Lanac za motokros motocikle — Serija 428 / 520

A motocross motorcycle chain is a specialised type of roller drive chain designed to withstand the mechanical demands of off-road riding. Compared with a standard street chain, a motocross chain is built with solid bushings rather than curled bushings, heavier-gauge side plates, and larger-diameter pins — all of which contribute to higher tensile strength, greater resistance to the shock loads generated by jumps and hard acceleration on loose or uneven surfaces, and longer wear life under conditions where grit and abrasive particles would rapidly degrade a lighter chain.

Motocross chains are available in two main configurations: non-sealed and sealed. Non-sealed chains — such as the 428PLUS, 520PLUS, and 520K in our range — are the choice for competitive racing where the chain is cleaned and replaced frequently, and where the weight advantage of a non-sealed design is valued. Sealed chains, which incorporate O-ring or X-ring seals at each pin-bushing joint, are better suited to enduro, trail, and recreational off-road riding where maintenance intervals are longer and the chain must resist immersion in mud and water over extended use.

The table covers five motocross-specific chain specifications. All use solid-bore bushings machined from alloy steel rather than the curled bushings found in standard-series chains — solid bushing construction provides greater radial stiffness and resists deformation under the sustained impact loads that characterise motocross riding. Tensile strength figures are tested break loads; apply an appropriate safety factor for calculated working loads based on application and power output.

Motocross chains are designed to handle the harsh conditions of off-road riding. They incorporate features that reduce wear and tear in conditions where a standard street chain would deteriorate quickly. Specific benefits compared with standard non-motocross chains include:

Maintaining correct chain tension on a motocross motorcycle is especially important because off-road riding subjects the drivetrain to more extreme chain excursions than street riding — a chain that is too tight will bind under full rear suspension compression, potentially breaking the chain or damaging the swingarm. A chain that is too loose risks derailing from the sprocket. Check tension before every ride during an active riding season.

The construction differences between a motocross chain and a standard street chain are not visible in the series number alone. Understanding what distinguishes the PLUS and MX designations from a standard-series chain helps in selecting the right specification for an application.

Motorcycle sprockets and motorcycle chains are two of the most important components in a motorcycle's drivetrain. They work together to transmit power from the engine to the rear wheel — motorcycle sprockets are toothed wheels made of steel or aluminium that mesh with the chain rollers; the chain transfers that rotation from the front (engine) sprocket to the rear (wheel) sprocket.

The ratio of front to rear sprocket tooth count determines the final drive ratio — the relationship between engine speed and rear wheel speed. A higher final drive ratio (more rear teeth relative to front teeth) gives the motorcycle more low-end torque and acceleration but reduces top speed. A lower ratio produces a higher top speed but less acceleration. For motocross competition, riders often choose lower-ratio setups for tight, technical tracks and higher-ratio configurations for fast tracks with long straight sections.

Because sprockets and the chain wear together as a system, replacing the chain without replacing the sprockets — especially when sprockets already show hook-shaped tooth wear — means the new chain will wear down to match the worn sprockets within a few hundred kilometres. The standard recommendation for both motocross and street applications is to replace the complete set at the same time.

Signs that it may be time to replace your lanac i lančanici za motocikle together include: the chain is visibly stretched or loose beyond the adjustment range, sprocket teeth appear hooked or thinned, the chain is slipping on the sprockets under power, or you can hear the chain making unusual noise during riding.

We supply compatible sprockets to pair with all five motocross chain sizes. Browse our chain and sprocket sets, or contact us directly with your motorcycle model details to confirm the correct tooth counts, bolt pattern, and hub bore dimensions before ordering.

Korea Ever-Power Motorcycle Chain Co., Ltd. is a professional chain supplier serving the motorcycle aftermarket across Korea and surrounding markets. We offer a wide range of chains — from standard roller chains through to motocross, reinforced, O-ring, and X-ring variants — as well as all types of matching sprockets. Our supply network draws on a production base with 5 production facilities, ISO 9001 certified quality management, and a chain catalogue covering over 2,000 varieties. Products are exported to more than 80 countries.

We specialise in chains produced to customer specifications. Our advantage is reliable quality, competitive pricing, and responsive service. Contact us for custom specifications, OEM cross-reference confirmation, or wholesale account enquiries.

What is the difference between a motocross motorcycle chain and a standard road chain?
Motocross chains use solid-bore bushings machined from alloy steel, heavier-gauge side plates, and in the case of the 520MX, thicker 2.20 mm plates. Standard road chains use lighter curled-type bushings and thinner plates suited to the lower-impact conditions of paved road riding. The solid bushing is the key structural difference — it resists the deformation from jump landing impacts and hard acceleration on loose terrain that would degrade a curled bushing rapidly.

Which chain should I choose for competitive motocross racing: 520MX or 520PLUS?
The 520MX at 36.0 kN tensile strength and 2.20 mm plates is the higher-spec option and is better suited to high-power 250cc or 450cc engines where maximum tensile load capacity is the priority. The 520PLUS at 28.0 kN and 2.03 mm plates is appropriate for lower-displacement bikes or riders who prioritise a balance between strength and weight. The 520MX is also heavier at 0.91 kg/m versus the 520PLUS at 0.96 kg/m — the difference is small, but worth noting if rotating mass matters in your class.

How often should a motocross chain be lubricated?
After every ride for non-sealed chains used in off-road conditions. Mud, water, and grit will displace lubricant from the pin-bushing joint rapidly during off-road riding. For sealed chains (O-ring or X-ring), external lubrication every 2–3 rides in off-road conditions is sufficient, as the internal grease is retained by the seal.

Can a motocross chain be used on a street motorcycle?
Yes. A motocross chain with the correct pitch and inner width will fit and function on a street sprocket. However, the added weight of the solid bushing construction versus a standard curled-bushing chain may be noticeable on a lightweight street bike. For street use where maintenance is consistent, a standard street chain in the equivalent series is usually the more cost-effective choice.

How do I check whether my motocross chain needs replacing?
Measure 20 full links under slight tension. For 428-pitch chains: nominal 20-link length is 254.0 mm; replace when measured length exceeds 261.6 mm (3% elongation). For 520-pitch: nominal is 317.5 mm; replace at or above 327.0 mm. Also inspect for stiff or kinked links by flexing the chain laterally — any link that does not flex smoothly indicates wear or corrosion requiring replacement.

What is the correct chain slack for a motocross motorcycle?
Typically 35–45 mm of vertical movement at the midpoint of the lower chain run, measured with the bike on a stand and the rear wheel in the normal ride position. The higher slack allowance versus street bikes compensates for the greater rear suspension travel — a tighter setup risks chain breakage or swingarm damage when the suspension compresses fully on landing from a jump.

Do you supply sprockets to match the 520MX or 428PLUS chains?
Yes. We supply front and rear sprockets in all required pitches. Contact us with your motorcycle make, model, and year to confirm tooth counts and fitting dimensions. We also accept enquiries for complete chain and sprocket kit orders.

Jung Min-seok, Motocross Rider, North Gyeongsang Province (February 2025)
"Running a 520MX on my CRF450R for the winter season. Multiple sand and mud sections every weekend — chain is still tight after about 20 hours of riding. I lube after every single ride which is what the chain needs. Performance has been solid, no stretching beyond what you'd expect from a non-sealed chain in these conditions."

Kim Tae-hoon, Enduro Competitor, Jeollabuk-do (December 2024)
"Ordered the 520PLUS for a two-day enduro event. Stream crossings, rocky climbs, the works. Came through both days without a single problem. Cleaned and lubed at the end of day one. Price point is reasonable for what it is — a solid-bushing chain in the right pitch for my KTM."

Oh Chang-woo, Motorcycle Workshop Owner, Ulsan (January 2025)
"We use the 428PLUS for a lot of the 125–150cc off-road bikes we service. Customers report the chain lasts noticeably longer than the OEM chains these bikes come with. The solid bushing is clearly the difference. We've had zero warranty returns on this chain in the past year."

Park Ji-hwan, Trail Rider, Gangwon Province (November 2024)
"Fitted the 428HPLUS on my trail bike before a three-week mountain season. Heavier plates than the standard 428 but still light enough for the 150cc engine. Went through some wet rocky sections and the chain held tension well throughout. Would buy again."

Yoon Seong-jin, Dual-Sport Rider, South Chungcheong Province (October 2024)
"The 520K works well on my dual-sport for mixed paved and dirt road use. It's a solid bushing chain so it handles the off-road portion without drama, and at 0.91 kg/m the weight isn't noticeable on paved road. Delivery was on time and the chain arrived properly lubricated."

Cho Hyun-woo, MX Coach, Incheon (March 2025)
"I buy chains in batches of 10 for the training bikes at our motocross school. The 520PLUS has been consistent across three orders — same quality, same dimensions, no surprises. Students are hard on equipment and these chains hold up. Good product, responsive supplier."