The Tsubaki Difference

As strong as the strongest link

It can be hard for the untrained eye to spot which chain is on a motorcycle, and it can be even harder to understand the difference between Tsubaki chains and any other chain on the market. We’ll take you on a quick trip to tell you more about our products, and what sets them apart from others.

Over a century of development… and counting

Tsubakimoto was established in 1917, making it well over a century since we produced our first chain. While we initially focused on bicycle chains, just over a decade went by before we started concentrating on industrial chains and the technical challenges that come with it. From becoming the first roller chain manufacturer in Japan to get approved by the Japan Industrial Standard (“JIS”), to winning Grand Prix’ and Isle of Man TT’s to name a few; we are proud of the milestones we have achieved over time.

Performance

There’s more science behind chains than meets the eye. To extract maximum performance from your engine, you want to have a smooth transition to the rear wheel. Unnecessary friction, torsion, or other forces cost energy, performance and rideability. On track, this can mean the difference between victory or defeat, while on the road -or off road- this is what makes your ride all the more enjoyable when done right.

Strength

The Tsubaki collection consists of multiple types of chains. Why? So we can supply the right chain for every bike, that offers the right strength for a durable, smooth power delivery. For use on tarmac, our race ready RQR sits at the top of the food chain. Engineered for racing and tried and tested in the World Superbikes and Road Racing championships, it is the choice of champions in numerous classes. Derived from this development are our RQ1 and RQ2 chains, which have the right strength for street use while also offering increased durability and user friendliness.
On the offroad side of things, a similar development has taken place albeit with completely different demands. Our MXC chain is unique, as contrary to all our other products this is a non-sealed chain to reduce friction to the absolute minimum. It’s a chain found on numerous bikes inside the MXGP paddock, where professional teams are looking for maximum reliability and performance. The MXE chain plays a different tune, as its enduro focus means it needs to withstand the use and abuse of rally riding and hard enduro. No wonder you will find it used by many teams at the International Six Days Enduro, as well as in the gruesome Dakar Rally. All our chains are pre-stretched to minimise elongation, which means the adjustment frequency is much lower than with alternative chains.

Reliability

The chain on your bike is what connects the engine to your rear wheel. As logical as it sounds, it also means that without one, your race or ride cannot continue. We understand the need for a reliable chain that enables you to keep going, even under the most extreme conditions. In order to be able to promise unsurpassed reliability, we use only the best materials for our products. Engineered by the brightest and the best in the industry, our chains come prepared for any challenge, whether that is munching up miles down the motorway carefree, breaking the lap record at the most demanding road race in the world, or achieving stage wins at the most famous rally in the world. Our chains are developed to be the best, so you can enjoy your ride to the fullest. That’s the Tsubaki difference.