The Pros And Cons Of Chain Drive
| Pros | Cons |
| Light Weight | Requires Frequent Cleaning |
| Easy To Handle | Frequent Lubrication |
| Fuel-Efficient | Frequent Re-Tensioning |
| Cheaper To Maintain And Service | Wear Out Faster |
| Adaptable And Versatile | Chain Can Dislodge Or Come Loose |
| Efficient At Transmitting Power | Lubricant Or Grease Can Spill Out |
| Simple Build And Design | Chain Can Cause Accidents If Broken |
The Pros And Cons Of Shaft Drive Motorcycles
| Pros | Cons |
| Smoother Riding Experience | More Expensive To Purchase |
| Longer Life Span | More Expensive To Repair And Service |
| Requires Less Maintenance | Heavier |
| Reliable For Long Distances | Requires More Torque |
| Reliable For Difficult Conditions | Less Efficient Power Transmission |
| Minimal Chances Of Breaking Down | Difficult To Make Adjustments |
Motorcycles usually operate with a chain or shaft drive that transfers power from the engine to the rear wheel. Chain and Shaft drive motorcycles offer their own sets of pros and cons, but the most common motorcycles on the market are still chain-driven. There is also a third option called a Belt drive which is a lot rarer.
Chain drive motorcycles are more efficient and more powerful but require more maintenance and regular chain adjustments. Replacements to worn parts are also expensive. Shaft drive motorcycles are more expensive to purchase initially but have lower maintenance costs and running costs.
I have owned chain and shaft drive motorcycles. This article is not supposed to inform the reader that one is better than the other, but to be of guidance to anyone considering purchasing a bike who wants to gain further knowledge of each of the drive systems available on a bike today.
Over twenty years or so, I have covered many problem-free miles on shaft-driven motorcycles and chain-driven bikes and wouldn’t hesitate to purchase a bike with either of these drives as long as the bike was the right type for me.
The advantages and disadvantages of both chain drive and shaft drive motorcycles make for a difficult choice when deciding which type of bike to purchase. Understanding how each type operates and assessing each motorcycle type’s pros and cons will help you find the right fit.
How Do Chain Drive Motorcycles Operate?
The well-known type of final drive that the majority of motorcycles have is a chain drive. The chain, front and rear sprockets connect the engine to the rear wheel, which drives the rear wheel forward.
The linkages of the chain connect the two sprockets (front and rear) so that when the sprocket which is connected to the engine turns, it moves the energy produced to the rear sprocket via the chain, which drives the motorcycle forward.
Its actually a very simple yet effective process.
The chain consists of a group of inter-connected bearings that link together with inner and outer plates. These plates need frequent lubricating to allow the chain to turn smoothly.
Modern chains are sealed chains that are constantly lubricated and protected. The O-rings, which are made of rubber, are located between the chain’s inner and outer plates, which seal in the grease that protects them from dirt and water.
The motorcycle chain is designed to conform to the sprocket’s teeth in its shape, and it functions at a sixth of the sprocket’s tensile strength. There is more chance of the motorcycle’s sprocket losing its teeth before a chain snaps. This happens most often due to neglecting the upkeep of the chain.
For more information about motorcycle chains, I have written an article about them, which you can read by clicking HERE.
It is always wise to carry out a regular visual inspection of the chain and rear sprocket on the motorcycle. If the shape has more of a shark tooth appearance, then it is time to replace the chain and sprockets.
I have written a detailed article called How To Replace The Chain And Sprockets. A Photo Guide. This article has photographs of each stage of the process. You can view the article by clicking HERE.
Many modern performance sports bikes that we know and love today are chain-driven motorcycles, with one of the most notorious being the Honda Fireblade.
The chain and sprocket set-up on a motorcycle is a lighter alternative to the shaft drive setup, and many dirt bikes are chain-driven due to the chain and sprockets being lightweight, making them ideal for the dirt bike build.
There are heavier motorcycles that are chain-driven, but most chain drive motorcycles are lightweight, making them easier to handle and maneuver. Being lightweight also makes them more fuel-efficient and more straightforward to service.
However, chain drive bikes require more attention and regular care, such as lubricating the chain regularly, cleaning the chain and sprockets, and re-tensioning the chain. I enjoy carrying out this kind of maintenance regularly as it gives me a chance to inspect the bike over.
In comparison to shaft drive bikes, chain drive motorcycles wear out faster. Chains are more exposed and susceptible to stretching or breaking, especially in harsher conditions.
It has been known for chains to dislodge or come loose when put under the type of strain or abuse that can come with outdoor riding under challenging conditions, but with good maintenance, this should never be a situation you should come across. In my 20 or so years of riding motorcycles, this has never happened to me.
Some riders claim that chain drive motorcycles are more adaptable and versatile because they adjust and alter the chain and sprockets according to their preferences. This can enhance the final drive and overall performance of the bike.
In my own personal opinion, I do feel more connected to a motorcycle when it is chain-driven as I feel I can get to know the bike better whilst carrying out regular maintenance on it. With a shaft drive bike, there is no maintenance (so less tinkering around) necessary which can also be a big bonus!
There can be a risk of the lubricant or grease spilling out from the chain and becoming a hazard to the motorcycle wheels or others on the road. However, if the chain is maintained correctly, there should not be much leakage.
Chain drive motorcycles are the most efficient at transmitting power. They have a 1-4% transmission loss, which is a lot less than the other types of motorcycles.
Chain-driven motorcycles are simple in how they function and cheaper to maintain and service than shaft drive motorcycles.
The rare incident of the chain snapping could cause accidents due to the chain tangling with the sprockets and locking the wheels or whipping up and striking the rider. However, if the chain and sprockets are well maintained, there is hardly any chance of this.
Despite a few negatives, chain drive motorcycles are supreme when it comes to transmission. They are the lightest in weight compared to all the other types. They have a simple build and are cost-effective, which is why they are the most common and sought-after type of motorcycles on the market.
How Do Shaft Drive Motorcycles Operate?
Instead of transferring the engine’s energy via a chain and two sprockets, shaft drive motorcycles have a shaft connected to the engine and the rear wheel.
The shaft is connected to the gearbox output through a universal joint which transmits power at any selected angle.
The shaft is connected to a bevel gear on the rear wheel, which causes a rotation at 90 degrees and makes the wheel turn forward.
The whole drive system is drenched in lubricant and grease that is sealed in to protect it from external elements and weather conditions.
Shaft drive motorcycles are significantly more expensive than chain drive motorcycles. They are heavier and require more torque to operate effectively. Shaft drive is not used on low capacity or economy-focused bikes.
They are much more expensive to repair and to service. Parts are a lot more costly and harder to find, and you would also require specialized tools to service the shaft drive.
The shaft drive setup is primarily used on large-capacity bikes that produce large amounts of torque. However, one of the bikes I had, which was shaft-driven, was my Honda 750cc Shadow which certainly did not have large amounts of torque and was a relatively small-capacity motorcycle.
Motorcycles with shaft drive are also the most inefficient of the two when comparing the two power transmissions, shaft drive and chain drive. I found that I could get many more miles to the gallon on my chain-driven motorcycles than my shaft drive ones.
Shaft drive motorcycles are the sturdiest bikes in comparison to chain drive bikes. They have a very smooth feel when driving and are a lot more stable. These types of motorcycles hardly ever need maintenance due to the drive being sealed with all the lubricant and grease inside.
They have a longer life span than chain-driven bikes and, in my opinion, can offer a better driving experience. Shaft drive bikes are also a lot less noisy than chain drive bikes.
Shaft drive bikes are much more challenging to make adjustments and modifications and are not as simple in their build and design.
As shaft-driven motorcycles have progressed over the years, they are often built for adventure touring or sports touring. Think of the BMW 1250GS. They are very reliable bikes for long distances, challenging conditions, or for riders looking for a bike with minimal chances of breaking down and carrying out less maintenance.
An Alternative Option
A third drive option growing in preference and competition to chain and shaft drive motorcycles is belt-driven motorcycles.
Belt drive motorcycles operate with a reliable pulley system that is made of rubber and is long-lasting. These motorcycles are mostly maintenance-free and are cheaper than shaft drive motorcycles.
They do not require the same lubrication or frequent cleaning as chain drive bikes and produce much less noise.
The negatives to belt drive motorcycles are that the belt is a lot more expensive to replace or repair than the chain, and it does not produce as much power as chain-driven motorcycles.
Conclusion
Chain drive motorcycles continue to dominate the market because of their affordability, versatility, and power. Their lightweight and easily understood engine and build makes them an owner-friendly motorcycle.
Shaft drive motorcycles occupy the upper range of motorcycles when it comes to affordability and comfort and offers a smoother experience. They are also more expensive. They lack the power and adjustability of chain drive bikes but make it up for stability and longevity.
Belt drive motorcycles offer an alternative to those looking for something between a chain-driven motorcycle and a shaft drive motorcycle.
I hope that this article assessing the pros and cons of both chain drive and shaft drive motorcycles helps you make the best choice if you are considering purchasing either one of these two drive systems.
Happy riding!
