PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: THREE-D EK CHAINS

EK Chains has been engineering precision drive chains for over a century, with the Japanese manufacturer holding the distinction of being the first in the world to mass-produce a sealed motorcycle chain – a Kawasaki Z750 Four rolling out of the factory in 1974 with an EK sealed chain fitted as standard equipment.

EK’s new 3D 520MXR Series brings the full suite of 3D manufacturing technology to the performance off-road and motocross segment. The ‘3D’ in EK’s Three-D Series refers to three-dimensional cold-forging technology applied to every plate in the chain. Most drive chains are made from stamped plates where flat steel is punched into shape and called done, while EK’s 3D process is fundamentally different.

The method of cold-forging shapes steel under enormous pressure without heat, aligning the grain structure of the metal at a molecular level. The result is a plate that is stronger, lighter and more precisely formed than anything produced by a stamp press. Stronger means better tensile performance under hard acceleration, and lighter means less rotating mass. More precise means tighter tolerances across every link in the chain – stayed tuned for a more in-depth dive into this 3D tech.

EK 520MXR Series:

The EK 520MXR is a high-performance, non-sealed chain targeting off-road applications up to 500cc. It carries 3D cold-forging plates, CRH pin treatment and chamfered edges and a unique flat-edge finish for increased durability:

• 520MXR Gold / Gold
• Part #: 14-520MXR11-120
• Links: 120
• Weight: 1.4kg /100lks
• Retail: $159.95

What the Pro’s Think

The Australian KTM Racing Team are no strangers to EK Chains – putting trust into their products for the better part of 14 years.

Kyle Blunden, KTMAG Motorsports Manager:
“What impressed us most with the 3D 520MXR is not just the low stretch, but how controlled and predictable the behaviour is. After the initial bedding-in period, elongation effectively stabilises, which allows us to lock in wheelbase and chain tension with confidence. From a setup point of view, that means fewer variables. We can commit to specific sprocket combinations without worrying about adjustment range at the swingarm, and we know the geometry we’ve chosen will remain consistent across motos. For a lightweight, non-sealed racing chain, that level of stability is fantastic.”

That first-ride stretch is physics as any new chain seats after installation. But what Kyle’s describing after that is a chain with reduced elongating – wheelbase stays put, and chain tension stays put. The mechanics themselves? They’re spending less time to check chain tension between motos. Three-D by EK Chains is available at all good Australian motorcycle dealers and retailers.