Drivetrains are overlooked. All the credit goes to the engine, which generates the force that propels you down the road and produces the sound and sensation that makes you smile. You wouldn’t be able to move if the torque from the engine’s output shaft wasn’t transmitted to the rear wheel.
Keeping your motorcycle in top operating condition requires routine maintenance. A new chain and lube the bike every few days, maybe more often if you ride hard. But how often, and how much? The frequency depends on a variety of factors, such as the conditions under which you ride, the length of time you keep the bike, and the kind of terrain you cover.
As a general rule, motorcycles should be lubed and checked for wear every 3-6 months. Periodic greasing is essential for maintaining motorcycle chain and sprocket life. It’s best to clean and lubricate a motorcycle chain with O-rings at least every 600 miles.
Chain Drive
Chain drive systems are light and simple to maintain, however, they do require periodic cleaning and re-tensioning. Chain systems also seamlessly absorb shock loads from abrupt acceleration, sudden stopping, or road irregularities due to their design. They also help to improve fuel economy. Furthermore, by swapping the chain and sprockets, the final drive ratio may be adjusted, making chain drive motorcycles more versatile and adaptive to the needs of the rider.
Motorcycle Chain Maintenance
- Inspection
Before every ride, inspect your chain and sprockets for damage, wear, and free-play adjustment. Look for any rusty areas. They’re a sign that your chain spray isn’t properly lubricated or protected against corrosion.
- Cleaning
Before each lubrication, the chain should be cleaned, since the combination of dirt and grit with chain lube/grease can form a ‘grinding paste,’ drastically lowering chain life. If that’s not an option, clean the chain every 750-1000 miles.
- Lubrication
To ensure top performance and long life, lube a motorcycle chain every 300-600 kilometers. Lubricate the chain after riding, not before. This enables the solvents in the spray to evaporate before the bike is used again, allowing the lubrication to properly permeate the link.
Shaft Drive
Shaft drives are known for their lifespan, cleanliness, and durability. Because the shaft is self-contained, it rarely requires maintenance; instead, the bike merely needs regular oil changes to maintain running. The shaft system also stiffens the rear tire’s swingarm, improving handling and stability, and the lack of lubricants means the system operates cleaner than chain drive types.
Motorcycle Shaft Drive Maintenance
If a shaft drive system isn’t serviced properly, faults may go unnoticed in the short term, but a severe and costly breakdown could occur in the long run. The three main elements of caring for a shaft drive system are lubrication, bearing condition, and gear fitment. The most basic maintenance component for shaft drive systems is lubrication. When draining the oil check for signs of metal shavings as this could be a sign of damage to the gears.
In addition to the gear oil, bearings, and gear fitment, be sure to check any universal joints or Constant velocity joints in the system. The U-joins should move smoothly. Some U-joints have replaceable bearings if they are not turning smoothly, others must be replaced as a whole.
Bottom Line
Because of their affordability, versatility, and power, chain drive motorcycles continue to dominate the market. They are owner-friendly motorcycles because of their lightweight and simple engine and build.
Shaft drive motorcycles provide a more comfortable ride. They’re also more costly. They don’t have the power of adaptability of chain drive bikes, but they make up for it with stability and longevity.
Each drive system will require a different type of maintenance according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Read the owners manual and keep your ride as smooth as possible.
Ride safe!
