3 main forms of motorcycle rear wheel drive

Three main types of motorcycle rear-wheel drive are chain, belt and shaft drive. Each has different highlights and observations:

1. Chain Drive - "Popular and Performance Accent"

It is the most common system, from family cars to big bikes.

• Advantages:

• Lightweight: Helps to lose weight under the spring (Unsprung weight), makes the car control good.

• Affordable: Parts are cheap and easiest to buy.

• Full-grain transmission: Very little power loss in the system. Fits cars that need strong speed.

• Remarks:

• Often care required: Always wash, spray lubricants and set chain tension (every 500-1,000 km)

• Loud and dirty: There is a sound of steel hitting each other while running, and often a splash of oil stains on the wheels or body of the car.

2. Belt Drive System - "Soft and Clean"

It is often found in Cruiser-type cars (such as Harley-Davidson) or some scooter cars.

• Advantages:

• Quiet: Soft operation and no metal sound.

• Clean: No lubricant required. Make no stains mess.

• Less maintenance: No tension required as often as chain and long life in normal conditions

• Remarks:

• Vulnerable to foreign bodies: If gravel or rock slips into the belt groove, it can cause the belt to be torn immediately.

• High price: Each belt replacement costs more than a chain.

3. Shaft Drive System - "Durable and carefree"

Often in large touring motorcycles (such as the GS family BMW) that focus on long-distance travel.

• Advantages:

• Very durable: The system is well sealed, excellent protection against dust, stone and water.

• Barely Maintenance: Just change the differential oil by distance (once in a while). Don't worry about setting or lubrication on the way.

• Remarks:

• Heavy weight: It is the highest weight system. It affects driving.

• Complex and expensive: The internal mechanism is complex. If the system breaks down, the repair cost will be very high.

• "Shaft Effect": In older cars, accelerating times, the trunk may have a slight uplift due to axle torque.

Summary of selection:

• If you like speed, easy customization, low cost - > choose chain

• If you like softness, handsome riding, clean car - > choose belt

• If you like to travel long distances, ride only, do not like service - > choose drive shaft