Well it is! But keep in mind that the exact service schedule may vary from one bike to the next, so make sure to check your bikes service manual and follow the manufacturers recommendation. The drivetrain on a motorcycle is a group of parts that deliver the power from the engine to the rear wheel. It seems there is no clear winner here. Yes, its safe to say that todays shaft-driven motorcycles are really good. On a motorcycle, the drivetrain consists of three parts: the primary drive, the transmission, and the final drive. This is because this machine is an adventure bike, on which a belt drive doesnt work well. They need to be cleaned carefully and lubricated from time to time, but do not require the same level of attention that a non-sealed chain demands. If you have a sport bike, some of your fairings may need to be removed. This job is not for the faint of heart. Your bikes chain could very well be that noise gremlin youve been chasing for a week. Shaft jacking was not only uncomfortable for riders but also dangerous, as closing the throttle when cornering led to handling issues. You're stuck with what the factory gave you. Depending on what type of bike you have, you may be able to tailor the drivetrain to exploit your bike's traits or to better suit your riding style and environment. If there is a tight spot in the belt as you are inspecting, that is where you would base your measurement for adjustment purposes. The gears in the transmission allow you to accelerate rapidly and cruise at nice, low, fuel-conserving engine revs. Malfunctions with a shaft drive are fairly infrequent, but if any issues arise, it can usually only be fixed by a professional. Sound important? The job is more difficult than an oil change, but less difficult than steering head bearings or fork seal replacement. As always, consult your motorcycle owners manual (M.O.M.) There are three different types of motorcycle final drives: chain, belt, and shaft drives. If you are going to use a riveted link, you will need a chain breaker and riveting link tool. Loosen or remove your exhaust/muffler if needed to access the tensioner nut or axle nut. Pros and Cons of a Motorcycle Chain Drive. While the majority of Indian motorcycles are belt-driven, surprisingly not all of them! So, there you have it, the different types of common final drives. The final drive oil, or to be more accurate, the lubricant change interval for the differential is usually unlisted by the manufacturers. The downside is that some folks think they are weaker than riveted links. A very loose chain can make a loud clicking or clacking noise, where a chain that is too tight can make a whirring noise. Welcome to our site! But why is a drive belt replacement so difficult? Push upward perpendicularly on the belt and visually inspect the amount of movement through the viewing window on the belt guard. The smaller sprocket is mounted on the output shaft, which is the shaft that protrudes from the engine. Finally, the last chain-driven Harley-Davidson was manufactured in 1992. Once proper adjustment is verified, tighten the jam nuts. Generally speaking, a motorcycle drive belt replacement takes about 2-4 hours depending on the type of bike and the other repairs/replacements that may occur. A belt drive on a motorcycle is a very similar system to the afore-mentioned chain drive. Let's say your motorcycle's engine has an annoying vibration in top gear at the exact speed you ride to work on the highway every morning. Chain care itself is a variable since different riders use different cleaning agents and lubricants, for example. The entire assembly has an elongated housing (filled with oil) that protects it from damage and the elements. Riding without the transmission would be like riding in the same gear all the time. Belt drives are much cleaner than chains and require less regular maintenance, but shouldnt be ignored completely. With a wheelie or a burnout, you can literally destroy a motorcycle drive belt in a couple of seconds, as you can see in this video: As a rule of thumb, replacing a motorcycle drive belt costs about $500-$1,500, or even more. To maintain a motorcycle drive belt all you need to do is visually inspect the belt and keep it at the correct tension. Be the first to know when we post a new story and announce product giveaways. Thus completes Final Drive 101! If you change your own tires, you are definitely able to do it! Belt drives are pretty much utilized only by cruiser manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles these days. As reported by the manufacturer, the average curb weight of Harley-Davidson motorcycles by category is as follows: This reduces weight, but due to better materials and workmanship, it can be possible to achieve the same tensile strength with the narrower aftermarket chain. Finally, the transmission drives the shaft, and the bevel gear on the end of the shaft drives the rear wheel. Keep in mind that in many cases the pulleys have to be replaced along the belt (or at least the rear), especially in case of high mileage. Can You do a Wheelie on a Shaft Drive Motorcycle? How to Check/Inspect (Every 2,500-5,000 miles)Visually inspect the entire belt for road debris, small tears, dry rot, or significant wear. You may notice more or less "buzzing." These chains are the costliest, and even if a seal breaks, the other section of the seal should theoretically keep dirt out, and lubricant in. Illegal street racing by Mat Rempit groups active again, RM450,000 prize. A non-sealed chain is the most affordable and most labor-intensive of the chains. Extra weight on the bike or towing a trailer can also significantly shorten the life of a drive belt, just like stunts. Feel your engine is revving a little high and the vibration is getting to you at your favourite riding speed? Nonetheless, many buyers are happy to pay for it, so they can enjoy the comfort and convenience it provides! On top of that, the chain is prone to breaking and can even wrap around the rear sprocket causing the wheel to lock. But how is this power transmitted to the rear wheel? The two ways to connect a new chain are a clip-style master link and a riveted link. Your front pulley material will be steel, and your rear will be aluminum. According to RevZilla, Harleys use belt drives because this design requires far less maintenance and is much quieter compared to a chain drive. Front sprockets will be made of steel, and rear sprockets can be had in either steel, aluminum, or hard-anodized aluminum. With proper maintenance and reasonable riding, a motorcycle drive belt can last about 40,000-100,000 miles, or even longer. Why? Some spin faster or slower than others. Review: Honda RS-X A thrill ride of a supercub! It's also the chain with the least amount of frictional drag, due to its lack of sealing surfaces, which is why it is sometimes used in racing applications. A clean and well-maintained chain constitutes very little parasitic power loss and can transmit up to 98% of the engines power. O-rings provide one sealing surface to keep dirt and grit out and lubricant in. When it comes to the everlasting belt drive vs. shaft drive debate, many riders say that a shaft drive is better as it provides the highest safety. Related Articles8 Steps to Prep Your Motorcycle for Winter StorageHow to Maintain Your Motorcycles Air FilterAll Tech Articles on WRN. If your motorcycle has a chain final drive, it probably has an O-ring or X-ring roller chain. Contrary to popular belief, drive belts are not completely maintenance-free but rather low-maintenance. It's not difficult, but it is time-consuming and requires a weekend afternoon for most folks and some pre-planning. [Video], Which Type of Clutch is Used in Motorcycle? This is because you dont have to be afraid of the belt flying off if it accidentally breaks. 7. It is ok to spray your belt and pulleys with water during a normal bike wash. You can scrub the pulleys only if they are excessively dirty, but dont scrub the belt. Easy maintenance. shaft jacking especially on older models), Causes much more power loss than belt or chain drives, Requires a lot of torque and a large-displacement engine (at least about 600cc). Truth be told, there is lots of argument on the subject, and each material has its defenders. A riveted link joins an inside and outside plates of the link with a rivet pin. Just opt for a taller final gearing by using a smaller rear sprocket or a slightly larger front sprocket (its better to use a larger front than a smaller rear sprocket, if possible). Need more acceleration at the track? It's the easiest to get dirty, but also the easiest to get clean and lubricated. You bet! Its downsides are its ease of removal (or, more specifically, lack thereof) and you have to have the tool needed to rivet and break the link. Do you want to do your clutch while you're in there?). [H-D Weight Chart], link to Average Harley-Davidson Dimensions [H-D Size Chart], These power sources come in many shapes and layouts. The final drive on a motorcycle delivers engine power from the transmission to the rear wheel. The shaft and differential are usually sealed, the latter bathed in oil/fluid. And its important to make sure the chain has the proper amount of slack; you dont want it too tight or too loose, as riding for long in this condition will affect the bikes performance and wear the chain and sprockets out much faster. Then, the recommended drive belt maintenance interval is typically 5,000 miles, which is often the same as the oil change interval. From snowmobiles to jet skis, from ATVs to motorcycles, we have the powersports covered! With proper maintenance, drive belts on Harleys typically last about 40,000-100,000 miles. From then on until 2021 Harleys have been available exclusively with a belt drive system. The final drive can be a chain, belt, or shaft drive depending on the model. 10. On the other end of the shaft, you can find a spiral bevel gear housed in a hub. Let's talk about how the power is moved through the bike. Simply put, the transmission output and the drive shaft are connected to a special coupling. Lets compare the pros and cons of chain drives head-to-head! There is no need for lubrication. If you want a little more top end so your old cone motor's not screaming trying to keep up, a different pulley might get you the results you're looking for. Installing a new belt on worn-out or damaged pulleys is never a good idea! How to Check/Inspect (Every 800-1000 miles). The majority of motorcycles are chain-driven, but a belt drive is commonly used on cruisers and e-bikes. The drivetrain consists of several smaller parts, all of which play a major role in the proper operation of the bike. But its safe to say that you can find this unique final drive system primarily on high-end bikes. High speed is not an issue, but acceleration and throttle response definitely are. All you need to know about the Ducati Panigale V4S - Tested! We cannot clearly state that shaft drive motorcycles are better than any other bike out there. You'll be happily motoring down the road while your riding buddies are cleaning and adjusting chains. From the transmission, power moves to the rear wheel through the final drive. What about the stator sealing O-ring? etc. Aftermarket rear sprockets are typically aluminum, which is lighter than the factory steel sprockets, reducing unsprung, rotating weight (basically, weight savings in anything attached to the wheels pays extra dividends in performance). To adjust the chain, do the following steps:1. Voila! First, the price of a drive belt ranges from $100 up to $300. On the other side of that coin, maybe you have an old Shovel that you ride around with your buddies who have more modern bikes. There are a few heavyweight Japanese cruisers that use belts, but its uncommon. Whats more, a chain drive is strong, durable, and can tolerate the power of high-performance sportbikes. 2018 Yamaha YZF-R15 now available in Malaysia RM11,988. They need to be cleaned and re-lubed usually every 400km, besides periodic adjustments. Nothing makes me happier than describing all the ways you could be happier riding your bike by trashing OEM components for purpose-built, go-fast goodies! Intensive maintenance: Chains need more maintenance than their belt and shaft counterparts. Maintaining a motorcycle drive shaft typically means periodic oil changes and an occasional visual check. A belt is low noise, especially when compared to an unlubricated, unadjusted or old chain. They are easily repaired on the side of the road in a jiffy, and make chain removal a snap! You should know that chains don't really stretch. Aside from parts wearing out, you may want to make changes to your final drive to make your motorcycle's performance better fit your needs. The gearbox is designed to change the gear the engine is running in, which helps feed the rear wheel with a controlled amount of power. Which means youd need to replace the belt should you want to alter the sizes of the pulleys. This results in higher manufacturing costs, and a lot of additional weight on the rear wheel. I'm not inclined to disagree, but it does bring about a question: What moves the two-wheeled apparatus? He has since worked in the motorcycle and automotive industry for many years, before taking up riding courses and testing many, many motorcycles since becoming a motojournalist. Lets see the pros and cons of this design head-to-head! Chain Drive vs. Belt Drive vs. Shaft Drive Comparison Chart. While holding the tension (from step 6) on the rear wheel, tighten the axle to M.O.M.s specified torque. The best shaft-driven bikes are arguably made by Moto Guzzi, BMW, Triumph, and the Japanese big four (Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Kawasaki). A belt just needs cleaning by hosing off the road grit. On the other hand, it features a very complex design and many heavy parts. Other riders claim that a chain drive is better as its far cheaper and easier to maintain. Review: Royal Alloy GP180 A good modern retro scoot for you? A belts length corresponds to the recommended sizes of the stock pulleys. The pins and plates wear, and the chain gets longer due to this wear. Effectively, that means everything aft of the transmission that helps to spin the rear wheel. Expensive.Yes, a drive belt is expensive. Low maintenance: This is the probably the best feature of a driveshaft. Spray on too much lubricant will cause it to be flung all over the rear end of the bike and rider. Hammy Moto crashes bike, went under a lorry and came out ALIVE on the other side! But unfortunately, drive belts can get damaged by a stone before reaching their lifespan. 10 Different Types of Motorcycle Engines Explained [Video], What is the Throttle on a Motorcycle? Each of these systems fit different types of motorcycle categories, which are as follows: https://www.revzilla.com/common-tread/why-things-are-the-way-they-are-final-drive, https://motofaction.org/motorcycles/list-of-shaft-driven-motorcycles/, https://motorbikewriter.com/chain-versus-belt-shaft/, Simply put, the different types of motorcycle engines are as follows: Single-cylinderParallel-twin (or inline-two)V-twin (long,, Simply put, the throttle on a motorcycle is actually the right handlebar grip. A shaft drive is typically installed on larger touring and adventure bikes, which have to cover long distances, preferably without any failure. Belts, chains, and sprockets are all wear items. Which Honda Motorcycles Have a Shaft Drive? 8. To eliminate this negative effect, modern shaft-driven bikes already feature parallelogram linkages.. The rear wheel features a gear inside a hub to which the shaft is connected. When it comes to your sprockets, watch out for hooked teeth, sometimes called shark teeth. Always replace belt and pulleys together; never replace one or the other. How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Harley-Davidson Belt? On the other hand, dont forget that a shaft drive also has many cons like its heavy weight and hefty price tag. They are cheap, lightweight, and easy to fix and replace even at home. In this post, we wont go deeper into this topic, but you can read more about motorcycle transmissions here. You might want to inspect and wash your belt if you live or ride on dirt roads often. Its safe to say that the belt can see at least 40,000 miles on most bikes, but its not unusual for them to run more than 100,000 miles. These chains typically cost a bit more than their non-sealed counterparts. These are very time-consuming tasks, even for an experienced mechanic! All rights reserved, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle reviews from Malaysia, Asia and the world BikesRepublic.com, Husqvarna Norden 901 Now In Malaysia RM98,800, KTM 890 Duke R And 890 Adventure Lands In Malaysia , Barkbusters Introduces Handguards For Triumph Tiger Sport 660, 2023 Ducati World Premiere To Kick Off In September, 7 Episodes, 5 Things To Know About The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R Set To, Review: 2022 Harley-Davidson Sportster S A Harley powercruiser unlike any. on whether your bikes tension specs are based on your bike being on the ground or lifted (some have specs for both). Review: Suzuki SV650 The Suzy V-Twin naked that everyone loves! Therefore, the metal parts are lubricated and protected from dirt, water, and any other external elements. can read more about motorcycle transmissions here. In the past shaft-driven bikes suffered from shaft jacking, but on most of the newest models this negative effect has already been eliminated. This is where the drivetrain comes into play. This gives each ring twice as many sealing surfaces as an O-ring chain. The drivetrain on a motorcycle links its rear wheel to the engine. Remember, M.O.M. Steel will wear better, but aluminum is lighter. Sport bike riders in search of every ounce of performance and weight savings sometimes change to a different size of chain. The amount of upward movement on the belt should match the first. If there is road debris embedded in your bikes belt, dont try to pry it out yourself. This is a great way to check wheel alignment before you begin your adjustment. Why is it so expensive? If you have a shaft drive, then most of the above does not apply. The motorcycles drivetrain can be divided into three main parts, the primary and final drives, plus the transmission. If you want to find out more about motorcycle drivetrains, this post is for you. Shaft jacking phenomena has been addressed by most manufacturers. Yes, a belt drive is considered a reliable and durable final drive system. Ducati Diavel 1260S - First look before full test ride! Tell us what you love or what we need to fix. Unobtrusive operation. Most shaft-driven motorcycles simply require a fluid replacement, cleaning, and lube at an interval of no less than 6,000 milesoften it is less frequent than this. Unobtrusive operation. A larger rear sprocket will do. The main advantage of the belt drive is that its completely clean and requires little maintenance. But depending on the mileage, be prepared to replace the pulleys and some other parts as well. If you have a curve on one side of each sprocket tooth, its time to replace everything. How do You Maintain a Motorcycle Shaft Drive? Wahid's lust for motorcycles was spurred on by his late-Dad's love for his Lambretta on which he courted, married his mother, and took baby Wahid riding on it. Quiet and not messy. knows all, so follow her specs on proper chain tension. Take an Extra 10% Off Our ZLA Warehouse. In most cases, all of these components are mounted under one roof. A clip-style master link can be installed with basic hand tools. This is our two wheel chapter focused on bringing you the very best of the motorcycling scene from our base in Malaysia and through our contributors around the world. However, its definitely not recommended! Since 1999, the #1 Motorcycling Resource for Women and Those Who Ride With Us, 8 Steps to Prep Your Motorcycle for Winter Storage, How to Maintain Your Motorcycles Air Filter, Interview with Lisa Malachowsky of the Womens Coalition of Motorcyclists, New Trike Review: Can-Am Spyder RT Limited, Top 6 Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle in Hot Weather, Site Crafted By Robintek: Columbus Website Design. It's said that four-wheeled apparatuses move the body, and two-wheeled ones move the soul. A belt drive also does not fling chain lubricant all over the bike and rider. This allows dirt in easily, but it also allows cleaner and lubricant in, too. 4. Similarly, some steel sprockets have a lot of material removed to offer strength without the weight penalty. Therefore, belt-driven Harleys offer more comfort and convenience to their owners. Regardless of what happened, if your OEM components are damaged or just plumb worn-out, you need to replace them. The other end of the shaft is geared directly to the transmission. Thank to this protection, a shaft drive is extremely durable and needs very little maintenance. Unfortunately, they are not easy to fix or replace, so a motorcycle belt replacement is never the cheapest maintenance on any bike. Weve put together the most comprehensive guide for women who are ready to venture into the world of motorcycling. This is because the shaft drive is considered a premium part because of its complexity and high manufacturing costs. If you're riding a bike with a chain probably! But since each design has its own pros and cons, it seems there is no clear winner here. The heart of each motorcycle is arguably its engine. Compared to belts and shafts. This was a typical issue on older shaft-driven motorcycles. Whats more, once virtually half of the bike is taken apart, besides the pulleys it makes sense to check the swingarm bushings, the inner primary bearing, and the transmission shaft bearing. In fact, it was the method of driving early cars, after the belt drive, and is still used to drive go carts today. The mood might not be perfect, but we suggest the following maintenance after a ride while the chain is still warm. We have updated our Privacy Policy. As a rule of thumb, replacing the drive belt on a Harley-Davidson costs about $700-$1500 (including the belt). This is because different pulley/sprocket kits can affect the acceleration as well as the top speed of the bike. to find out how often you should be performing these checks and services on your motorcycle. Next, the outer primary and clutch are removed, followed by the inner primary. Following normal service intervals will also prevent costly repairs, as your local dealership will keep an eye on your belt and pulley. Although almost no belt carries a warranty, 60,000 miles on a single belt is not at all a strange proposition. Additionally, many track sanctioning bodies specify a chain connected with a riveted link. [Video], Scooters, cruisers, commuter bikes eBikes, Can be fixed virtually anywhere in the world (great point on long tours), Very strong and can tolerate high engine power (sportbikes, racing bikes), Offers a lot of flexibility (by varying sprocket sizes), Needs to be replaced more often than belts, Prone to braking (which can lead to dangerous situations), High maintenance needs (adjusting, cleaning, lubricating), Very clean (does not require lubrication), Low maintenance needs (only requires a tension adjustment/visual inspection), Can be damaged by a rock or if it snaps on the road, Pulleys are heavier and much larger than sprockets (so they dont fit on smaller bikes), Cant tolerate high engine performance or stunts, Low maintenance (only a periodic oil change is required), Hard and expensive to repair if its somehow broken, Different riding experience (a.k.a. Lets get down to the nitty-gritty and talk about each one in detail! Therefore, a belt drive is recommended for beginner riders and those who dont like dealing with technical issues. If you want to learn more about the process, heres a great video on how to maintain the shaft drive on a motorcycle: The chain drive vs. belt drive vs. shaft drive debate is one of the best arguments in the motorcycle community. Most motorcycles feature a wet clutch, which runs in an oil bath, but a few models still come with a dry clutch. How Long Does the Drive Belt Last on a Harley-Davidson? The primary drive on a motorcycle is part of the drivetrain, which transmits the power from the crankshaft to the transmission.
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