Reader Lawrence Dunning recently asked to compare the different drive systems used on motorcycles: shaft, belt, and chain. Here’s a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Shaft Drive
A shaft drive system comprises a drive shaft and a drive unit: one end of the shaft connects to the transmission output, while the other end has a pinion gear, which meshes at 90 degrees with a ring gear within the drive unit. An oil bath lubricates the ring and pinion gears and the bearings. This
