Roller Drive Chain (428 Pitch) | Honda CT90 / Trail 90

428 Pitch Roller Drive Chain for Honda CT90 / Trail 90

A brand new heavy-duty 428 pitch roller drive chain for your vintage Honda CT90 “Trail 90” motorcycle. This unsealed solid roller chain includes a clip-style master link and is available in multiple lengths to match your sprocket setup. Built to exceed the original Honda chain in fit, finish, and durability.

Why You Need This

Replacing a worn final drive chain is one of the easiest performance and safety upgrades you can make to your CT90. After years of service and often neglect, old roller chains rust, stretch, and seize up — affecting acceleration, throttle response, and general safety. Even a chain that looks clean may be stretched well beyond its serviceable limit. The Honda factory service manual specifies checking drive chain slack regularly: proper free play measured midway between the drive sprocket and driven sprocket should be 20 mm (0.8 in). If your chain has excessive play or visible wear, it is time for a replacement.

These heavy-duty 428 pitch chains exceed the original Honda chains in quality and durability. Each chain includes a clip-style master link for straightforward installation without specialty riveting tools.

Specifications

Important Notes

• All CT90 models left the factory with a 104-link chain. However, if the sprockets on your bike have been changed over the years (usually the rear), you may need a different length. Always count the links on your existing chain before ordering.
• Verify your sprockets: The stock CT90 uses a 15-tooth front sprocket and 45-tooth rear sprocket. If your sprocket tooth counts differ from stock, you likely need a different chain length. See our chain breaker tool if you need to shorten a chain to the correct length.
• Early K0 dual-sprocket note: Some very early CT90 K0 models built before the introduction of the dual-range transmission have a larger sprocket mounted on the rear hub along with the standard 45-tooth sprocket. Honda included extra chain length with those bikes. If your K0 has this rare configuration, you will need a longer chain.

Model-Specific Fitment

• Honda CT90 K0 (1966–1968)
• Honda CT90 K1 (1969)
• Honda CT90 K2 (1970)
• Honda CT90 K3 (1971)
• Honda CT90 K4 (1972–1973)
• Honda CT90 K5 (1974)
• Honda CT90 K6 (1975)
• Honda CT90 K7 (1976)
• Honda CT90 K8 (1977)
• Honda CT90 K9 (1978)

Installation

1. Place the motorcycle on its center stand.
2. Remove the old master link clip and master link to separate the old chain. A chain breaker / press tool makes this easier but is not strictly required for clip-style links.
3. Thread the new chain around the front (drive) and rear (driven) sprockets.
4. Connect the chain using the included clip-style master link.
5. Install the master link plate and retaining clip facing inward, toward the rear tire rather than facing outward. This provides proper clearance from the engine casting.
6. Adjust chain free play to 20 mm (0.8 in), measured midway between the sprockets: loosen the rear axle nut, turn both chain adjuster nuts equally until the correct slack is achieved, then verify the index marks align with the same graduation on both sides of the swingarm.
7. Tighten the rear axle nut and install a new cotter pin.
8. Lubricate the chain thoroughly after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what length chain I need?

Count the links on your existing chain before ordering. If you no longer have a chain on the bike, wrap the new chain around both sprockets with reasonable tension and count how many links you need. The included master link counts as your final outer link. Our video above walks through this process step by step.

Can I use an O-ring chain on my CT90?

A standard (non O-ring) clip-type master link chain with a 428 pitch is the correct replacement for the CT90. O-ring chains are physically wider and can cause clearance issues on the CT90 frame and engine cases.

How often should I adjust and lubricate my chain?

Adjust and lubricate your drive chain every 300 to 500 miles (500 to 800 km). Check chain slack regularly — the Honda specification is 20 mm (0.8 in) of free play measured midway between the sprockets with the bike on its center stand.

How do I know if my chain is too worn to keep using?

A chain that has stretched beyond its serviceable limit will have excessive slack that cannot be corrected by adjustment (the axle adjusters are maxed out). You can also check for tight spots by rotating the wheel slowly — inconsistent tension along the chain indicates wear. Visible rust, seized links, or kinking are also signs the chain must be replaced.

You Might Also Need

• Front Chain Sprocket (15T) — CT90 — Replace worn front sprockets when installing a new chain
• Rear Chain Sprocket (45T) — CT90 — Worn rear sprocket teeth accelerate chain wear
• Chain Breaker / Press Tool Kit — Shorten a chain or remove old links

Last updated: March 2026