There are many instances in which it’s beneficial to know the differencesbetweenshaft vs. chain vs. belt drive motorcycles.For expert and novice bikers alike, knowledge is power!The differences between these three drive types are efficiency, safety, comfort, and maintenance.Read on for more information about each of these components to decide which drive type is right for you!
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4 Things to Consider AboutShaft vs. Chain vs. Belt Drive
1. Efficiency
Efficiency is important for a few reasons. First, inefficient things tend to wear out more quickly, but we’ll get to that more in our maintenance section. Secondly, efficiency leads to better gas mileage. If your goal is the get around without leaving a huge carbon footprint and to save a few bucks, the right drive can help!Lastly, efficiency is important if you’re going for maximum power and speed.For maximum efficiency, a belt drive is the right way to go.Even if it’s only marginally more efficient than a chain drive, it will take less energy to turn a properly fitted belt rated for the same power. Shaft drives come up last with their high weight and heavy gear oil.
2. Safety
The rider’s safety is always of the utmost importance. So, we want to make sure your bike isn’t damaged due to broken components that can lead to a crash, orget youstuck out in the country or on the trail.When it comes to safety,a shaft drive is the best bet.There’sless chance of getting hurtbya belt or chain whizzing around and much less chance of breakage.While chains can handle much more power when theybreak,they can damage your bike or your leg.A broken belt will leave you stuck but not injured.
3. Comfort
It’s always important to go for a test ride!Chain drives are overwhelmingly used on the majority of bikes, so you may have to look outside the bikes to find a belt or shaft driven bike to ride.If you’ve been riding a chain-driven bike for some time, we highly recommend hopping on a shaft driven bike for comfort.You still get the crisp power transfer while having a much quieter and smootherride. Beltdrives are somewhere in-between,offering a quiet ridethat’s more efficientthan a shaft–driven bike.
4. Maintenance
Each drive system requires a different type of maintenance.Chain drives require the most maintenance, requiring bothlubricationand tension adjustment on a regular basis.Belt drivesrequire changing the belt at the manufacturer’srequiredintervals,but shouldn’t require any other maintenance.A shaft drive will run quietly and smoothly as long as you keep the gear oil changed at the recommended intervals.We recommend usingPJ1 Driveshaft Hypoid Gear Oilto keep your shaft–driven motorcycle running quietly and without problems for miles to come!
Now that you know the benefits and drawbacksofshaft vs. chain vs. belt drive motorcycles, you can decide which best suits your needs!
5 responses to “How to Choose Between Shaft vs. Chain vs. Belt Drive Motorcycles”
THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION. I’VE RIDDEN BOTH CHAIN AN MY FIRST SHAFT DRIVE SOLD ME ON THEM! I’M IN THE MARKET FOR A PRE-OWNED MOTORCYCLE AND NOTICED A LOT ARE BELT! I’D LIKE TO STICK WITH A SHAFT DRIVEN BECAUSE OF MY LAST TWO BIKES AND AM ALTHOUGH SOLD ON THE SHAFT DRIVEN, WILL CONSIDER A BELT DRIVE IT I FIND THE RIGHT BIKE! THANKS FOR THE INFO!
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I have one question. If one has to customize the size of the tyres or weels e.g. a rare 180 changeover to 240/40. Will it be easier with belt or shaft system.
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Muhammad-
Although a little more expensive to build, overall, Shaft Drive would be easiest because it would require the least amount of maintenance and would last the life of the motorcycle. Where as Belt Drive, is more difficult to maintain, especially on smaller bikes, and can be difficult to replace.
Thank you!
-PJ1
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Belts sap more power than chains but are much easier to maintain and are cleaner. Chains rarely fail if maintained properly. Belts, all it takes is a stone to nick edge of belt and break it . I went to chain after blowing 2 Belts. Did some engine work and couldn’t keep a belt on it .
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Chains have to be changed regularly along with the sprockets. It is a major pain in the A and expensive. They also have to be tightened regularly, another pain the A. Shaft drives are virtually maintenance free. Having owned 3 chain bikes and 2 shafts, I’ll never buy another chain drive bike.
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