BMW Unveils Maintenance Free M Endurance Chain

BMW Motorrad launched the M Endurance chain for the S1000RR and S1000XR models. It comes with a new coating material for the rollers and the result is that the motorcycle chain needs no more cleaning or re-tensioning.

Back in 1923, BMW introduced its first shaft drives which were fitted on the R32 models. At that time it was a technological marvel due to its characteristics that required no chain maintenance. Almost 100 years later, BMW unveils the M Endurance chain that follows the same pattern and makes lubricating a thing of the past.

In other words, this BMW motorcycle chain is maintenance-free. The M Endurance chain also has, like standard X-ring chains, a permanent lubricant filling between the rollers and pins, enclosed by X-rings.  But it features a new coating material for the rollers – tetrahedrally amorphous carbon (ta-C) which does not wear off thanks to its extreme hardness and resistance characteristics. Also, ta-C provides other benefits like a low friction coefficient, thus, it increases performance. As a result, the familiar “chain lubrication”, cleaning, and re-tensioning are no longer necessary. To quote BMW:

“Thanks to excellent dry lubrication properties and the elimination of wear, the tetrahedral amorphous carbon-coated rollers of the M Endurance chain offer maintenance comfort equivalent to that of a shaft drive motorcycle. This includes all the cleaning work that is unavoidable with a conventional chain due to splashed lubricant. Accordingly, the M Endurance chain also offers maximum environmental friendliness.” 

The BMW M Endurance chain in 525 pitch is available for the BMW S1000RR and BMW S1000XR models. Moreover, the motorcycle chain is available as an accessory or directly from the factory as an option. Unfortunately, there are no details on the price. BMW says that more models will feature the M Endurance chain.