The Importance of Accurate Chain Link Counting

Knowing how to count motorcycle chain links is a fundamental skill for any bike owner. Whether you are replacing a worn chain, adjusting your gearing, or installing a new sprocket set, an incorrect count can lead to poor performance, premature wear, or even a dangerous failure. The process is straightforward but requires patience and attention to detail. Most motorcycle chains of common pitch sizes (like 520, 525, or 530) are sold by the link count, and even a single link difference can affect wheel alignment and tension. This guide provides the exact method for accurate measurement, eliminating guesswork.

Before you begin, ensure you have your bike on a stable stand so the rear wheel can turn freely. Gather a clean rag and some degreaser if the chain is dirty—obscured numbers will lead to errors. You can follow the detailed process outlined in this How To Count Motorcycle Chain Links tutorial to avoid common mistakes.

Step-by-Step Guide: The Pin vs. Inner Plate Method

The most reliable way to count is to focus on the inner link plates or the pins themselves. A chain link consists of inner plates, outer plates, pins, and rollers. For counting purposes, one link is defined as the section between two consecutive pins (the fixed pivot points). Therefore, counting the number of pairs of inner plates or the number of pins gives you the total link count.

Preparing the Chain Surface

First, clean the section of chain you intend to count from. Use a rag to wipe away grease and grime. If the chain is rusted, apply a light lubricant to help you see the pin ends. A dirty chain can make the inner and outer plates appear identical, causing confusion. Starting at a master link clip or a rivet link is often easiest, but any starting point works. Mark the starting pin with a piece of tape or a permanent marker. This serves as your anchor point, so you never lose track of where you began.

The Pin-Counting Technique

To execute an accurate measurement, rotate the rear wheel slowly. Count each pin as it passes your finger or a chisel point. Remember: every pin represents the end of one link and the beginning of the next. Do not count the rollers—they only spin around the pins. Use the starter marker as zero. For example, if you have a standard 106-pin chain, you would count 106 marks. If you prefer counting inner plates, count the number of ‘closed’ loops (the narrow section between two pins) within the chain. This number will equal the pin count.

Validating Your Result with Physical Measurement

After obtaining your pin count, verify it. A common mistake is to count both the pins and the outer plates separately, resulting in a double count. Use a standard ruler or tape measure to measure the entire chain length from pin center to pin center at the end. Multiply the pin count by the chain pitch (e.g., 0.625 inches for a 520 chain). If the math doesn’t match the physical length, recount. For instance, a 108-link chain of 5/8 inch pitch should be exactly 67.5 inches long from first pin center to last pin center.

Common Pitfalls and Pro Tips

Even experienced mechanics occasionally misc