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2023
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Motorcycle power transmission: what are the differences between chain, belt, and shaft drives?
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The transmission system is an indispensable part of every motorcycle. Common street motorcycles use three different transmission types: chain, belt, and shaft drive. Have you ever wondered why the Moto Guzzi uses shaft drive and Harley-Davidson often uses belt drive?
The drivetrain is an essential part of every motorcycle. Common street motorcycles use one of three drivetrain types: chain, belt, or shaft. Have you ever wondered why shaft drive is used in certain models like the BMW R series, and belt drive is common in Harley-Davidsons?
Belt drive is widely used in scooters and American cruiser motorcycles. Its advantages include smooth transmission, low noise, and the ability to mitigate sudden load changes. It is less affected by sand, water, and other environmental factors compared to chains, resulting in simpler maintenance. However, belt drives can slip under high torque, and their high-speed power transmission efficiency is lower than that of chains. They also have a shorter lifespan due to the rubber material, which is susceptible to environmental degradation and can deform under high temperatures. Replacing a belt is also more complicated.
Shaft drive is a low-maintenance drivetrain option because the drive shaft is enclosed, protecting it from rain and sand. Compared to chains, it offers smoother power delivery. However, due to its complex structure (one shaft driving another), there is unavoidable power loss. BMW has conducted comparisons showing a 10% power loss in shaft drive compared to belt drive. High-speed transmission efficiency is also lower than that of chains, which is why shaft drive is rarely used in sports motorcycles.
Chain drive is common in street bikes, sportbikes, and touring bikes—essentially, all motorcycles except scooters. This is due to its low manufacturing cost and high power transmission efficiency.
In addition to low manufacturing costs, chains are easier to adjust. For manufacturers, using the same engine in different models with varying front and rear sprockets, changing chain length is much simpler. For racing and stunt motorcycles, chain drive is the easiest drivetrain to modify. In terms of transmission efficiency, it can maximize the vehicle's performance, whether focusing on torque or horsepower, as evidenced by its use in off-road and supermoto motorcycles.
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Specializing in motorcycle parts and drive belts
Chongqing Rongcan Trade Co., Ltd. has been engaged in motorcycle parts for over 30 years. Since 2018, it has been a distributor of GATES, and its business involves scooter CVT belts, motorcycle timing belts, ATV CVT belts, automotive belts, industrial belts, etc.
2022-03-22
Working principle of motorcycle gearbox
The principle of the transmission is that when the transmission pedal assembly is depressed, the transmission shaft rotates accordingly. The shift arm body S, which is welded to the transmission shaft, swings accordingly. The shift arm is connected to the shift arm body by a pin, and the shift arm is always pulled upward by a spring.
2023-11-16
What are the advantages of belt drives?
Belt drive is a common mechanical transmission method with the following advantages:
2023-11-16
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We sell automotive belts, industrial belts, motorcycle belts, ATV/UTV/snowmobile belts, hydraulic tubes and other products. We are committed to meeting the various needs of our customers!
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