Powersports & Mechanical Drive

Drive Chain Size Chart & Dimensions

Decode motorcycle chain codes from 415 to 530. Calculate pin-to-pin pitch, roller width, engine displacement ratings, and compare O-ring vs X-ring drag.

Select Drive Chain Size:

💡 How Chain Numbers Are Coded (e.g., #520):First digit '5' = Pitch in eighths of an inch (5/8" (5/8") = 15.88mm).
Next two digits '20' = Roller width in eightieths of an inch (1/4" (2.0/8") = 6.35mm).

Drive Chain Specification

Size #520 Roller Chain

Tensile: ~8,000 – 9,000 lbs

Pin-to-Pin Pitch

15.88 mm

(5/8" (5/8"))

Inner Roller Width

6.35 mm

(1/4" (2.0/8"))

Roller Outer Diameter

10.16 mm

Pin sleeve bearing

Recommended Displacement: 250cc – 600cc dirt bikes, enduro, trackday conversions on 1000cc

Typical Application: Universal off-road motocross standard (250F, 450F) and popular 520 race conversion for superbikes.

O-Ring vs. X-Ring vs. Standard Non-Sealed Chains

Standard Non-O-Ring

Friction Drag: Lowest (0.5% – 1%)

Maintenance: High (clean & lube every 200–300 miles)

Motocross races, vintage restorations, drag racing where zero drag beats chain lifespan.

O-Ring Chain

Friction Drag: Moderate (2% – 3% drag)

Maintenance: Medium (lube every 500 miles)

Everyday street commuting, dual-sport trail riding; rubber O-rings seal factory grease inside pins.

X-Ring / Z-Ring Chain

Friction Drag: Low (40% less friction than standard O-ring)

Maintenance: Low (lasts 1.5x to 2x longer than O-ring)

High-performance sport touring and adventure touring (BMW GS, Superbikes).