Chain Drive

A chain and sprocket drive system requires lubrication and a tensioner.

Types

Sealed

Sealed chains use o-rings to seal in a lubricant, great for daily driving. Also used in racing applications. Very common in motorcycle shops.

Non-Sealed

Non-sealed requires more frequent lubrication application and are commonly used for motocross or low mileage applications.

Motorcycle chains vary in size; make sure the sprocket matches the chain. Choose the right chain size for the forces you expect to see. Chains can also be easily lengthened or shortened using quick release links. Sprockets are usually made of steel or aluminum and can replaced cheaply to change the final drive ratio. As the number of teeth decrease, the sprocket will approach a polygon instead of a circle. This is called the polygon effect or chordal action and results in a variation in speed output (Imagine driving on square wheels).[1]

Failure Modes

If there is excessive sprocket wear, improperly installed quick release, no lubricant, or if the chain drive is not all in the same plane there WILL be a failure. Chain failures can be extremely dangerous for both the vehicle and nearby people. (more on failure modes/design flaws?)

+No slip possible in chain drive without failure [2]