How To Make Motorcycle Chain Longer

If you want to lengthen your motorcycle chain, especially if you have lengthened the rear rocker arm or replaced it with a large rear sprocket, the safest way is to add a specific section of chain using high-quality links. The extended chain itself is safe, but only if you have to work hard on the details. The chain you add must be exactly the same as your existing chain in terms of specifications, make or even model, otherwise the tensile strength and structural integrity cannot be guaranteed at all. The most reliable operation I’ve handled is to use a chain breaker to push out the pin, and then use two riveted links to connect the old and new sections. Don’t use that clip-on type, which is a time bomb at high speeds and high torques. You need to have a chain pressing tool to put the chain link back in place throughout the process, and then use a riveting tool to push the pin head open. This will ensure that the O-shaped or X-shaped sealing ring inside is pressed just right so that the grease does not run out.

Core Compatibility

Whether the extended chain can be successful depends entirely on whether the accessories can be matched 100%. This is where many newbies fall for it most easily. Motorcycle chains are designed to withstand huge tensile forces. If the connection is so different, the strength will be greatly reduced.

Pitch and Width: The pin length and chain blade thickness of a 520 chain are completely different from those of a 530 chain. Even if the specifications are the same, different brands have their own standards for pin diameters, and mixing them is pure murder.

Model Details: “The rated pull of the Economy ”520 and “Super Streetcar” 520 is far different. If you mix them together, the connection becomes a “weak point” and once the engine is powered, the chain breaks down every minute. So remember, you must use the same type of chain segments to ensure that the structural strength of the entire chain is uniform.

Sprockets

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Caliper Series

Lighter weight、Corrosion resisting 、Sliding resistance

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Chain Series

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500X Sprocket

Its yield strength reaches 850 MPa.

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675SR Sprocket

The transmission efficiency has increased by 2.7%.

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520VX2 Series Chain

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Whether The Work Is Done Well Depends Entirely On Whether The Tools Are Specialized Or Not

If you want to achieve factory-level lengthening effect, you will definitely not be able to expect those ordinary wrenches. You have to use precision tools to ensure that the chain remains a qualified “sealing system” after being lengthened.

Chain Breaker : Used to precisely push out the pin without damaging the surrounding inner links.

Chain Press Tool : Press the side piece of the new link onto the pin all thanks to it. This link is very particular. If it is pressed too loosely, oil will leak. If it is pressed too hard, a “dead joint” will be created. Don’t twist the chain when it turns.

Riveting Tool : This tool is used to hold the hollow head of the pin open. The stretched pins create a shock-resistant mechanical locking structure, which is too important for stability at high speeds.

Why Is Riveted Knotting A Must

Although clip-style is very good on small-displacement off-road vehicles, on street cars and racing cars, I only prefer riveted joints.

Safety under torque: The clamping piece can easily fall off under the centrifugal force generated by high speed or the impact of road gravel.

High-speed stability: The riveted effect is almost the same as the original chain link, providing a continuous high-strength loop. When you change to a big flywheel or add a long rear rocker arm, the aggressive acceleration can only be withstand by riveting. Usually we use two of these links to “sew” the new chain segments into the original chain.

Hands-On Lengthening

In practice, there is a very hard logic, so don’t skip steps:

• Remove the pins: Use a chain cutter to push out the pins and make the old chain start with two “female links”.
• Prepare the extension section: Make sure the extra chain you want to add is also internal links at both ends.
• Splicing: Insert riveted links into the two interfaces respectively.
• Install the sealing ring: Grease the matching oil, place the O-shaped or X-shaped ring, and press it to the appropriate width with a sheeting tool.
• Last riveting: Riveting tools start. To say more, I am used to taking a micrometer at the end to measure the diameter of the riveted pin and check the manufacturer’s standard parameters to ensure that everything is correct.

Ensure Lubrication And Service Life

According to the professional riveting method I mentioned above, the sealing ring can stay on the position honestly, so that the original grease inside the roller can be locked, avoiding overheating and metal fatigue caused by improper lengthening operation.

As long as you follow this professional process, whether it is to improve performance or extend the rocker arm, the extended chain can firmly support your transmission system, and there is no need to worry about safety and reliability.

Author: Dave Miller

Drivetrain safety is my obsession, and I’ve shared this guide to help you extend your chain with the precision and reliability that professional builds demand.