Drive Chain Megathread

[dmonkey]

The goal of this thread is to document specifics, and reviews, of various chains for the Honda Trail 125 (CT125). The factory chain length for both generations of the Trail 125 (JA55 & JA65) is 108 links (this number includes the master link). The Honda Trail 125 comes equipped with a #428 chain and sprockets which are slightly wider and heavier duty than the #420 chain and sprockets that the Honda Grom (MSX), Super Cub 125, Monkey 125, and Dax 125 use.

Brand	Part number or model	Sealed?	Master link	Weight (includes clip-type master link)
DAIDO D.I.D. (Original Equipment)	DID 428HD, specifically DID428HDS3-108RB Honda Chain P/N: 40530-K2E-T01 Honda Master link clip P/N: 40531-KTA-911	No	Clip-type	?
DAIDO D.I.D.	Pro Street DID 428VX Offered in natural finish or gold	Yes	Clip-type or rivet	2 lbs 15.2 oz
RK Takasago Chain	GC Racing Gold Chain Series 428MRU2 Chain P/N: GC428MRU2 Master link clip P/N: GC428MRU2-CL Master link rivet P/N: GC428MRU2-CLF	Yes	Clip-type or rivet	2 lbs 6.0 oz
RK Takasago Chain	Mini Racing Chain 428MXZ1	No	Clip-type	?
RK Takasago Chain	Supercross Racing Chain 428MXZ4	No	Clip-type	?
NICHE	NICHE Gold 428 X-Ring Chain	Yes	Clip-type	2 lbs 8.8 oz (source)

Another source for chains, and sprockets:
https://sprocketcenter.com/c-1392859-chains-428-chains.html

 

[dmonkey]

Some photos of the DID 428VX and RK GC428MRU2 for comparison. Both are high quality chains made in Japan.

(NEW) RK GC428MRU2 on scale. 108 link length and clip-type master link.


Packaging


(NEW) DID 428VX on scale. 108 link length and clip-type master link.


Packaging



Comparison. The top chain is a new RK 428MRU2 in gold finish, the bottom chain is a used DID 428VX in natural finish.





Some of my observations:
The clip-type master link is more difficult to install on the DID VX chain, but both are harder to install than the clip on the unsealed stock chain. For sealed chains, using master link clip pliers makes the installation easier. Pictured is installing the master link clip on the RK 428MRU2 chain.



Removing the clip-type master link from a used DID VX428 was difficult as the head of the master link pins seemed to have mushroomed a bit so the plate no longer fit off of the pins. With the clip removed, I could not easily press the connecting link out of the connecting link plate. I ended up using a hammer, punch, and backstop to get it out! That would have been very hard to manage as a roadside/trailside chain removal.

 

[CTExplorer]

Just replaced a RK oring chain for the DID 428VX. The RK got really stiff but got a good deal on it and think it may of been old stock or had some issue that shortened its lifespan. I had a similar issue removing the master link from the OLD RK. Would of been frustrating out in the field. I have a small "C" clamp and small nut to use as a spacer over the pins in my tool bag to be able to install a master link out in the wild.

 

[Bermuda Trails]

I just ordered a DD 428VX to replace the original chain, it had i think more life in it, but i was having to adjust the tension frequently. Plus the new chain GOLD.

I love gold (said in a Goldmember style)

 

[dmonkey]

Just replaced a RK oring chain for the DID 428VX. The RK got really stiff but got a good deal on it and think it may of been old stock or had some issue that shortened its lifespan. I had a similar issue removing the master link from the OLD RK. Would of been frustrating out in the field. I have a small "C" clamp and small nut to use as a spacer over the pins in my tool bag to be able to install a master link out in the wild.

Good to know! I'll keep an eye on mine. PilotParker over on ADVrider ran ~24k miles on a DID VX428 chain on a Honda Trail 125, so I would say it's well proven as reliable on this bike. I felt kind of silly replacing a perfectly good DID VX chain with a new RK MRU2, but I wanted to see if that weight loss would have a significant impact on performance. Unfortunately, I also changed wheels and tires around the same time, so it wasn't an isolated variable. The only solid data point I have right now is that the RK chain is lighter. The connecting link o-rings on the RK did not seem as hardy as the ones on the DID, which is true for all comparisons of the chains as the DID VX is super heavy duty.

RK master link clip GC428MRU2-CL

 

[ol mike]

Where to buy extra master links for 23' OEM DID chain.

 

[dmonkey]

Where to buy extra master links for 23' OEM DID chain.

The Honda part number for the master link for the OEM DID chain is 40531-KTA-911. You can buy it through your local Honda dealer or searching that part number online.
Partzilla, RevZilla, and Rocky Mountain ATV/MC are some of the reputable parts websites I have bought OEM Honda parts through.

 

[ol mike]

I copy/paste the part and Partzilla didn't show it, I 'll try Rocky Mountain..

THX.

 

[dmonkey]

Here's a direct link:

https://www.partzilla.com/product/honda/40531-KTA-911

 

[bt619]

My original chain has stretched a bit already. I would rather replace the chain than keep tightening it. Looking at the DID 428VX in the catalog, I noticed the 428VR46 which looks to be a 428VX with special silver/gold plating an a bright green master link. For a few ¥ more I am giving it a go and will let you know how it works out. Does anyone know if this is mechanically different than the VX?

Webike link for reference: https://japan.webike.net/products/25563396.html

 

[dmonkey]

Looks like it might be the same VX series chain, just with cosmetic changes to make it a special Valentino Rossi #46 edition.

 

[bt619]

This chain arrived faster than expected. Sharing these photos. I will get a weight for the chart and maybe some more images when I get it installed.

 

[bt619]

The 428 VR46 chain went on nicely and makes less noise than the OEM chain. @dmonkey I weighed it at 2Lb 14oz so it's basically the same weight as the VX. The pins are 0.5 mm larger (4.985 vs 4.495), but I was able to use the OEM masterlink in the VR chain (without the outer plate) to roll the VR chain on without any trouble. Measuring gave me an excuse to use the micrometer calibrated to 2 microns. Overall I am happy with it. I wasn't keen on the all gold color of the VX so this was a good option for my with the silver plated outer plates.

 

[dakardean]

I bought the Niche 108 link 428 o ring chain, does anybody else here have experience with this brand? Getting the clip onto the master link was a major pain. Attached is a photo of the clip on the chain. I have attached a photo of the master link with clip, I have the feeling it is not fully on but it refuses to go any further. I am somewhat disappointed in the quality.

 

[dmonkey]

I have never purchased a NICHE chain because of the reviews and them not being a brand that any of the big manufacturers ship their bikes with. Some have reported the chains breaking and then damaging engine cases, others have reported that the master link clips break in half and NICHE does not sell replacements and might warranty you a whole new chain or you might need to buy a whole new chain just for the clip. It makes sense at the price, it is a low cost chain made in China while OEMs that are going to source parts from China, like CFMOTO, tend to use more expensive mid-tier chains like CHOHO.

That master link clip doesn't look fully installed to me either. I'd carefully remove it, try compressing the seals a little maybe wrapped in a towel (so as to not scratch) and then pinch the plates together with pliers, and then try reinstalling the clip. I use master link clip pliers and find they make installs very easy. For removal I just use a flat blade screwdriver and sometimes a hammer to tap the screwdriver.

Here's what the master link clip on my RK 428MRU2 looks like installed, notice that the slit on the left side is closed and there is no strain on the clip.

 

[dakardean]

I have never purchased a NICHE chain because of the reviews and them not being a brand that any of the big manufacturers ship their bikes with. Some have reported the chains breaking and then damaging engine cases, others have reported that the master link clips break in half and NICHE does not sell replacements and might warranty you a whole new chain or you might need to buy a whole new chain just for the clip. It makes sense at the price, it is a low cost chain made in China while OEMs that are going to source parts from China, like CFMOTO, tend to use more expensive mid-tier chains like CHOHO.

That master link clip doesn't look fully installed to me either. I'd carefully remove it, try compressing the seals a little maybe wrapped in a towel (so as to not scratch) and then pinch the plates together with pliers, and then try reinstalling the clip. I use master link clip pliers and find they make installs very easy. For removal I just use a flat blade screwdriver and sometimes a hammer to tap the screwdriver.

Here's what the master link clip on my RK 428MRU2 looks like installed, notice that the slit on the left side is closed and there is no strain on the clip.
View attachment 14015

I am starting to regret buying the knockoff chain. The master link clip definitely is not right. I have installed numerous clips through the years and never had one that refused to go on properly. Either the clip is wrong or my technique is. I used a compression tool, I also compressed the link with pliers to get the link started in the grove...basically I tried everything. I am thinking they sent the wrong clip ? On the good quality o ring chains installing the clip is pretty easy after you compress the master link. I am not really trusting this chain right now...I will try again. Thanks for the photo !

 

[dmonkey]

If you bought it through Amazon, might be an easy return if it simply doesn't work for you.

Some sealed chains it is a PITA to install the master link clip. The DID VX ones are the most difficult I've had to install and to remove.

 

[dakardean]

If you bought it through Amazon, might be an easy return if it simply doesn't work for you.

Some sealed chains it is a PITA to install the master link clip. The DID VX ones are the most difficult I've had to install and to remove.

Too late for that. I bought it last August. $39, not the end of the world.I have installed D.I.D in the past with not much issue. I am wondering which would be better for the CT125. O Ring or non O Ring ?

 

[dmonkey]

Sealed chains can have more resistance (it decreases once the chain is warmed up) and the extra thickness to fit the seals results in more metal and more weight, but I prefer sealed chains due to less upkeep. Mine have required less adjusting and can take more neglect in terms of cleaning and lubricating than a standard chain. The DID VX428 is a common and heavy duty chain option, as previously mentioned in the thread one has gone over 24k miles on a CT125. I swapped from a DID VX428 to a lighter RK chain, though I also swapped wheels and tires at the same time so can't say if there was any performance difference other than in theory that there should be. Happy with that RK chain mentioned above, though it can be hard to find in North America. I also have a Dax 125, and I promptly removed the factory light duty DID chain from that and swapped to a RK MRU as well (though it's a #420 instead of the #428). I am running a standard chain on my Honda CT110 and most of my vintage bikes. They don't rack up enough miles for the more frequent upkeep to bother me.

 

[dakardean]

Well, I am about to call defeat. I simply cannot get the clip on the master link on the Niche 428 O ring chain, tried every trick that I know. Never had that happen with DID or RK chains. I may just go to a non O Ring...not sure yet.