Velomoto knowledge centre
Technical guides: Chains and sprockets
Guides on choosing, maintaining and replacing brakes, chains, variator belts and control cables, written with the technical data of our brands. Guides are currently in Turkish.
What Do Motorcycle Chain Sizes (428, 520, 525, 530) Mean?
In a motorcycle chain size, the first digit gives the chain pitch and the last two digits give its inner width.
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What Is the Difference Between O-Ring, X-Ring, XW-Ring and Standard Chains?
The difference is the seal that keeps the lubricant between the chain's pin and bushing inside.
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What Does Heavy Duty (HD) Chain Mean?
A heavy duty (HD) chain is a standard non-sealed chain reinforced with tougher materials and processes.
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Gold, Black and Colored Chains: What Does the Coating Add?
The difference between gold, black or colored chains is the coating; it changes how the chain looks and adds extra rust protection, but it is not what determines the chain's strength.
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How Are Track and Racing Chains Different?
Racing chains are designed for minimum friction and low weight; that is why they are made with very thin seals or no seals and are developed for racing conditions.
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What Is Chain Tensile Strength? kN and kg Equivalents
Tensile strength is the force at which a chain breaks when pulled from both ends; it is usually given in kilonewtons (kN), pounds (lbs) or kilograms of force (kgf).
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Where Is RK Chain From? About RK Takasago Chain
RK is a Japanese brand: RK Takasago Chain has been making motorcycle chains and sprockets since 1953.
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How to Spot a Fake RK Chain: Checking for a Genuine Product
The safest way to be sure an RK chain is genuine is to buy it from an authorized dealer with an invoice.
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RK Chain Series: What Do 520XSO, 525, 530 and the Series Codes Mean?
An RK chain code has three parts: a color prefix (if any), the size and the series name.
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Which Chain Fits My Motorcycle? Choosing the Right Chain from the RK Catalog
The most reliable way to find the chain that fits your motorcycle is to search the RK catalog by make, model and year.
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Can You Use a Chain and Sprockets from Different Brands Together?
Yes; the chain and sprockets can be from different brands as long as they are the same size and have the right codes for your motorcycle.
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Where to Buy a Genuine RK Chain: Dealers, Warranty, Stock and Price
In Turkey, you can buy genuine RK chains and sprockets from Velomoto's authorized dealers.
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How Do You Clean and Lubricate a Motorcycle Chain?
An O-ring motorcycle chain is cleaned with an O-ring-safe chain cleaner and a cloth; then a short ride throws off the cleaner and water, and the chain is lubricated while warm with a lube suitable for O-ring chains…
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How Often (in km) Should a Motorcycle Chain Be Lubricated?
How often a chain should be lubricated is determined first by your motorcycle's service manual; a common recommendation is to clean and lubricate the chain about every 800 km.
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Which Chain Lube Should You Use? Spray or Liquid Grease?
On a sealed (O-ring, X-ring, XW-ring) chain, use a motorcycle chain lube whose packaging says it is suitable for O-ring chains.
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Can Kerosene, Diesel, Gasoline or Thinner Be Used to Clean a Chain?
No.
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Do Automatic Chain Oilers Work?
Yes, when set up correctly: an automatic oiler feeds the chain small, regular amounts of lube while riding, helping keep the chain both lubricated and cleaner.
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How to Prevent and Clean Motorcycle Chain Rust
The way to prevent chain rust is to dry and lubricate the chain after rain and washing and before long storage; the layer of lube keeps water and salt away from the steel surface.
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How Do You Fix a Stiff (Seized) Chain Link?
A stiff (seized) link is a link that does not straighten out after leaving the sprocket and stays kinked; it is usually caused by lack of lube, dirt, rust or over-riveting a newly fitted master link.
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How Much Slack Should a Motorcycle Chain Have?
The correct chain slack varies by motorcycle; it is given in the service manual or, on most models, on a label on the swingarm.
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How Do You Adjust a Motorcycle Chain? Axle and Alignment Adjustment
Chain adjustment means sliding the rear axle forward or back along the swingarm to bring the chain slack to the value in the manual.
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What Is Chain Stretch, How Is It Measured and What Should You Do?
Chain stretch is not the metal stretching; it is the pitch of every link growing slightly because of wear between the pin and bushing.
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What Causes Motorcycle Chain Noise and How Do You Stop It?
Chain noise is usually caused by lack of lube, incorrect tension, worn sprockets or a stretched chain.
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Why Are the Chain Slider and Chain Guard Important?
A chain slider is a plastic or rubber part at the front of the swingarm that the chain slides over; it keeps the chain from rubbing against the swingarm.
Read the guideWhere can I buy the products? We do not sell directly to end users. You can buy the products mentioned in our guides from our authorised dealers.
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