What is Belt Drive Engine in Bike? Or, What is a motorcycle drive belt? Are belt drive motorcycles good? Is belt drive better? What are the disadvantages of belt drive? Why Belt Drive is not used in Bikes? Find details about the Belt Drive Engine System in Motorcycle or Bike.
What is a Bell Drive System?
In the Belt Drive motorcycles, you will find a belt instead of a chain. A rubber-like strong synthetic material is used to make this belt. More clearly, manufacturers use reinforced rubber or composite materials to build it. On the inner side, the belt generally has teeth or grooves. On the outer side of the pulleys, it matches the grooves. It’s pretty much uncommon compared to the chain drive system.
How Does a Motorcycle Belt Drive Work?
What is the belt drive process? In this mechanism, a belt connects the two pulleys. The driving pulley is located near the Gearbox output shaft. While the driven pully is at the wheel. In other words, this system uses a belt to transmit power between shafts in the process of connecting pulleys on the shafts. Mechanical interference or frictional contact plays a role in this process. Simply, the toothed belt runs between the sprocket or pulleys.
Is a Belt Drive Bike Better?
In many senses, a belt-drive bike is good enough. Let’s find out the key advantages of a belt drive bike to justify it.
- Its mechanism minimizes slippage.
- Able to enhance power transmission efficiency.
- Offers smooth and quiet operation.
- Reduced friction.
- Resistant to corrosion & rust.
- Doesn’t require lubrication.
- They are of lighter weight and hence minimize the overall weight of the motorbike.
- Handier to the riders who prefer agility and maneuverability.
- Much more durable.
- Needs less maintenance than the chain drive motorcycles.
- Hence, the maintenance cost is also not required.
- Able to provide a longer lifespan.
What are the Disadvantages of a Belt Drive Motorcycle?
Now let’s see what are the major drawbacks of this system.
- The initial cost of this system is higher. Because it is more expensive to produce.
- Power loss might be seen at a high percentage during the transmission.
- Not suitable for powerful motorcycles that generate high torque.
- In case of intense stress, belts may suffer frequent wear.
- If somehow any component needs to be replaced, it will cost you too much because those are very expensive.
Which is Better Chain-driven or Belt-driven Engine?
Chain drive engines mostly offer higher efficiency as well as load capacity. Meanwhile, quieter operation along with lower maintenance requirements are the key pros for belt-drive engines. So, each has its respective pros and cons. However, you will mostly see chain-drive engines in the modern world.
