EK Green 520 MVXZ Quadra-X Ring Chain

By Michael Hannas

When I saw the green-colored EK chain for the first time I just knew I had to have one.  Once I wore out the non o-ring chain I had on my KX450F, which didn’t take too long for the beast to accomplish, I placed my order for the EK 520 MVXZ Quadra-X Ring in the sweet Kawi green color. It also comes in other cool colors to match your favorite bike.

Once she showed up I cut her to the proper length and threw her on the old KX along with a new set of Renthal sprockets. As the KX was designed as a motocross bike with a non o-ring chain, clearance was a bit of an issue on the case behind the countershaft sprocket. The KX has a little nub that sticks out from the case and the wider o-ring chain did not quite clear without rubbing. I could have just taken the chain and sprocket back off and filed the nub down a little bit, but I decided to use the opportunity to further test the durability of the chain. I just fired the old beast up, put her in gear and hit the throttle, letting the chain file the nub off for me. The links looked a little shiny afterwards but didn’t appear to suffer any major damage.

I was skeptical as to how the green paint on the links would hold up to off-road abuse but was pleasantly surprised by its durability. Some of the paint has worn off on the inside edge of the outer plates but other than that it has stayed green. The chain has been subjected to just about as much abuse as anyone could put a chain through, from ripping through mud and water and leaving the bike and chain unwashed for weeks then riding again to leaving the chain a little loose for “just one more ride” time after time.  The EK took it all like a champ.  After eight days of off-road riding in mud, water, dust and rocks and probably around 500 miles of severe abuse and neglect, the EK is still hanging in there. Anyone who knows me personally can attest to my machine’s lack of chain maintenance, but the EK didn’t seem to mind one bit.

The EK stretched a little on the first ride, and then hung in tight after the first adjustment. The x-rings did a good job of keeping the grease in and the chain lubricated, which is perfect since I always forget to lube my chain. I never had any chain failures despite all the abuse the chain went through. The EK works so well that the green color isn’t really the focus, it’s just a bonus! 

Overall the EK has stood up very well and been one of the more durable chains I’ve ever used off-road. It also comes in traditional silver and gold finishes, so even if you don’t want one of the cool color options, the EK 520 MVXZ Quadra-X Ring is worth a look next time your chain needs replacing.

Go to www.ekchain.com for more info or see you nearest Tucker Rocky dealer.

Report Card: EK Green 520 MVXZ Quadra-X Ring Chain 

Install:             A

Style:                A

Durability:        B

Performance:   A-

Value:               A-

2WheelTimes.com Moto GPA = 3.70