Page 3 of EK Motorcycle Chain Catalog by EK Chain

EK SCREW-TYPE MASTER LiNk EK PROFESSIONAL CHAIN TOOL EK O-RING INSTALLATION SPACERS FAQs FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 3 How can I tell when I need a new chain? The quickest method to determine if you need a new chain is to grasp one link thats in contact with the rear sprocket, while the bike or ATV is not running. If you can pull the link more than halfway off a sprocket tooth, its time for a new chain. If you have regularly adjusted chain slack as part of your bikes routine maintenance, your chain is due for replacement when your rear-axle adjusters reach the replace chain markings. Refer to your owners manual if unsure. But if your chain makes noise while riding, or if you find your rear wheel is covered with dirty chain grease, chances are your chain needs replacement. When cleaning your chain, take time to closely inspect the seals and rollers. If you find any broken seals or cracked rollers, replace your chain immediately. How often should I lube my chain? Sealed chains should be lubed every 300 miles (500km). Non-sealed chains, especially those used off-road or under other demanding conditions, should be cleaned and lubed more often. What kind of chain lube should I use? Sealed chains should be lubed only with lubricants specifically marked as being suitable for O-ring chains. A good chain lube should adhere well and have good penetrating qualities to get deep inside the spaces between bushings and rollers. Non-sealed chains may be lubed with any quality chain lube, or SAE 80/90 wt. oil. What should I use to clean my chain? Never clean your sealed chain with pressure washers, steam cleaning, wire brushes, or volatile solvents such as gasoline, mineral spirits, contact cleaner, acetone or WD-40, all of which can damage the O-rings. Kerosene may be safely used for cleaning, provided you have adequate ventilation and no ignition sources nearby. Commercial spray-on chain cleaners typically must be rinsed off with water. This could lead to the formation of rust, so use of these products is discouraged. How much chain slack should I have? Always follow the vehicle manufacturers recommendation for chain slack. Typically this is 1 to 1.4 inches (25 to 35mm), though specific bikes may require more or less. To check the slack, choose a point on the bottom run of the chain, midway between the two sprockets. Pull up and push down on the chain as far as it will go, and measure the distance between the highest and lowest points. Too much or too little slack can both cause a chain to fail. If in doubt about your bikes chain slack, have it adjusted by a professional mechanic. How do I count chain links? Every pair of sideplates both inner and outer counts as one link. If your bike is supposed to have a 110-link chain, count every single inner and outer plate on one side of the chain until you reach 110. Chains will always have an even number of links. If your uninstalled chain has inner plates on both ends, or outer plates on both ends, youve miscounted. Is there a break-in period for new chains? Theres no break-in period per se, but you should always check a new chains adjustment after 50 miles (80km) of use, and again after 200 miles (320km). Whats the difference between 520, 525 and 530 chains? The numbers indicate a chains dimensions, tolerances, minimum tensile strength and other specifications. The first digit (4, 5 or 6) denotes a chains pitch the center-to-center distance between chain pins. Originally these numbers specified pitch in eighths of an inch (i.e. a 400-series chain had a pitch of 4/8, or 1/2 inch), but now metric dimensions are used. A 400-series chain has a pitch of 12.7mm. A 500-series chain has a pitch of 15.875mm. A 600-series chain has a pitch of 19.05mm. The second and third digits indicate the chains width, measured between the inner sideplates. An EK chain ending in 20 measures 6.35mm between the plates. If the number ends in 25 or 28, the dimension is 7.94mm. If the number ends in 30 or 32, the width is 9.53mm. Because wider chains are typically stronger as well, the second and third digits also indicate a chains strength, relative to other chains with the same pitch. Higher numbers correspond to greater strength, i.e. a 525 chain is stronger than a 520. You should always replace your old chain with one having the same number. Never replace a sealed chain with a non-sealed chain. Find more FAQs at www.ekchain.com Like EK Chains, this professionalquality tool is made of only the finest materials, Machined from a solid billet of hardened steel, its designed for a lifetime of service. The EK Chain Tool can be used to drive out pins when removing old chains, and for connecting your new chain with the included clamping plates. Its the best way to ensure secure installation of your new EK Chain. You dont need special tools to install your new EK Chain. This unique, patented link gives a rivet-like fit, using only an 8mm wrench and a pair of pliers. Its available as an option on many EK Chains. Included with every 520, 525 and 530 O-ring and Quadra-X Ring chain is a pair of spacers that help prevent damage to the sealing rings during installation of the connecting link. These spacers set the correct spacing between the inner and outer plates while riveting the connecting link, ensuring that the Orings seal properly and arent under excessive pressure. Only EK Chain makes chain installation this easy. Youve seen them on the pros bikes. Now you can get a color chain for your bike. But not just any chain these are championship-winning EK Chains. The following chains are available in a selection of durable, powder-coated colors, for road, off-road and ATV applications: 530ZVX, 520/525/530MVXZ, and 520MRD. Spacers O-rings

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