It is very common for a pair of sprockets connected through
a chain to drive the rear wheels of a motorcycle. But it is not the only final
transmission system used for motorcycles. Belt drives and shaft drives are the
other two final drive systems, but they are not as common as chain drive
systems. So what exactly are the various advantages and disadvantages of the
three transmission systems and what is the preferred option for chain
transmissions? This article details the three final drive systems for motorcycles,
with advantages for different applications and their advantages and
disadvantages.
1. Belt Drive:-
The belt drive system is not as common as the chain drive
system, but it is in a second position far from popular. This configuration
consists of the transmission pulley towards the output shaft of the gearbox and
the transmission pulley on the wheel. Both pulleys are connected by a belt,
with teeth or grooves inside that match the grooves on the outside of the
pulley. The belt is made of a very strong synthetic material that resembles
rubber, but mostly lasts a long time. Such a belt system can last a long time.
Good care of the belt drive on a motorcycle can last more than 110,000 km.
Unlike chain transmissions that require very frequent cleaning, tightening and
maintenance, belt transmissions do not require maintenance. It does not need to
be lubricated with sticky lubricating oil and does not need cleaning, it works
cleanly. The belt drive system also works much smoother with much less pull
than the chain drive and the noise has no parallel.
Isn't it too good to be true? So, if a belt drive system
offers so many advantages, why not use it more frequently? Well, like all the
good things in the world, there are also its own shortcomings. Belt drive
systems are basically more expensive to produce than chain sprocket systems.
Second, depending on how the system is configured, the energy loss during
transmission is 9-15%, which is quite high compared to chain transmission systems.
In addition, the belt drive system does not require regular maintenance, but if
the belt or other system components do not interfere, replacement costs are
much more expensive than the installation of vanilla sprockets.
Belt drives are commonly used on cruises that transmit
silently and smoothly to drive long distances. Here, the belt drive system is
suitable for that purpose, because comfort and smoothness are more important
than fuel efficiency.
2. Shaft drive:-
First of all, the shaft drive system is the most expensive
of the three systems we have and has a certain margin. But of the three, it is
the most robust, soft and requires little maintenance. When well designed and
designed, the drive shaft often lasts the life of a motorcycle without service
or maintenance. The system, as the name implies, consists of an axis connected
to the output of the gearbox through
a universal joint, which is basically a coupling that transmits the torque at a
selected angle. At the other end, the axle is connected to the rear wheel hub
through a spiral bevel gear. The bevel gears rotate the wheels by turning the
axle 90 degrees. This entire transmission system is greased for lubrication and
sealing to protect the system from external elements and requires no
maintenance.
The axle transmission systems are heavy, expensive and not
required for economical or low-volume motorcycles, as they require more torque
to operate efficiently. They are used on large capacity motorcycles (usually
600 cc and above) that produce a large amount of torque. In addition, the axle
transmission system is very durable and reliable, so it is often used on
motorcycles made for adventure, sports tourism or adventure travel. In essence,
this system is suitable for use in conditions where it is dangerous for the
motorcycle to travel very long distances or to minimize the possibility of
failure.
If they are the strongest, why are expensive machines not
expensive? First, it is heavier than a belt or chain drive system, so reducing
weight limits the use of high performance super sports machines, which are
important. Second, these systems lose a lot of power during transmission. They
are the most inefficient of the trio we have and can bleed with a force of
20-25% when they move to the rear wheel. This is not good for
performance-oriented motorcycles, where counting all the words is very
important.
3. Chain Drive:-
Now it is connected to an old and reliable chain
transmission system. This system, which consists of a simple connection chain
that connects the sprockets,
is the transmission system that most motorcycles implement. The gearwheel
connected to the output shaft of the gearbox is the drive gearwheel and the
gearwheels on the rear wheels are the drive gearwheels, both are connected
through the chain and come in various designs.
Now chain drive systems must be adjusted from time to time
as chain length tends to increase over time. The oscillating arm of a
motorcycle with a chain drive system is incorporated so that the rear wheel can
move backwards within a limited range. Every 600-800 km, you must verify that
the motorcycle is not loose and adjust it if necessary. In addition, the chain
drive system is generally open to the elements and generates a lot of dust and
dirt, so they must be cleaned and lubricated every 600-800 km. This makes the
chain drive system quite service intensive and somewhat annoying. The chain
transmission system is noisy, especially when the chain is loose. In addition to
regular maintenance, chain drive systems must be replaced every 16,000 to 26,000
km, depending on factors such as motorcycle power, usage pattern and
maintenance level.
The chain is extremely rare but it can cause direct injury
to the driver or get tangled around the sprocket to block the rear. Wheels and
accidents occur. However, due to the higher transmission efficiency, relatively
light weight, simple structure and cost effectiveness, the chain drive system
is the most vulnerable place in the modern world of motorcycles.
