The effect of an excellent chain on a vehicle is never lower than that of qualified tires or even engines. As the key to linking the driving system and the power system, the chain is often ignored by many users.

2025/06/1317:40:37 hotcomm 1254

Last year, at Chongqing Motor Expo , DID chains from Japan announced that they had officially entered the Chinese market, which once again attracted attention to the chain in the circle, and it was also equivalent to giving the counterfeit domestic market a shot of a heart-warming agent.
The effect of an excellent chain on a vehicle is never lower than that of qualified tires or even engines. As the key to linking the driving system and the power system, the chain is often ignored by many users. Today, I will talk to you about the chain.

The role of chain

. Currently, the common models on the market are basically four types of transmission types: chain transmission, belt transmission , steel chain transmission (CVT), and shaft transmission . Among them, the transmission method in the form of chain is the most widely popular, most convenient to maintain, and most affordable. The function of the

The effect of an excellent chain on a vehicle is never lower than that of qualified tires or even engines. As the key to linking the driving system and the power system, the chain is often ignored by many users. - DayDayNews

chain is to connect the gearbox sprocket (drum, sprocket ) and the rear wheel sprocket to realize the transmission and conversion of power, thereby achieving the function of driving the vehicle forward. If the engine is the heart of the vehicle and the tire is the feet of the vehicle, then the chain is the muscles and ligaments that are bridged in the middle.

Chain Structure

Currently, the chains sold for motorcycles are mainly precision roller chains, and general roller chains are usually composed of inner/outer chain plates, link pins, roller , and the oil seal chain also has an oil seal installed in the middle of the two chain plates.

The roller installed outside the pin is equivalent to a small bearing, and the friction force can be offset by rotation when in contact with the disc. In addition to fixing the rollers, the pin also acts as a fixed shaft between the chains, realizing the connection between multiple chains.

Chain Type

Common chains used by ordinary motorcycle friends are basically two types: oil sealing chains and non-oil sealing chains. The difference between them depends on whether special lubricating oil is sealed between the roller and the pin, and between the inner and outer chains.

oil seal chain blocks lubricating oil between various friction parts through an O-type or X-type oil seal installed between the inner and outer chain plates, achieving the effect of reducing friction resistance and losses. In addition, dust and debris can be prevented from entering it to accelerate friction consumption.

The traditional oil seal is a ring shape, that is, O-type oil seal, but this gasket will age and deform after long-term extrusion, so it evolves into various shapes such as X-shaped, U-shaped, W-shaped, etc. to reduce the impact of long-term deformation.

Chain model

, like engine oil, also has its own model between the chains. Depending on the vehicle needs, the corresponding chain model should also be used. The label of

engine oil represents its adaptation temperature and lubrication level, while the label of the chain represents its size. The above picture is an example. The 428VX is the model of this chain, which is divided into three parts: 4-28-VX.

means that the distance between its two pins is 4/8 inches, 28 means the inner width of the chain (the distance between the two inner chain pieces) is 2.8/8 inches, and VX is the code for its oil seal shape.

This model determines whether the chain matches the occlusion teeth on the vehicle's disc and sprocket.

In addition to this, there is another code name to represent the length and connection method of the chain.

As shown in the figure above, the code in the red circle indicates that the chain consists of 124 sections, and ZB is the way to connect the chain.

Generally speaking, motorcycle chains are divided into two types: shrapnel and riveted.

shrapnel type

riveted

shrapnel type chain is more used on commuting and mobility models. It has a simple structure, quick disassembly, and is convenient for later DIY maintenance. Because of its greater stiffness, the riveted type is commonly found in performance models and requires special tools for maintenance.

As mentioned earlier, the chain is like the function of muscles and ligaments to the vehicle, and is responsible for the power transmission of the engine and tires. However, car friends are more keen on maintenance and modification of tires, calipers, and shock absorbers, and often ignore this inconspicuous but crucial structure.But in fact, as long as you spend a little more time cleaning and maintenance for this little guy while washing the car, you will gain a completely different cycling experience!