Advantages and disadvantages of three motorcycle transmission methods

At present, there are three mainstream motorcycle transmission methods, namely chain, belt, and shaft transmission. The advantages and disadvantages of each transmission method are different. We will introduce these 3 basic transmission methods separately in the following articles.

1. Chain drive system

Chain drivetrains are the most common motorcycle drivetrains today and are the most widely used, ranging from bicycles to motorcycles. Common CG 125, FZ 16 and other models all use chain drive systems. Chain drive trains are cheap to manufacture, but they are efficient and durable, and they are easy to maintain, and adjusting gear ratios is as easy as changing gears and discs at will.

Chains are prone to noise and will wear out quickly if not cleaned and maintained regularly. Many chains must be cleaned regularly with cleaning chemicals and then sprayed with maintenance fluid or with a clean viscous oil, which will help extend the life of the chain drive system and avoid conditions such as rust corrosion.

2. Belt drive

For motorcycles that are driven by belts, the more common ones are scooters, such as GY6 125, AN 125 and so on. This form of drivetrain is enclosed to protect it from soil and dirt. The advantage of the belt transmission system is that it is relatively quieter and has less vibration noise. The belt drive system is easier to avoid dust, and maintenance is more convenient.

However, belt drive systems are more susceptible to heat on long rides, causing the belt to soften and stretch and lack power. The belt drive system also has some disadvantages, mainly the high cost of maintenance and replacement. Due to the complexity of the parts, it is difficult to replace it by yourself, and it requires skilled and experienced professionals and tools to handle.

3. Shaft drive system

Shaft-driven motorcycles, usually found in high-end two-wheeled motorcycle models, are also used in many three-wheeled motorcycles, such as the RE 205, KING 200. The advantage of the shaft drive system compared to the above two drive systems is that the system is completely independent. So if there are no faults or internal damage, there is little need to regularly open and check the shaft, much less frequent maintenance. The cost of care and maintenance is also very low, only the internal lubricant needs to be replaced, and most of the internal parts are very durable, so the wear rate of the system during use is very low.Due to the good sealing performance, many models that drive on complex terrains such as grasslands and deserts use shaft drive systems. In addition, the load of the shaft transmission system far exceeds other transmission methods, so almost all tricycles use shaft transmission.

The disadvantage of this drive shaft system is that it is difficult to find the cause of damage, due to the complexity and dependence on components, it will take a long time and require high maintenance costs, and it is very troublesome to break once. Another disadvantage is that it is not suitable for those who like speed, because the system goes through many stages in operation, and the axle drive does not work due to the lateral torque that occurs when the axle is rotated in the direction of rotation, tilting the car in the opposite direction of the axle rotation. Suitable for high-speed vehicles.