Different types of motorcycles have different upkeep requirements. The three most common drive-types for motorcycles are chain, belt, and shaft. Understanding what the differences are – and what that means for you – will keep your bike running smoother, for longer.
At Tru-Tension, we supply a whole host of premium products to help you enhance the lifespan and enjoyment of your ride. Today we’ll discuss the differences between belt drives, shaft drives, and chain drives, while providing you with our expert advice on how to clean and maintain each type.
Want to know more? Check out our product page or contact the team!
What is a Belt Drive, Shaft Drive, and Chain Drive?
The first step to finding out what you need to do for maintenance is to figure out what type of drive your motorcycle has. Likewise, this acts as a guide if you’re choosing a motorcycle and want to know how much maintenance it will take to keep running.
The easiest way to figure out the type of drive is to confirm visually. Take a look at the rear wheel of your motorbike – if there’s cogs and a chain, it’s a chain drive; a belt and pulleys, a belt drive; and a closed-off drive shaft would mean it’s shaft drive.
Sounds simple, but if you’re not sure, you can always look to the manual, ask the vendor, or ask a friend! With that said, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type:
Belt Drive
Using belts and pulleys, belt drive motorcycles offer a smooth and quiet ride – perfect for mixing the serenity of mountain roads with the rush of a ride. They’re also generally quite clean, not requiring lubricant to stay running.
Their low maintenance compounds with their long lifecycle, often lasting for many thousands of miles. However, it’s not all sunshine and roses – belt drive systems have their own issues which include:
- Replacement difficulties
- Large pulley requirements, meaning they don’t fit on small bikes
- Inefficient power transmission
But if you’re looking for a low maintenance, high-value option, belt drives could be the way to go.
Shaft Drive
A shaft drive motorcycle runs off a drive shaft – a clean, smooth running, low maintenance option. They’re all but impervious to rain and dirt, and tend to last the full lifetime of the bike meaning you’ll never have to worry about replacing them.
On the flipside, they tend to sap a lot of power, and coming with difficult gearing changes. However, they’re a staple in motorcycle construction that have been used for many years, and with a wide array of benefits it’s clear to see why!
Chain Drive
A chain drive is built up of a chain and some sprockets. It’s the most common form of motorcycle drive, being both cheap to make and easy to replace. They’re compact, durable, lightweight, and offer easy gearing changes, making them a great choice for a variety of bike sizes and requirements. They’re also the most efficient means of power transmission, making them effective at riding long distances.
The biggest downside of the chain drive, aside from its need for occasional replacements, is their requirement for regular cleaning and lubrication. This can make a mess, and be quite stressful if you don’t know how to maintain them properly. So, building up an understanding is the best way to start.
Check out our guide on everything you need to know about motorcycle chains >
How Are They Cleaned?
As we’ve mentioned, belt and shaft drive motorcycles require next to no maintenance. Aside from cleaning off water, dirt, and grime that’s building up on their exterior to prevent damage over time, there’s not much you’ll need to do. Here are some tips just in case:
How to maintain your drive shaft: no cleaning is required, but an occasional oil change may be needed to keep it up and running.
How to clean your rear drive belt: using warm, soapy water and a soft nylon brush, gently clean your belt drive and sprockets to remove any built-up dust, dirt, and debris. Make sure to rinse it thoroughly afterwards to remove any lingering detritus. You should clean your drive belt in this way every time you have your tires changed, or more often if you ride in dirty conditions (e.g. off-roading).
How to Ensure Your Chain Drive Motorcycle is Properly Cleaned and Oiled
The main type of motorcycle drive that needs maintenance considerations is the chain drive. This system is quite exposed, and needs a good amount of lubricant at the moving joints to keep running. It will also end up picking up grime over time, so you’ll need to keep it clean as well. Here’s our advice on keeping your chain drive well maintained:
- Apply motorcycle chain lubricant. Keeping your chain-drive motorbike running smoothly means oiling it up on a regular basis. This will cut down noise, improve efficiency, and increase the lifespan of your bike.
- Wax your motorcycle chain. For chains that will experience prolonged cycles in high-impact environments, waxing them pre-emptively will help them withstand these harsh conditions.
- Keep your motorcycle chain clean. Both specialised cleaning products and purpose-built chain brushes can be used to efficiently and effectively keep your motorcycle chain clean, cutting down on your maintenance time while also providing a cleaner finish.
- Use a Moto Grime Guard. While there’s always a need to maintain your motorcycle chain, nothing beats reducing the amount of time you’ll have to spend doing it. Adding a grime guard to your bike will help protect it against dirt buildup, keeping your bike cleaner and minimising your maintenance requirements.
Wet vs dry lube – which is better? Find out more >
Maintain Your Motorcycle with Tru-Tension
With any chain drive motorbike, or even belt and shaft drive varieties, Tru-Tension have your maintenance solution. Our products are specially engineered to help your motorcycle run as efficiently as possible, while keeping it as sparkling-new as the day it came out the shop.
To find out more about our products and services, take a look at our catalogue or get in touch today!
Find out more with our complete guide & checklist for motorbike maintenance >