BMW Motorcycle Drive Shafts

While most people tend to think of their motorcycle engine as the catalyst that propels the bike down the road, it's actually the drivetrain (or final drive) that's responsible for taking that engine power and putting it to work. In the two-wheeler world, there are three types of drivetrains: chain drive, belt drive, and shaft drive. When it comes to BMW Motorrad, most models feature a shaft drive -- and for good reason.

What Driveshafts Do

Like cars, motorcycles feature a final drive on the output shaft of the transmission that sends power to the rear wheel. A driveshaft requires less maintenance than chain drives or belt drives need, and offers significantly greater longevity. Those are two reasons BMW has chosen to employ shaft drives on most models -- and has been doing so since 1923.

The driveshaft connects to the engine by gearing joints that turn the power at a 90-degree angle from the shaft to the rear wheel. The result is a smoother ride, in addition to a longer-lasting final drive. Plus, shaft drives are cleaner than chain drives, since you needn't worry about excess lubricant and grease spilling into other parts, your tires, or the road surface.

How to Spot a Faulty Driveshaft

While shaft drives are the most durable option, they can eventually go bad. Signs of trouble include:

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