made with high-quality steel components and O-Ring seals. It offers reliable performance and easier maintenance for street bikes and dirt bikes running a 520 pitch chain. |
REVIEW: “Bought this chain for my KLX300 dualsport. Good quality for the price. Includes the master link so installation took 10 minutes. No issues through the first 1,000 miles riding street and trails.”
What Better: 520 or 525 Motorcycle Chain?
When comparing 520 vs 525 motorcycle chains, there are a few key differences to consider:
- Pitch – The 525 chain has a larger pitch (distance between pins) of 5.25mm vs 5.20mm on the 520 chain. This allows the 525 to handle more power.
- Strength – 525 chains can be built with thicker side plates and larger pin/roller diameters. This makes them stronger than 520 chains.
- Usage – 520 chains are very common on smaller displacement bikes under 600cc. 525 chains tend to be used on larger, more powerful motorcycles.
- Chainspeed – The 525 chain is capable of higher chainspeed operation due to the larger pitch and components.
- Wear – The thicker 525 chain generally lasts longer before stretching and wears slower compared to 520 chains.
- Weight – 525 chains weigh a bit more than 520 chains of the same length.
- Price – 525 chains cost more than their 520 counterparts.
In summary, 525 chains are designed for more torque and power compared to 520 chains. Their greater strength and durability make them ideal for high performance applications. However, 520 chains work well for lower displacement bikes. So consider your motorcycle’s power output when choosing.
Chain For The KLR 650: The Preferred Choice
When it comes time to replace the worn out chain on your KLR 650, the RK Racing Chain 520-SO-120 is an excellent option to consider. This chain has the proper 520 pitch size and dimensional specifications to match the original KLR 650 chain. The nickel-plated steel construction provides extreme durability for on and off-road use, while the O-ring seals optimize contaminant protection and lubrication retention.
The included reusable master link simplifies installation and removal as needed for maintenance. With specifications tailored for street and dirt use, along with the trusted RK brand reputation, the 520-SO-120 chain is purpose-built to provide outstanding service life for the rigorous dualsport demands of the Kawasaki KLR 650.
[…] size of the motorcycle chain is determined by the number of links it has. The most common sizes are 520 o-ring and other, 525, and 530. The first number indicates the pitch of the chain in eighths of an inch, […]