Tsubaki Road Chain 525 RQ1 112 Links
The Tsubaki Road Chain 525 RQ1 112-link version is a high-performance X-ring motorcycle drive chain designed for powerful road part of the RQ1 road series, it is engineered for machines exceeding 150 horsepower, combining strength, durability and low-friction efficiency in a compact 525-size package.
Main Features
- High-performance 525-size X-ring chain developed for road motorcycles with more than 150 hp.
- Gold-coloured outer link plates for a premium appearance and enhanced corrosion resistance.
- Low-friction X-ring sealing that reduces drag compared with conventional O-ring chains while maintaining long service life.
- Factory pre-stretched to minimise initial elongation after installation, helping the chain hold adjustment more consistently.
- Supplied with a hollow-pin rivet-type master link for secure, high-strength connection using standard riveting tools.
- Average tensile strength around 45.1 kN for reliable power transmission on high-output motorcycles.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Tsubaki |
| Series | RQ1 Road Series (Over 150 hp applications) |
| Chain size | 525 (road motorcycle final drive) |
| Number of links | 112 |
| Seal type | Low-friction X-ring |
| Colour | Gold-coloured outer plates with contrasting inner links |
| Average tensile strength | Approx. 45.1 kN |
| Master link | Rivet-type master link with hollow pins included |
| Application | High-performance road motorcycles and superbikes |
| Construction | High-strength steel components with advanced heat treatment |
Performance and Benefits
The 525 RQ1 chain is designed to cope with the torque spikes, hard acceleration and sustained high-speed use typically associated with modern superbikes and other high-output road combination of strong steel plates, precision components and X-ring sealing delivers efficient power transfer with reduced mechanical losses.
- X-ring design helps retain internal lubrication and keep contaminants out, supporting longer service life.
- Lower friction compared with traditional O-ring chains contributes to smoother drivetrain response.
- Pre-stretched construction reduces the amount of adjustment required after initial installation.
- Gold finish provides both visual appeal and an additional barrier against corrosion.
Typical Use Cases
This Tsubaki 525 RQ1 112-link chain is suitable for a wide range of high-performance road motorcycles that specify a 525 sealed chain in approximately this is particularly well matched to litre-class sportbikes, powerful naked bikes and sport-touring motorcycles where drivetrain reliability and consistent performance are critical.
- Replacement final-drive chain for high-power road and track-focused motorcycles using 525 pitch.
- Upgraded chain choice where a stronger, premium X-ring chain is desired compared with standard OEM fitment.
- Applications where both durability and reduced friction are important, such as fast road riding and occasional circuit use.
Example Compatibility (Distributor Fitment)
Distributor fitment data associates this 525 RQ1 112-link chain with selected high-performance models as an appropriate replacement chain, subject to correct sprocket sizes and gearing setup.
| Brand | Model | Year |
| Kawasaki | ZX-10R Ninja (ZX1000 KBF–KEF) | 2011–2017 |
| KTM | 1290 Super Duke R / 1290 Super Duke GT | 2014–2020 |
The chain length and specification make it suitable for similar high-output motorcycles that require a 525 sealed chain of around 112 links, provided that sprocket sizes and gearing are matched to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
