Background
Timbersled has used various chains over the years with EK Chain being the most used brand. Early Mountain Horse kits used SRO Series 520 chain from EK Chain. The 2016 model year featured a chain from JT and was a complete disaster. These chains quickly failed and were replaced under warranty with EK Chain. There is little chance any 2016 kit is still running this chain from JT. After this debacle, Timbersled when back to EK Chain with the SRX2 Series 520 chain that was used on all Timbersled kits through the 2020 model year. At some point, Timbersled started using the RR Series from EK Chain on kits with 3-inch tracks. It is difficult to find specs for this chain; however, it is compatible with SRX2 Series master links. As COVID disrupted supply chains around the world, Timbersled had their own chain manufactured by Polaris’ in house chain supplier for the Indian line of motorcycles. This chain is identified by an “R” inside of an oval stamped on the chain. This is a high-quality chain with zero failures that we know of, but master links are expensive, and we would not buy this chain from Timbersled as it too is expensive. As of the 2024 model year, Timbersled has switched to the D.I.D brand of 520 chain that is marked “D.I.D VM5”. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find specifications for the VM5 Series and suspect that it is made exclusively for Timbersled. We see that the master link supplied with this chain is the D.I.D VX3 Series 520 master link; therefore, we can assume that the VM5 Series is the same as or at least compatible with the VX3 Series.
From GageBroz
We carry two brands of chain, EK Chain and D.I.D. Both brands are made in Japan, and both produce high quality chain.
EK Chain SRX2 520
Available in both Natural and Gold, SRX2 chains feature lightening holes, reduced friction and Quadra X-Ring design which increases chain life from 1.5 to 2 times longer than a standard O-Ring chain. Recommended for bikes up to 750cc on road and 650cc off-road. Has a tensile strength of 8,500 lbs.
D.I.D VX3 520
Available in both Natural and Gold, the VX Series chain is D.I.D’s most popular and widely used chain on both on and off-road bikes. The 520VX3 boasts a 32% longer chain life than the VO Series due to their patented X-Ring seal technology. It also has increased rigidity to reduce flex, which gives you a more responsive and smooth driving experience. Recommended for bikes up to 800cc. Has a tensile strength of 8,210 lbs.
Gold vs Natural
The primary advantage of Gold over Natural is that Gold chain is less likely to rust.
EK Chain SRX2 Natural:
 | $6.10 | ||
 | $57.99 | ||
| $57.99 | ||
| $57.99 | ||
| $62.99 | ||
| $113.05 |
EK Chain SRX2 Gold:
 | $6.10 | ||
 | $62.99 | ||
| $62.99 | ||
| $62.99 | ||
| $75.99 |
D.I.D VX3 Gold:
 | $9.73 | ||
 | $81.99 | ||
| $81.99 | ||
| $81.99 | ||
| $99.99 | ||
| $165.76 |