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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Longer is Better
There is no single answer on which chain a motorcycle needs. Although the factory specification is a good place to look first, keep in mind usage patterns and modifications to the motorcycle. A longer chain than factory spec will work, as long as the wheel can be adjusted to match. It provides more slack, making it easier to install. It's necessary when you have an oversized rear sprocket.
On the Other: Shorter is Better
Shorter chains are an improvement on the factory spec version. Chains stretch over time, and as long as the shorter chain isn't so short that it binds up, it will last longer than a longer chain. With fewer links come fewer points of failure. A short chain will be harder to install than the factory spec, however.
Bottom Line
As long as the chain is within the range your motorcycle will tolerate, the length is really a matter of personal choice. A more important thing is to make sure that the chain is the right type. Chains come in different widths, tensile strengths and pitches. You must choose all of those according to factory spec. The length is really the only chain characteristic on which you have a choice.
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