In most motorcycles, the engine is connected to the rear wheel through a transmission system. This transmission system transfers the power generated by the engine to the rear wheel, allowing the motorcycle to move forward.
The basic components involved in connecting the motorcycle engine to the rear wheel are:
Clutch: The clutch is located between the engine and the transmission. It allows the rider to engage or disengage the power flow from the engine to the transmission. When the clutch is engaged (lever released), power is transmitted from the engine to the transmission.
Transmission: The transmission is responsible for changing the gear ratios to match the desired speed and torque requirements. Most motorcycles use a manual transmission, which requires the rider to shift gears using a foot-operated gear shifter and a hand-operated clutch lever. However, some motorcycles also have automatic transmissions.
Driveshaft/Chain/Belt: The power from the transmission is transferred to the rear wheel through one of these components.
Driveshaft: Some motorcycles, particularly cruisers and touring bikes, use a driveshaft to transfer power from the transmission to the rear wheel. The driveshaft is an enclosed, rotating shaft that transmits power smoothly without the need for maintenance, but it adds weight and complexity to the motorcycle's design.
Chain: Most motorcycles use a chain drive system, which consists of a front sprocket on the transmission output shaft and a rear sprocket on the rear wheel. The chain meshes with these sprockets, and as the front sprocket turns, it rotates the rear sprocket, transferring power to the rear wheel. Chain drives are lightweight, efficient, and relatively simple to maintain, but they require periodic cleaning, lubrication, and adjustment.
Belt: Some motorcycles, especially cruisers and certain models with lower power outputs, employ a belt drive system. A reinforced rubber belt connects the transmission output shaft to the rear wheel sprocket. Belt drives offer smooth and quiet operation, require minimal maintenance, and have a longer lifespan compared to chains, but they can be more expensive to replace if damaged.
Rear Wheel: The power from the transmission is finally transferred to the rear wheel. The rear wheel receives the rotational force from the driveshaft, chain, or belt, causing the motorcycle to move forward.
By combining these components, the motorcycle's engine power is efficiently transmitted to the rear wheel, allowing the motorcycle to propel forward.