How's Your Drive?
 Article #3-10

No, not that drive - your love life is your own business. I'm referring to the drive system on your motorcycle. Motorcycle Drive Systems

 I wanted to continue our discussion of how to diagnose and prevent maintenance issues. We've covered, brake diagnosis and filter maintenance and diagnosis, how about your drive system? Are all the components in good working order?

I bet I've lost some of you already: just what is a drive system and what components would I be referencing? On almost all motorcycles there will be one of three major styles of drive system - either your motorcycle has a belt drive, a chain drive, or a shaft drive. Even the new electric motorcycles still use a chain or belt to 'drive' or turn the back wheel. It is simple enough to figure out - have a look at the back wheel. What is attached to it? Do you see a belt, a chain, or an enclosed shaft? There you have it - you will see one of the three and now you know what kind of drive you have! I bet some of you thought it was way more complicated than that, huh? Like many other things on your bike, proper maintenance can prevent roadside failures and make your riding trips safer and more enjoyable.

Shaft Drive: These are so low-maintenance, it makes me wish all motorcycles came with this drive system. A shaft attached to the transmission and to the back hub moves inside a metal housing to turn the rear wheel. There are few moving parts and plenty of oil to keep them moving smoothly.

Shaft Drives require only that you check for leaks periodically by running your hand underneath the shaft and case areas. You should probably do this as part of your pre-ride check, every time you are going to ride; only takes a second. Since shaft drives require so little maintenance, it is easy to forget to check for leaks, but very important to do so. If you do have a leak and continue to ride the bike, costly damage will likely occur.

Your owner's manual will tell you how often to change the shaft oil, but it is generally around 40-50,000 miles. In actuality, most riders may only need to change the oil every 2-3 years.

Many motorcycles still use a chain drive. Most all dirt and dual sport bikes will run a chain as it is repairable alongside a trail, where a broken belt would have to be replaced. To diagnose whether your chain or belt drive is adjusted properly, involves similar checks. Most motorcycles have a built in gauge on the belt/chain guard. Reading the owners' or shop manual will tell you what the range of movement should be when you lift the chain or belt at the gauge point. If your bike does not have a chain guard and thus, no gauge, you can purchase a belt-gauge tool that will take the same measurements.

Actually making the adjustment, should you find the belt or chain is too loose or too tight, is a relatively simple procedure. I describe how to adjust your chain or belt in my most recent book, ABC's of Motorcycle Wrenching, linked below this article. There are also more details than presented here for ways to check the drive.

A belt drive can also be checked with no tools at all. If you can twist the belt 90* at the half way point from the transmission to the back sprocket, it is adjusted about right. If it's hard to twist, it's probably adjusted too tight. If it easily twists past 90* - it is probably too loose.

Jasmine Bluecreek Clark


ABC's of Wrenching Book


To Read Excerpts and Reviews
ABC's of Motorcycle Wrenching Book




Other Motorcycle Maintenance Articles by Jasmine Bluecreek Clark

SPRING 2011 MAINTENANCE QUIZ

Diagnostic Tips

Winterizing Your Motorcycle

Tune Up Tips



BLUECREEK MOTORCYCLE TRAINING            BLUECREEK ART WORKS

MC MAINTENANCE CLASS SCHEDULE



***Disclaimer Repeated: The decision to work on your own motorcycle ~ or not ~ is a personal choice. It is possible to do serious damage to both you and your motorcycle. Jasmine Bluecreek Clark, Bluecreek Art Works and Bluecreek Motorcycle Training Co. creates and shares these articles to be an aid in understanding how your motorcycle works.
They are not a substitute for professional repair or maintenance work done by a certified mechanic or technician.
In some cases, working on your motorcycle could void your warranty, if you motorcycle is still under a manufacturer's warranty.

While the information shared is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, motorcycle technology is a rapidly changing field.
All recommendations are made without any guarantee on the part of the Author and/or Publisher, who also disclaim any liability incurred
in connection with the use of the data or general or specific details included within this web site.