Motorcycle Chain Size Chart Decoded

The following is the standard motorcycle chain size comparison table you need. When I look up the data in the store, I usually use this set of “old three” specifications.

Standard motorcycle chain size comparison table (three mainstream specifications)

Chain specifications (series)	Pitch (Pitch)	Roller width/width (Width)	Typical displacement corresponding
420	1/2″ (12.70mm)	1/4″ (6.35mm)	50cc – 125cc
428	1/2″ (12.70mm)	5/16″ (7.94mm)	125cc – 250cc
520	5/8 ″ (15.875mm)	1/4 ″ (6.35mm)	250cc-600cc (off-road/streetcar)
525	5/8 “(15.875mm)	5/16″ (7.94mm)	600cc-900cc (street car)
530 (50)	5/8 ″ (15.875mm)	3/8 ″ (9.52mm)	1000cc (upgrade sports car/cruise car)
630	3/4 ″ (19.05mm)	3/8 ″ (9.52mm)	Old Large Displacement Cars in 1970 s and 1980 s

(Note: “Pitch” refers to the distance between the pin shaft and the pin shaft. “Width” refers to the internal width between the inner link plates.)

Decoding the Numbers

This line of numbers looks dizzy, but the logic is actually very simple.

First digit (pitch): It tells you the distance between the pins.

• 4xx series chain: pitch is 4/8 inch (1/2 inch after approximately).
• 5xx series chain: pitch is 5/8 inch (that is, 0.625 inches).

Professional tip: This is why you should never install the 5-series chain on the 4-series tooth plate. The tooth spacing of the tooth plate and the chain hole spacing do not match at all, and hard fitting will only jam.

Last two digits (width): This represents the inner width of the chain (that is, the place where the teeth of the dental disc are stuck).

• 520: That “20” corresponds roughly to 2.0/8 inch (I. e. 1/4 inch).
• 525: This is a special specification, slightly wider than the 520 (about 5/16 inch or 7.95mm).
• 530: “30” corresponds to 3.0/8 inch (I. e. 3/8 inch).

Bottom line logic: All 500 series of chains (520, 525, 530) share the same pitch (pin spacing), but their widths are different. The 520 is the narrowest and the 530 is the widest. Usually, they cannot be mixed. 520 the chain is too narrow to get into the 530’;s mouthpiece. On the other hand, if you hang the 530 chain on the 520 tooth plate, it is called a loose one. It will sway from side to side when running, which is very dangerous. I have seen people do this in the maintenance room, saying it is to “save money”, and the result is a mess.

How to Measure Your Chain

If the steel mark on the chain has been worn out, don’t guess. Take a vernier caliper (or a very precise ruler) and do as I say:

Step 1: Measure the pitch (pin to pin)

Measure the distance from the center of one pin to the center of the next pin.

• If it is 12.7mm (0.5 “), it is a 4 series chain.
• If it is a 15.88mm (0.625 “), it is a 5 series chain.

Step 2: Measure the inner width (roller width)

Put the caliper inside the link and measure the gap between the two inner link plates.

• 6.35mm = 520
• 7.94mm = 525 (or 428, combined with pitch)
• 9.52mm = 530

Technician warning: Do not go to the external width of the chain. Many people get this wrong. The external thickness of oil-sealed chains with O-ring or X-ring varies from brand to brand (DID, RK, EK do not the same). You have to match the dental plate, only the inner width is the only hard indicator.

Quick selection of chains

If you just do regular replacement, honestly according to the OEM manual to buy on the line. However, the configuration often seen on my lift is roughly the same:

• Off-road vehicles/endurance vehicles (125cc-650cc): almost all are 520. Because it is light and has good mud discharge performance.
• Entry-level sports cars (R3, Ninja 400): usually 520 or 428 (it depends on the specific year, be sure to check the manual!).
• Middleweight Streetcar (MT-07, SV650, CBR600RR): Typical configuration is 525. This is a compromise, with the best balance of life and weight.
• Public upgrade beast & cruise car (R1, falcon, harley): basically 530. These cars have too much torque and heavy bodies. They need wider rollers to disperse the force area, otherwise the chain will stretch too fast.

Tensile Strength Comparison

This is just a general data reference, the in the mind have to have a number:

• Standard 520: ~ 7,000 lbs (this strength is too weak for public upgrade vehicles, don’t try it)
• Premium X-Ring 520: ~ 9,000 lbs (enough for 600cc)
• Competitive 520: ~ 10,500 lbs (even 1000cc can be used as long as you maintain it properly)
• Heavy duty 530: ~ 11,000 lbs (durability of the ceiling)

My professional advice: If you are on the next track or pursuing the ultimate lap speed, do 520 conversion (replace the original 525/530 with competitive 520), light weight and high transmission efficiency. But you have to be prepared, the frequency of changing chains will be much higher. But if you don’t like frequent maintenance, just want to make the chain life as long as possible, then honestly choose 530 chain. Although a little heavy, but really worry.

About the Author: Mike

I have spent the last 11 years professionally servicing a wide range of motorcycles, from 50cc scooters to high-performance liter bikes. As the owner of an independent repair shop, I specialize in mechanical diagnostics and drivetrain optimization.

Driven by a commitment to rider safety, I write technical guides to help DIY enthusiasts avoid the risks of incorrect maintenance and sizing. I believe in adhering to strict shop standards, a practice I apply both in my workshop and when riding my CBR600RR at the track.