520 Motorcycle Chain Dimensions
Very common 520 X-ring chain size on motorcycles, usually on medium weight motorcycles less than 600 cc for motorcycle racing, road or motocross motorcycles.
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.
•Alloy steel strength •Nickel-plated steel •Gold alloy steel •Premium price •Higher cost •Stiffness
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Best for
Off-Road
Best
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DID 520VX3GB-120 Gold X-Ring
RK Racing Chain 520XSO-114 RX-Ring
MRELC Gold 520 X-Ring
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This chain is ideal for 250cc-500cc street, dualsport and dirt bikes.
Excels at keeping grit and debris out of pins, bushings and rollers compared to ordinary sealed chains.
This 112 link gold X-ring chain kit from MRELC offers great value by bundling their premium chain with a handy chain breaker tool.
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•X-ring sealing system
•Reusable master link
•Gold plating
•Reusable master link
•Street and dirt ready
•X-ring sealed
•Includes chain tool
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•Noisy when dry
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Periodic lubrication
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Noisy when dry
Summary List
Best Overall: DID (520VX3GB-120) Gold 120 Link High Performance VX Series X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
Best Value: MRELC Gold 520 X-Ring Chain + Chain Breaker,112 Links With Connecting Master Link
Honorable Mention: JT Chain JTC520X1RGB114DL (520 Series) Gold 114 Link Heavy Duty X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
Best for Off-road: RK Racing Chain 520XSO-114 (520 Series) Steel 114 Link High Performance Street and Off-Road RX-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
Best X ring 520 Chain: DID (520VX3GB-120) Gold 120 Link High Performance VX Series X-Ring Chain with Connecting Link
520 X-ring Motorcycle Chain For Off-road y Dirt Bikes: Summary
When riding off-road, having a high quality, durable motorcycle chain is crucial. That’s why many dirt bikes and dualsports use 520 size chains with X-ring seals. The X-ring design provides enhanced protection from dust, dirt and debris encountered on trails. This article covers the top 520 X-ring chains perfect for off-road motorcycles.
We discuss how X-rings improve seal longevity and extend lubrication intervals compared to O-rings. Chains stay cleaner and wear slower thanks to the X-ring’s double lip seal. We recommend top chains from RK, Regina, DID and others that offer excellent sealing for wet, muddy conditions. The focus is on chains ideal for 250cc-450cc single and twin cylinder dirt bikes and adventure dualsports.
With tips for measuring your chain, selecting the proper width and length, and installment best practices, we help you choose the right X-ring chain. Your chain is a critical component, so investing in a quality X-ring chain will pay dividends in reliability and reduced maintenance when riding off-road.
DID 520VX3GB-120 Gold X-Ring Motorcycle Chain
This chain is ideal for 250cc-500cc street, dualsport and dirt bikes. The 520 pitch fits most middleweight singles and twins. DID’s expertise provides precise fitment and smooth running.
Specs
Make: D.I.D
Model: 520VX3GB
Type: X-Ring
SUMMARY |
The DID 520VX3GB-120 chain combines robust alloy steel construction with advanced X-ring seals to deliver exceptional strength, sealing and corrosion resistance for middleweight motorcycles.
This premium 120 link gold motorcycle chain from DID utilizes high-end features and engineering. Constructed from heat-treated high-carbon alloy steel, it provides tremendous tensile strength with precision calibrated parts. The included reusable clip-style master link enables easy no-tool installation and maintenance. Just lube thoroughly per DID’s recommendations to minimize noise and wear. |
REVIEW: “I ride my CRF250L Rally hard off-road and wanted better protection so I upgraded to this DID gold X-ring chain. It’s performed flawlessly for over 1000 miles of muddy, dusty and rocky trails. Very smooth power delivery and still looks great despite the abuse. The X-rings keep gunk out of the rollers so maintenance is easy. Expensive but worth it for the durability and performance.” – Jack M.
JT Chain JTC520X1RGB114DL Gold X-Ring Motorcycle Chain
The JTC520X1RGB114DL fits most 250cc-500cc motorcycles running a 520 chain pitch. It provides superb protection from dust and debris without sacrificing strength.
Specs
Make: JT Chain
Model: JTC520X1RGB114DL
Type: X-Ring
SUMMARY |
The JT Chain JTC520X1RGB114DL utilizes a heavy duty gold alloy steel construction combined with X-ring seals to provide enhanced strength, corrosion resistance and contaminant protection.
This 114 link X-ring chain from JT Chain features a robust build and design ideal for aggressive street, dual sport, and dirt bike riders. It combines proven reliability with cutting edge technology. The included master link enables easy no-tool installation and maintenance. Keep the chain cleaned and lubed as directed to maximize durability. |
REVIEW: “I ride my WR250R hard on trails and needed better protection and sealing from water/mud, so I installed this JT gold X-ring chain. It was super easy to size and install using the master link. Even after 700 miles of muddy and dusty riding, the chain still looks and performs like new. The X-ring design really keeps gunk out.” – Dan S.
MRELC Gold 520 X-Ring Motorcycle Chain Review
This 112 link gold X-ring chain kit from MRELC offers great value by bundling their premium chain with a handy chain breaker tool. The package has everything you need for upgrading your motorcycle drive chain.
Specs
Make: MRELC
Model: Gold 520 X-Ring Chain
Type: Non-O-Ring
SUMMARY |
The MRELC Gold 520 chain combines durable construction, X-ring seals and a handy chain tool for simplified installation and maintenance on middleweight bikes.
This kit provides outstanding value by pairing a robust X-ring chain with the essential chain breaker tool for installation and maintenance. Ideal for middleweight street, dualsport and dirt bike riders. Keep the chain cleaned, lubed and adjusted per specs and it will provide thousands of miles of smooth reliable performance. |
REVIEW: “I got this kit for my KLX300R and it made installing a new chain so easy. The breaker tool worked flawlessly to remove my old chain and size this one. The gold X-ring chain looks awesome and runs smooth even after some muddy rides. Great quality chain and tools for the money.” – Alex T.
RK Racing Chain 520XSO-114 RX-Ring Motorcycle Chain Review
This chain excels at keeping grit and debris out of pins, bushings and rollers compared to ordinary sealed chains. It provides superior protection from the elements to maximize long term durability.
Specs
Make: RK Racing
Model: 520XSO-114 Steel
Type: X-ring
SUMMARY |
The RK Racing 520XSO-114 chain combines high-quality steel construction, advanced RX-ring seals and easy installation for middleweight motorcycles seeking superior protection from dust and debris.
This 114 link street and off-road RX-ring chain from RK Racing Chain utilizes premium features to provide enhanced durability and smooth power delivery. The included master link enables quick and easy no-tool installation, maintenance and adjustments. Keep it properly tightened and lubed for best chain life. |
REVIEW: “I ride my CRF250L on the street but also hit trails on weekends. Wanted better sealing from water/mud so installed this RK RX-ring chain. It’s performed flawlessly handling road miles during the week and muddy trails on the weekends. The bike just feels more responsive too.” – Mike R.
FAQs 520 X-ring chains
DID 520VX3GB-120 Gold
Q: What lubricant works best with this DID chain?
A: We recommends their MOTUL lubricant designed specifically to work with their X-ring seals. Any high quality motorcycle chain lube formulated for O-rings/X-rings will also work well.
Q: Does this chain work with stock sprockets?
A: Yes, the 520 pitch and width is made to work with stock sprockets on most 250-500cc motorcycles. You can use existing sprockets without issue.
JT Chain JTC520X1RGB114DL
Q: Does this chain work with stock sprockets?
A: Yes, this 520 pitch chain is designed to work with the stock sprockets on most 250-500cc motorcycles without any issues.
Q: How often does this chain need adjusted?
A: JT recommends checking/adjusting chain slack every 300 miles. But keep an eye on slack and adjust more frequently if needed.
MRELC Gold 520 X-Ring
Q: How often does this chain need lubricating?
A: MRELC recommends lubricating every 300-500 miles. Clean and lube more frequently if riding in wet or dusty conditions.
Q: What lubricant works best with this chain?
A: A quality chain lubricant specifically formulated for X-ring or O-ring chains will work best. Avoid automotive oils as they can degrade the seals.
RK Racing Chain 520XSO
Q: What is the main difference between O-rings and RX-rings?
A: RX-rings use a patented dual lip design that provides better sealing over standard single lip O-rings. This improves lubricant retention and contamination protection.
Q: Does this work with stock CRF250L sprockets?
A: Yes, the RK 520XSO-114 matches the stock CRF250L sprocket sizes and pitch so no sprocket change is needed.
[…] chain sizes available for the sprockets mentioned in the previous section are 520, 525, and 530. For the 520 chain size, the corresponding part numbers are 520-17T, 520-37T, and 520-45T, with prices ranging from $20 to […]