n the 60-plus years that the parent company of EK Chain has been in business, they’ve gained a reputation as an innovator, responsible for such milestones as the world’s first O-ring motorcycle chain, way back in 1974.
Now EK is moving chain technology forward again, with the introduction of the 530ZZZ chain for streetbikes. EK considers the “Triple-Z” its ultimate engineering achievement, combining a number of proprietary features to make a chain that is both incredibly strong and surprisingly lightweight.
     The most noticeable feature of the 530ZZ is the unique shape of its sideplates. Using the latest computer modeling tools, EK engineers analyzed in detail the shapes of conventional sideplates. Building on this base of knowledge, they developed a groundbreaking new shape that more effectively distributes the loads on the sideplate. The result is a considerable increase in tensile strength, without adding weight.
     The EK 530ZZZ has a tensile strength of 11,000 pounds – higher than that of any previous EK street chain, and some 6 percent higher than a leading competitor’s “premium” 530 chain. Yet the Triple Z weighs in at 4.78 pounds per 100 links, 5 percent less than the competitor’s chain.
     Much of the credit for this weight reduction goes to the lightening holes in the 530ZZZ’s sideplates, which actually reduce overall weight by the equivalent of at least one chain link. Since that’s rotating weight, it can make a noticeable difference in acceleration. These holes also help dissipate heat and evacuate dirt and mud, which can be detrimental to a chain’s lifespan.
     All this high technology comes in a chain that’s finished in a unique and durable metalflake gold or silver enamel, rather than the traditional anodized finish. So along with world-class performance, the 530ZZZ has a distinctive look that stands out in a crowd.
     The Triple Z is also one of the first chains to incorporate EK’s new Zero Stretch Technology. ZST reduces initial chain stretch to nearly zero, so that chain tension won’t need adjustment in the first 600 miles of use. This eliminates the hassle of adjusting after the initial break-in period, and also provides added assurance that excessive chain slack will be minimized over the life of the chain.
     Racers will appreciate ZST, because it can mean going several race weekends without touching the chain. Certainly it will benefit the Kawasaki MotoGP team of Shinya Nakano and Alex Hoffman, whose bikes will be equipped with EK chains in 2005. The 530ZZZ with ZST is already a winner, having been ridden by Honda off-road legend Scott Summers to victory in Japan’s prestigious AA Grand Prix last November, on a course combining the challenges of enduro and motocross racing.
     ZST is standard on the 530ZZZ and 520RXO chains. The suggested retail for the 530ZZZ is $220 for 120 links, or $275 for 150 links. Call your rep for more details.

The EK 530ZZZ chain’s tensile strength is rated at an impressive 11,000 pounds, though it’s lighter than comparable 530 chains.

The 530ZZZ (top) gets its strength and light weight from a unique sideplate shape that’s clearly different from a conventional chain’s (bottom).