How to Find Your Motorcycle Chain Size
If the time has come to replace your motorcycle chain, you will need to know the size of the chain in order to buy the correct replacement. The length of the replacement chain can be longer or shorter, depending on personal preference. Even though the length of the chain may vary, the pitch and width must both stay the same. Chains are identified by numbers and their sizes are determined by a combination of pitch and width: Chain #520, for example, has a pitch of 5/8-inch and a width of 1/4-inch.
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Instructions
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Remove the chain from your motorcycle by unbolting the chain guard and front sprocket, loosening the rear tire lug bolt, pushing the tire forward to slacken the chain, and prying off the master link with a flathead screwdriver.
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Lay the chain out straight and flat. Measure the length, from one end to the other. Buy a chain length that is a bit longer, to be on the safe side. Links can be removed, if necessary.
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Measure the pitch. The pitch is the distance between roller pins. On the side of each outer roller plate (the alternating flat parts of an individual link that are on the outside of the chain), you will see the ends of two roller pins. Measure from the center of one roller pin to the center of the other roller pin. Motorcycle chains have either 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch pitches.
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Measure the width. The width is the distance between two inner roller plates (the alternating flat parts of an individual link that are on the inside of the chain). Motorcycle chains have 3/16-inch, 5/16-inch, 1/8-inch, 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch widths.
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