Electric Dirt Bike Chain Specs: #418 vs #420 vs #428 vs #428H vs #520

Chain pitch reference guide for electric dirt bikes. Which chain does your Sur-Ron, Talaria, Rawrr, Altis, Segway, or Stark use? Covers #418, #420, #428, #428H, and #520 with brand-by-brand specs.

6 min read

One of the most common parts-ordering mistakes on electric dirt bikes: buying the wrong chain pitch. Unlike gas bikes where most MX machines run #520, the e-moto world spans five different pitches — and some manufacturers even vary the spec between model years. This guide is the reference you need before ordering.

Chain Pitch Quick Reference

Bike Chain Spec Length
Sur-Ron Light Bee X / S #420 106L (stock)
Sur-Ron Ultra Bee #428
Talaria Sting MX3 / MX4 #420 104L
Talaria Sting MX5 Pro #418 104L
Segway X160 / X260 #420 106L
Rawrr Mantis #428H
Altis Sigma / Sigma MX #428H
Altis Delta #420
Arctic Leopard XE Pro / XF #428
Electric Motion Epure #428
79Bike Falcon GT (secondary) #420
Stark Varg #520

What the Numbers Mean

Chain pitch is a standardized coding system from the ANSI/ISO standard:

  • #418 — 1/2" pitch, slightly narrower roller than #420. Used on Talaria MX5 Pro. Rare in the e-moto world.
  • #420 — 1/2" pitch, 1/4" roller width. The most common e-dirt bike chain — Sur-Ron LBX, Talaria MX3/MX4, Segway X260, Altis Delta.
  • #428 — 1/2" pitch, 5/16" roller width. Physically wider than #420. Used on higher-power machines: Sur-Ron Ultra Bee, Arctic Leopard XE Pro, Electric Motion Epure.
  • #428H — Same pitch and roller width as #428, but with heavier side plates. Used on the highest-torque e-motos: Rawrr Mantis, Altis Sigma. You can run a standard #428 on these bikes, but H-rated chains last longer.
  • #520 — 5/8" pitch. The MX standard from the gas world. The Stark Varg is the only e-moto in this class that uses it — its drivetrain is gas-bike derived.

Chains are not interchangeable between pitch specs. A #428 chain will not sit correctly on #420 sprockets and will skip or throw under load.

#420 Chain Options

Most popular category — covers Sur-Ron LBX, Talaria MX3/MX4, Segway X160/X260, Altis Delta.

  • DID 420 NZ3 — Sur-Ron/Segway Spec (106L): $75.99
    Pre-cut to the correct Sur-Ron Light Bee X and Segway X260 length. Best value for those bikes.
  • DID 420 NZ3 Standard (120L roll): $75.99
    Full 120-link roll, cut to length. Covers Talaria, Altis Delta, and any other #420 bike.
  • DID 420 VX O-Ring Sealed: $121.20
    Sealed chain with O-rings around each roller — holds grease in, keeps mud out. Lasts 2-3x longer in trail conditions. Worth it for riders who don't want to lube after every session.
  • DID 420 NZ3 Connecting Links (5-pack): $3.99
    Always carry one. Chain breaks happen.

#428 Chain Options

For Sur-Ron Ultra Bee, Arctic Leopard XE Pro, Electric Motion Epure.

  • DID 428 NZ Standard: $126.85
    Standard non-ring #428 chain. Good for track use where you maintain and lube regularly.
  • DID 428 VX X-Ring Sealed: $204.80
    Premium sealed chain with X-ring cross-section — lower friction than O-ring, even better sealing. The right choice for trail and enduro use on high-power machines.
  • DID 428 NZ Connecting Link: $3.80
  • DID 428 VX Press-Fit Link: $10.99 — X-ring spec requires a press-fit link, not clip type.

#428H Chain Options

For Rawrr Mantis and Altis Sigma / Sigma MX.

  • OEM #428H Chain — Altis Sigma: $73.99
  • OEM #428H Chain — Rawrr Mantis: $20.99

How to Check Chain Wear

A worn chain accelerates sprocket wear dramatically. Replace chain and sprockets together when worn — a worn chain on new sprockets eats the teeth within a few rides. Symptoms of a worn chain:

  • Chain skips under hard acceleration
  • Visible stretch when held next to a new chain
  • Any reading over 0.75% elongation on a chain wear indicator tool
  • Hooked or asymmetric wear on sprocket teeth

Check chain tension every 8–10 hours. Most e-dirt bikes spec 20–30mm of vertical slack at the midpoint of the lower run — check the sticker on your swingarm.

Browse all chain, sprocket, and drivetrain parts on Wired Whips by DID Chains or through your specific bike's brand page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What chain does the Sur-Ron Light Bee X use?

The Sur-Ron Light Bee X and Light Bee S use a #420 chain. The stock length for the Light Bee X is 106 links. DID makes the 420 NZ3 in a pre-cut Sur-Ron/Segway spec (106L, $75.99) and a standard 120-link roll that you cut to length. The Sur-Ron Ultra Bee uses a heavier #428 chain.

What chain does the Talaria Sting use?

It depends on the Sting model. The Sting MX3, MX4, and MX4 Expert use a #420 x 104L chain ($68.99 OEM). The Sting MX5 Pro uses a #418 x 104L chain ($61.25 OEM) — a different pitch. Do not put a #420 chain on an MX5 Pro or vice versa.

What is the difference between #420 and #428 chain?

The numbers refer to the pitch (distance between links) and roller width. #420 = 1/2" pitch, 1/4" roller width. #428 = 1/2" pitch, 5/16" roller width. The 428 is physically wider and stronger — used on higher-power bikes like the Sur-Ron Ultra Bee, Arctic Leopard XE Pro, and Electric Motion Epure. A #420 chain will not fit #428 sprockets and vice versa.

What is the difference between #428 and #428H chain?

#428H is the heavy-duty version of the #428 pitch — same dimensions, but with thicker plates and stronger construction. The Rawrr Mantis and Altis Powersports Sigma use #428H. You can run a standard #428 on these bikes but it will wear faster under the higher torque loads. OEM #428H for the Altis Sigma is $73.99.

Should I get an O-ring or X-ring chain, or a standard open chain?

O-ring and X-ring chains (like DID 420 VX and 428 VX) seal grease inside the rollers, extending chain life significantly in muddy or dusty conditions. They cost more ($121-$204 vs $75 for standard) and add minor friction. Standard non-ring chains (DID 420 NZ3, 428 NZ) are cheaper, lighter, and work well when maintained with regular lubing. For trail/enduro riding in dirt, sealed chains are worth the premium. For MX or track use where you can clean and lube after every session, either works.