Motorcycle Chain

Motorcycles are high-speed applications that operate in tough conditions— rain, dirt, sand, and high shock loads. These specially developed chains are used as the part of the drive train to transmit the motor power to the back wheel (Figure 1.19). Motorcycle Chains are superior to gears, which are in the crank cases, by the ease in adjusting the shaft center distance and the number of teeth of the sprocket. Therefore, you can freely design the motorcycle’s reduction ratio taking into account the specifications and the working conditions. In the case of a racing motorcycle, for example, the engine power may be 180 hp, and the chain speed is 1,500 m/min.

Motorcycle Chains have the following special features:

(1) Strength Quad-staked riveting on the pin head helps to retain the link plate on the pin. Connecting links are press fit. (Riveted connecting links are also available.) Link plates are thicker (heavy) and the rollers are seamless.

(2) Wear life Special coated pins, sintered bushings that are oil impregnated, and seamless bushings with O-rings are used to extend the wear life of the chain.

(3) Resistance to dirt, sand, or mud To prevent debris from getting into tight joints, the bushings are extended beyond the inner link plates, and often O-rings are used to seal the chains. This extension and O-rings prevent abrasive material from getting into the chain.

(4) Appearance These chains may have special coloring, plating, (gold or silver), or glossy finish on the plates.