Tsubaki Road Chain 525 RQ1 128 Links
The Tsubaki 525 RQ1 road chain in 128-link configuration is a high-performance sealed drive chain engineered for powerful road combines gold-finished outer plates, low-friction X-ring seals and pre-stretched construction to handle the demands of machines producing more than 150 horsepower, while maintaining smooth, efficient power transmission and long service life.
Key Features & Benefits
- High-performance road series chain designed for motorcycles with over 150 hp, providing reliable power transfer under hard acceleration and sustained high speeds.
- 525 pitch (5/8" x 3/8") X-ring chain for an optimal balance between strength, weight and durability on modern sport and naked bikes.
- 128-link length suitable for many large-capacity road and sport motorcycles where a longer chain run is required.
- Gold-coloured outer plates for a premium appearance and added corrosion protection in everyday road use.
- Low-friction X-ring sealing reduces drag compared with conventional O-ring chains, helping to improve drivetrain efficiency while retaining excellent sealing and wear resistance.
- Pre-stretched during production to minimise initial elongation, reducing the amount of adjustment required after installation.
- Supplied with a hollow-pin rivet-type connecting link, supporting secure, permanent installation using standard chain riveting tools.
- Average tensile strength around 45.1 kN, providing a strong, rigid chain suitable for high-torque, high-output engines.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tsubaki |
| Series | RQ1 Road Series |
| Application | High-performance road motorcycles |
| Recommended Engine Output | Over 150 hp (high-power machines) |
| Chain Size (Pitch) | 525 (5/8" x 3/8") |
| Construction | Sealed drive chain with X-ring seals |
| Number of Links | 128 links |
| Seal Type | Low-friction X-ring |
| Outer Plate Finish | Gold-coloured link plates |
| Master Link Type | Hollow-pin rivet link (pin link, rivet style) |
| Average Tensile Strength | Approx. 45.1 kN |
| Pre-stretching | Factory pre-stretched to reduce initial chain stretch |
| Typical Use | Road, sport and track-day motorcycles requiring a robust 525 sealed chain |
Typical Use Cases
The Tsubaki 525 RQ1 128-link chain is aimed at large-capacity, high-performance road motorcycles where reliability, stability and low maintenance are is particularly suitable in the following scenarios:
- Superbikes and hypersport machines producing more than 150 hp that demand a strong, rigid final-drive chain.
- High-torque naked and streetfighter models where rapid acceleration and repeated hard launches place heavy loads on the chain.
- Sport-touring and performance road motorcycles that combine long-distance mileage with frequent high-speed running.
- Track-day and occasional racing use on machines that retain a 525-pitch road drivetrain but benefit from reduced drag and long wear life.
Design & Durability Characteristics
The RQ1 series combines the efficiency of a conventional roller chain with the longevity of a sealed X-ring profile reduces contact area and friction at the sealing points, helping the chain to run freely while keeping lubricant inside the pin and bushing -coloured plates add extra resistance against corrosion from rain and road spray and contribute to a high-end appearance on exposed swingarm-mounted chains.
Factory pre-stretching and high tensile strength provide a stable chain that resists rapid elongation under heavy loads, supporting consistent chain adjustment intervals and precise rear wheel alignment over time.
Installation & Maintenance Notes
The 525 RQ1 128-link chain is supplied with a hollow-pin rivet-type connecting link that is intended to be permanently riveted using appropriate chain riveting cleaning and lubrication with motorcycle-specific chain care products help preserve the sealing rings and maximise service life, especially on high-power road machines used in demanding conditions.
