Motocross Chain Tensile Strength Chart | 520, 428 & 420 Chains
Motocross & Off-Road Chain Tensile Strength Chart
Compare common 520, 428, and 420 motocross and off-road motorcycle chains by average tensile strength. This chart is designed to help riders understand chain strength, chain pitch, and the difference between race chains, standard chains, O-ring chains, and X-ring chains.
What Is Tensile Strength?
Tensile strength is a rating that shows how much pulling force a chain can handle before failure under test conditions.
Sealed vs. Non-Sealed
X-ring and O-ring chains usually offer longer wear life. Non-sealed race chains are often lighter and lower drag but require more frequent maintenance.
Pitch Must Match
520, 428, and 420 chains are not interchangeable unless the sprockets are changed to match the chain pitch.
How to Use This Chart
- 520 chains are commonly used on full-size motocross and off-road bikes.
- 428 chains are commonly used on many mini bikes, play bikes, and smaller-displacement off-road motorcycles.
- 420 chains are commonly used on many 50cc, 65cc, 85cc, and pit bike applications, depending on the model.
- Higher tensile strength can be helpful, but chain quality, seal type, weight, maintenance, sprocket condition, and correct adjustment all matter.
520 Chain Tensile Strength
| Rank | Brand | Chain Model | Type | Tensile Strength | Strength Visual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Sunstar | MXR1 | Race / Non-Sealed | 8,970 lbs | |
| #2 | Tusk | Gold Plated Race Chain | Non-O-Ring | 8,900 lbs | |
| #3 | DID | ERT3 Gold Chain | Motocross Race | 8,300 lbs | |
| #4 | DID | VX3 Gold X-Ring | X-Ring | 8,210 lbs | |
| #5 | Tusk | Gold X-Ring | X-Ring | 8,120 lbs | |
| #5 | Primary Drive | ORH X-Ring | X-Ring | 8,120 lbs | |
| #7 | Primary Drive | ORM O-Ring | O-Ring | 7,850 lbs | |
| #8 | Renthal | R1 Works | Race / Non-Sealed | 7,644 lbs | |
| #9 | RK | Standard | Standard | 6,800 lbs |
428 Chain Tensile Strength
| Rank | Brand | Chain Model | Type | Tensile Strength | Strength Visual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | DID | VX X-Ring | X-Ring | 7,420 lbs | |
| #2 | Sunstar | MXR1 | Race / Non-Sealed | 5,800 lbs | |
| #3 | Primary Drive | Gold Plated | Non-O-Ring | 5,700 lbs | |
| #3 | Tusk | Gold Plated | Non-O-Ring | 5,700 lbs | |
| #5 | DID | HD | Heavy Duty | 5,250 lbs | |
| #6 | Tusk | Standard | Standard | 5,200 lbs | |
| #7 | Renthal | R1 Works | Race / Non-Sealed | 4,609 lbs |
420 Chain Tensile Strength
| Rank | Brand | Chain Model | Type | Tensile Strength | Strength Visual |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Sunstar | MXR1 | Race / Non-Sealed | 5,000 lbs | |
| #2 | Primary Drive | Gold Plated MX | Non-O-Ring | 4,950 lbs | |
| #2 | Tusk | Gold Plated | Non-O-Ring | 4,950 lbs | |
| #4 | DID | NZ3 | Motocross Race | 4,930 lbs | |
| #5 | Renthal | R1 Works | Race / Non-Sealed | 4,608 lbs | |
| #6 | DID | Standard | Standard | 4,200 lbs | |
| #7 | Tusk | Off-Road Chain | Standard | 4,100 lbs |
Motocross Chain FAQ
Does the highest tensile strength mean the best chain?
Not always. Tensile strength is important, but the best chain depends on the bike, riding conditions, seal type, weight, maintenance schedule, and sprocket condition. A sealed X-ring chain may last longer, while a non-sealed race chain may be lighter and lower drag.
What is the difference between 520, 428, and 420 chain?
These numbers refer to chain pitch and size. The chain must match the sprockets on the bike. A 520 chain will not correctly fit 428 or 420 sprockets, and the same rule applies in reverse.
What is the difference between O-ring, X-ring, and non-O-ring chains?
O-ring and X-ring chains use seals to hold lubrication inside the chain and help keep dirt out, which usually improves chain life. Non-O-ring chains are often used for motocross racing because they are lighter and lower drag, but they typically require more frequent cleaning and lubrication.
Should I replace sprockets when replacing my chain?
For best performance and wear life, it is usually recommended to replace the chain and both sprockets together. A worn sprocket can quickly wear out a new chain.
How often should I adjust my dirt bike chain?
Check chain slack before every ride. New chains can stretch slightly after the first ride, and off-road conditions can accelerate wear. Always adjust chain slack according to the service manual for your specific motorcycle.
Need Help Choosing a Chain?
MX Parts Direct can help you choose the right chain pitch, chain length, and sprocket setup for motocross, off-road, mini bikes, and race-day maintenance.
Tensile strength values are provided as a reference only and may vary by chain length, production update, supplier listing, or exact part number. Always verify the current manufacturer specifications, chain pitch, chain length, and motorcycle service manual before purchasing.