A chainless motorcycle, also known as a shaft-driven motorcycle, is a type of motorcycle that does not use a conventional chain and sprocket system to transfer power from the engine to the rear wheel. Instead, it employs a driveshaft, similar to those used in automobiles, to transmit power to the rear wheel.
In a chain-driven motorcycle, the engine's power is transferred to the rear wheel through a chain connected to the engine sprocket and the rear sprocket. This chain needs regular maintenance, including lubrication and tension adjustment, to ensure proper operation. On the other hand, a chainless motorcycle replaces the chain with a solid driveshaft enclosed in a housing.
The driveshaft in a chainless motorcycle connects the engine's output shaft to the rear wheel's final drive mechanism. It typically consists of a series of gears, often bevel or hypoid gears, which transmit power from the engine to the rear wheel. This design eliminates the need for chain maintenance and provides a smoother and cleaner power transfer.
Chainless motorcycles are often favored for their low-maintenance nature, as they don't require frequent chain lubrication or adjustment. They also tend to have less power loss compared to chain-driven motorcycles, as there are fewer mechanical components involved in the power transmission process. However, they may be slightly heavier due to the additional components required for the driveshaft system.
It's worth noting that while chainless motorcycles offer certain advantages, they are not as common as chain-driven motorcycles in the market. Chain-driven motorcycles remain the most prevalent type due to their simplicity, lighter weight, and ease of customization.