Tsubaki Road Chain 530 RQ1 – 116 Links
The Tsubaki Road Chain 530 RQ1 with 116 links is a premium X-ring sealed motorcycle drive chain designed for powerful road bikes that demand maximum strength, stability and long service part of Tsubaki’s high-performance road series, this 530-size chain combines reduced friction with very high tensile strength, making it suitable for machines with high horsepower output where a 530 chain is specified.
Key features
- High-performance road chain in the Tsubaki RQ1 series for powerful street motorcycles.
- 530 pitch, 116 links – suitable for many large-capacity road bikes requiring a 530 chain length around 116 links.
- X-ring sealing technology for significantly reduced friction and extended chain life compared with standard O-ring and non-sealed chains.
- Gold-coloured outer plates with corrosion-resistant finish for a clean, premium appearance and improved environmental protection.
- Very high tensile strength (around 45.1 kN) to cope with high torque loads and strong acceleration.
- Suitable for high-output engines, typically over 150 hp and up to around 200 hp where a robust 530 chain is required.
- Pre-stretched at the factory to minimise initial elongation and reduce the need for early readjustment.
- Rivet-type master link included for a secure, permanent connection using standard riveting tools.
- Precision-manufactured components with high-quality pins, bushings and rollers for stable power transmission.
Technical specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Manufacturer | Tsubaki |
| Series | Road Chain RQ1 (high-performance road) |
| Product type | Sealed X-ring motorcycle drive chain |
| Size / pitch | 530 (5/8" x 3/8" class) |
| Number of links | 116 |
| Seal type | X-ring, low-friction sealing |
| Colour | Gold outer plates, steel inner plates and rollers |
| Average tensile strength | Approx. 45.1 kN |
| Recommended application range | High-performance road motorcycles, typically over 150 hp (up to around 200 hp, depending on application) |
| Master link type | Rivet-type connecting link (pin link) supplied |
| Pre-stretching | Factory pre-stretched to reduce initial elongation |
| Chain category | Road / street use, performance-oriented |
Design and performance
The 530 RQ1 chain uses a slim X-ring profile that reduces contact area and friction between the plates while keeping lubricant sealed inside the results in smoother running, less power loss at the rear wheel and a noticeably longer service interval compared with conventional non-sealed combination of high-grade steel, quad-staked rivets and accurate heat treatment provides outstanding strength and resistance to stretch under heavy loads.
The gold-coloured outer plates not only enhance the appearance of the motorcycle, but also offer an additional layer of protection against the manufacturing tolerances help maintain stable chain geometry for precise engagement with front and rear sprockets, supporting smooth, quiet operation at both low and high speeds.
Typical applications
- Large-displacement sportbikes and superbikes requiring a durable 530 X-ring chain.
- High-torque naked bikes and muscle bikes where strength and reliability are critical.
- Sport-touring and long-distance road motorcycles that benefit from reduced maintenance intervals and extended chain life.
- Performance upgrades from standard non-sealed or lower-spec sealed chains to a premium high-strength 530 chain.
- Replacement for worn original 530 chains on road motorcycles when a 116-link length is suitable for the chosen sprocket combination.
This configuration of the Tsubaki 530 RQ1 road chain offers an excellent balance of strength, efficiency and durability for demanding road use, especially on powerful motorcycles where chain reliability is a key factor in overall drivetrain performance.
