Motorcycle Chains and Sprocket Rails

Almost all motorcycles have a drive system consisting of two sprockets: a front sprocket (also known as a countershaft or drive sprocket) and a rear sprocket (also known as a driven sprocket).

Motorcycle Chains and Sprockets

The front motorcycle sprocket is mounted on the engine transmission output shaft and the rear sprocket is mounted on the rear wheel. Both motorcycle sprockets have teeth that can be inserted into the gap of the motorcycle drive chain.

The motorcycle sprockets work in concert with their teeth meshing between the drive chain links. The front sprocket rotates simultaneously with the engine's drive output shaft, the teeth pull the drive chain, and the driven sprocket rotates sequentially as it runs. This system transmits power from the engine to the rear wheel, moving the motorcycle forward.

This pull is transmitted through the side plates of the chain to the rollers via the pins of the chain. The distance between the centers of the pins is equal to the distance between the centers of the sprocket teeth. This means that the force pulling the chain is distributed equally between the rollers.

Motorcycle Sprocket

Motorcycle Sprockets

Sprockets are usually made of steel to prolong their life; sometimes aluminum is chosen for racing on the rear sprocket because it is lighter, but wears out faster than steel. The front sprocket is usually much smaller, with between 10 and 18 teeth. The rear sprocket, usually the larger of the two, can have between 28 and 64 teeth. For some highly modified motorcycles, a third sprocket is used to maintain tension, although it does not provide additional power to the rear wheel.

The ratio of the difference between the front and rear sprocket sizes can determine certain aspects of a motorcycle's performance. Check out our sprocket gear ratio guide for more information.

Fast Chains

A typical chain link consists of an inner plate, outer plate, pins, bushings and rollers. These links can be sealed with either O-rings or X-rings. Although non-sealed chains are relatively frictionless, they have no internal lubrication and wear faster. o-ring or x-ring chains have a sealing ring, usually rubber, located between the inner and outer chain plates. These seals are used to maintain internal lubrication and keep dirt out.

Chain Links

If your motorcycle was shipped with an O-ring or X-ring chain as the original chain, it is best to replace it with another sealed chain of equal or greater strength. Sealed chains require lubrication every 300 miles or weekly to prevent surface rust, but with regular maintenance checks and lubrication, they should last longer than non-sealed chains, which should be lubricated every 100 miles. If you want to get more information about best motorcycle sprocket wholesale, welcome to contact us today or request a quote.