WHY MOTORCYCLE “CHAINS” AS A FINAL-DRIVE?
Why are metal chains still the most common way that motorcycle engines spin their rear tires? In spite of all the advances in motorcycles over the last hundred years, chains are still prevalent because they work so well. (See other final drive choices below). Certainly you’ve observed the mechanical simplicity of your chain drive (more generally referred to as a “roller chain”). Your insightful gaze would have revealed the inner and outer metal plates, held together by riveted pins. Those little pins hold the rollers (from which the chain gets its name), and their bushings (cylindrical metal linings used to reduce friction), between the plates. These complete “links” of mini plates, rivets, rollers and bushings engage the teeth of the front and rear sprockets and as a result you go faster than your mom should know.
