{"id":3517,"date":"2026-04-02T06:50:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T06:50:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/motorcyclechain.top\/?post_type=product&p=3517"},"modified":"2026-04-02T06:51:54","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T06:51:54","slug":"motocross-motorcycle-chain-428-520-series","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/motorcyclechain.top\/de\/product\/motocross-motorcycle-chain-428-520-series\/","title":{"rendered":"Motocross-Motorradkette \u2013 Serie 428\/520"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A motocross motorcycle chain<\/strong> 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Motocross chains<\/strong> are available in two main configurations: non-sealed and sealed. Non-sealed chains \u2014 such as the 428PLUS, 520PLUS, and 520K in our range \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n 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:<\/p>\n \u2b50<\/span> \u2b50<\/span> \u2b50<\/span> \u2b50<\/span> <\/p>\n 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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 \u2014 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.<\/p>\n The ratio of front to rear sprocket tooth count determines the final drive ratio \u2014 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.<\/p>\n Because sprockets and the chain wear together as a system, replacing the chain without replacing the sprockets \u2014 especially when sprockets already show hook-shaped tooth wear \u2014 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/p>\nMotocross Motorcycle Chain Size Chart<\/h2>\n
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\n \nKettennummer<\/th>\n Steigung (mm)<\/th>\n Buchsentyp<\/th>\n Breite (mm)<\/th>\n Stiftdurchmesser (mm)<\/th>\n Stiftl\u00e4nge (mm)<\/th>\n Walzendurchmesser (mm)<\/th>\n Platte T Innen (mm)<\/th>\n Platte T Au\u00dfendurchmesser (mm)<\/th>\n Zugfestigkeit (kN)<\/th>\n Gewicht (kg\/m)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n 428PLUS<\/td>\n 12.700<\/td>\n Solide<\/td>\n 7.85<\/td>\n 4.45<\/td>\n 17.30<\/td>\n 8.51<\/td>\n 1.56<\/td>\n 1.56<\/td>\n 17.5<\/td>\n 0.68<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 428HPLUS<\/td>\n 12.700<\/td>\n Solide<\/td>\n 7.85<\/td>\n 4.45<\/td>\n 19.05<\/td>\n 8.51<\/td>\n 1.96<\/td>\n 1.96<\/td>\n 20.6<\/td>\n 0.85<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 520PLUS<\/td>\n 15.875<\/td>\n Solide<\/td>\n 6.35<\/td>\n 5.24<\/td>\n 18.00<\/td>\n 10.16<\/td>\n 2.03<\/td>\n 2.03<\/td>\n 28.0<\/td>\n 0.96<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 520MX<\/td>\n 15.875<\/td>\n Solide<\/td>\n 6.35<\/td>\n 5.24<\/td>\n 18.20<\/td>\n 10.16<\/td>\n 2.20<\/td>\n 2.20<\/td>\n 36.0<\/td>\n 0.91<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 520K<\/td>\n 15.875<\/td>\n Solide<\/td>\n 6.35<\/td>\n 5.08<\/td>\n 17.60<\/td>\n 10.16<\/td>\n 1.96<\/td>\n 1.96<\/td>\n 26.5<\/td>\n 0.91<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n Benefits of the Motocross Motorcycle Chain<\/h2>\n
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\nStrength and durability under shock load:<\/strong> Motocross chains are built for the high power output and torque of off-road machines, plus the impact forces from jumps and rough terrain. Solid bushings and heavier plates resist deformation where a curled-bushing chain would compress and elongate rapidly.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nWear resistance:<\/strong> The solid bushing in contact with the hardened pin wears at a controlled, slow rate. Some motocross chains also incorporate O-ring or X-ring seals to keep lubricant inside the joint and contaminants out, extending service life considerably versus non-sealed variants under identical conditions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nEfficient power transfer:<\/strong> Motocross chains are designed to transmit power from the engine to the rear wheel with minimal energy loss through flexion or friction. This directly affects acceleration and throttle response \u2014 measurable in competitive riding where fractions of a second count.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nWeight-optimised construction:<\/strong> Some motocross chains, including the 520MX at 0.91 kg\/m, achieve high tensile strength (36.0 kN) without excessive mass. Reduced unsprung rotating weight has a tangible effect on handling and rear suspension response in off-road applications.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHow to Tighten a Motocross Motorcycle Chain<\/h2>\n
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\nPark the motorcycle on a centre stand or paddock stand.<\/strong> The rear wheel should be off the ground so it can rotate freely. Ensure the engine is off and transmission in neutral.<\/li>\n
\nLoosen the rear axle nut.<\/strong> Use a wrench or socket to loosen the nut sufficiently to allow wheel movement, but do not remove it.<\/li>\n
\nLoosen the chain adjusters<\/strong> on both sides of the swingarm. Turn counterclockwise to move the wheel forward and increase chain slack, clockwise to move it back and reduce slack.<\/li>\n
\nMeasure chain slack at the midpoint<\/strong> between the front and rear sprockets along the lower run. For most motocross and off-road bikes, correct slack is 35\u201345 mm of vertical movement. Consult your owner’s manual for the model-specific specification \u2014 motocross bikes require more slack than street bikes to accommodate full suspension compression.<\/li>\n
\nAdjust both sides equally.<\/strong> Verify that the alignment marks on the swingarm adjuster match on both sides. Unequal adjustment causes the rear wheel to run at an angle, accelerating tyre wear and causing handling problems.<\/li>\n
\nTighten the adjuster lock nuts<\/strong> evenly on both sides once the correct slack is achieved.<\/li>\n
\nTorque the rear axle nut<\/strong> to the specification in your service manual. Check wheel alignment using the swingarm reference marks and verify the rear brake caliper is correctly repositioned if it was disturbed.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/p>\nMotocross Motorcycle Chain \u2014 Material and Construction<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n<\/div>\nSolid Bush vs Curled Bush<\/h3>\n
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\nAll five motocross chains in this range use solid-bore bushings<\/strong> machined from high-quality alloy steel. A solid bushing has a continuous cylindrical wall without a longitudinal seam, providing higher radial stiffness and contact area between the pin and bushing compared to the curled (rolled) bushings used in standard-series chains.<\/li>\n
\nUnder the sustained impact loading of motocross riding \u2014 including compression from jump landings and torque spikes from hard acceleration in loose conditions \u2014 a curled bushing will deform slightly over time at the seam, reducing dimensional accuracy and accelerating pin wear. A solid bushing maintains its geometry over a longer service life.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nPlate Thickness and Pin Diameter<\/h3>\n
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\nThe 520MX uses 2.20 mm plates (inner and outer) versus 2.03 mm on the 520PLUS, and its pin diameter is 5.24 mm. This heavier gauge configuration \u2014 combined with the 520MX’s 36.0 kN tensile strength versus 28.0 kN for the 520PLUS \u2014 makes it the highest-spec motocross chain in our 520-pitch range, suited to high-power motocross bikes where the chain is subjected to the heaviest loads.<\/li>\n
\nThe 428HPLUS upgrades from the 428PLUS’s 17.5 kN and 1.56 mm plates to 20.6 kN and 1.96 mm plates. For smaller-displacement motocross bikes where weight is critical, the 428PLUS offers a balance of adequate strength and lower mass; the 428HPLUS is the choice for higher-power 125\u2013250cc engines and riders who prioritise durability over minimum weight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nHeat Treatment<\/h3>\n
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\nAll components \u2014 pins, bushings, rollers, and plates \u2014 undergo heat treatment (quenching and tempering) controlled within strict temperature tolerances. This process is applied to all parts, not only selected high-stress components, and is carried out within a reasonable tolerance range to balance hardness with the fracture toughness needed for impact resistance in off-road use.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nMotorcycle Sprockets and Motocross Motorcycle Chains<\/h2>\n
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