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There are a number of key components that make up your motorcycle, and each one helps keep it operational on the road. One of the major parts is the transmission. Before getting into what a transmission is and how it works, let’s start with the basics.
In any vehicle (motorcycle or otherwise) a transmission has two main purposes:
Internal combustion engines have a relatively narrow power band. If the engine speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM), is either too high or too low, engine power and efficiency will not be optimal. Transmissions contain multiple gear ratios, which keep the engine RPM in an ideal range and allow the vehicle to accelerate from a stop, cruise at high speed, and everything in between.
A motorcycle transmission accomplishes the same two main objectives mentioned above. However, it is packaged in a compact manner so it remains small and lightweight.
Many Harley-Davidson motorcycles use a stand-alone transmission fastened to the engine and driven by an external primary drive. Most other motorcycles use a design where the transmission and engine are one complete unit, as seen in the below image:
Image credit: Suzuki Motor Corp.
Most motorcycle transmissions shift manually via a foot-operated lever and a hand-operated clutch. Automatic transmissions exist in motorcycles in a few forms, which we will cover in more detail in a later blog post:
An automatic motorcycle transmission completes the same tasks as a manual transmission. It allows the vehicle to come to a full stop without stopping the engine and requiring the rider to shift through a range of gear ratios for multiple speeds.
Motorcycle transmissions use a series of internal and external parts to maintain an ideal RPM range. These include:
Image credit: Kawasaki Motors Corp. USA
In the image below, you can see how the shift forks engage with the sliding gears. As the rider shifts the gear selector, slider gears move back and forth.
Analyzing a power flow diagram is a great way to understand how a motorcycle transmission works. This power flow diagram shows what happens when a motorcycle is in first gear:
Image credit: Yamaha Motor Corp. USA
This power flow diagram shows what happens to the transmission when the motorcycle is in fourth gear:
And this power flow diagram shows what happens to the transmission when the motorcycle is in neutral:
While modern motorcycles are reliable and well-built, transmission issues may still occur at some point. It isn’t uncommon for a motorcycle owner to complain about:
A skilled technician can determine the difference between a transmission issue and a clutch issue, as both can present similar concerns for a motorcycle owner.
Gaining access to a motorcycle transmission can be challenge, and it can be a time-consuming process. A motorcycle technician will often eliminate all other possible causes of the complaint before “splitting the cases” to access transmission components.
Read: What Is a Small-Engine Mechanic?
Transmissions may be the most intimidating driveline component for motorcycle owners. Riders believe transmissions are complex, expensive and hard to access. This translates into job security for a technician who understands transmissions and has the ability to repair them.
Like anything else, experience and practice will allow an entry-level technician to gain confidence in their ability to troubleshoot and repair transmission issues.
In the 48-week7 Motorcycle Technician training program at Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI), students can learn the foundations of motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), side-by-side and personal watercraft maintenance to prepare for an exciting career as a technician.1
MMI students learn a lot in program courses, including transmission configurations. This includes disassembling and troubleshooting transmission issues to become familiar with how they work and what to do if something goes wrong.
To learn more, visit our program page and request information to talk with an Admissions Representative today.
How much do motorcycle mechanics make? Click here to find the annual median wages of motorcycle technicians in the U.S.
What are motorcycle ignition systems, and how do they work? Learn all about these complex systems in this guide.
Learn answers to what does a transmission do and how does a transmission work, plus details on automatic vs manual transmission.
1) MMI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.
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