Transmission (gearbox and drivetrain)

On a motorcycle, the transmission is everything that carries power from the crankshaft to the rear wheel. It consists of the primary drive (gears or chain from crankshaft to clutch), the clutch, the gearbox and the final drive, which is a chain and sprockets, a toothed belt or a drive shaft.

Most motorcycles have a sequential foot-operated gearbox with five or six gears, usually in the pattern 1-N-2-3-4-5-6. Scooters and many ATVs use a CVT automatic with a drive belt and variator, and some bikes have automatic or semi-automatic gearboxes.

Maintenance includes changing gearbox oil where it is separate from engine oil, adjusting and lubricating the chain, and checking the clutch. Hard shifting or jumping out of gear calls for a check.