Drive Train - Basic Parts - Motorbikes


Buying a bike is only half the story, you also need the right accessories
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Sports Bikes

Ducati 916

Honda Fireblade

Suzuki GSX

Section 1.4

Section 1.5

Section 1.6

Section 1.7

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Section 1.13

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Section 1.15

Off Road Bikes

BMW R1150GS

KTM 525 EXC

CCM R30

Section 2.4

Section 2.5

Section 2.6

Section 2.7

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Section 2.9

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Section 2.15

Touring Bikes

Harley-Davidson

Honda Goldwing

BMW K1200LT

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Getting Started

Choosing a Bike

Buying Tips

Caring for your Bike

Securing your Bike

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Basic Parts

Engine

Wheels and Tyres

Drive Train

Frame

Gears

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Section 5.15

Rider

Helmet

Clothing

Boots

Luggage

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Section 6.6

Section 6.7

Section 6.8

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Section 6.15

Routes

America and Canada

Asia

Europe

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Race Events

World Superbikes and Moto GP

Isle of Man TT

Club Meets and Track Days

Daytona

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The History of Motorbikes

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Watch: American Chopper

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Watch: Greatest Ever Motorcycles

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Watch: Motoring programmes

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Section 13

Section 13.1

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Section 14

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Section 15

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Basic parts

Drive train

Chain-drive is still the most common way of transferring power to the rear wheel of a motorcycle, but some machines offer an alternative – shaft-drive.

The normal set-up is a simple chain and sprocket system – it is lightweight and reasonably reliable, but requires regular adjustment and lubrication.

Many modern touring bikes use a shaft driven system, where a driveshaft set-up turns the rear wheel. The disadvantage here is weight (which is why you don’t see sports bikes using them), but the advantage is lower maintenance and increased reliability.

Image: Alvey and Towers