Using Karnopp's model of friction force and phase plane method, the stick-slip motion of the flexible drive mechanism was studied. It is explained that a sudden drop of friction force is the essential source of stick-slip motion when the sliding is impending. A new criterion for occurrence of stick-slip motion is established. The stick-slip region and the stable region in a parameter plane are separated by a critical parameter curve. Moreover, for the stick-slip motion of the flexible drive mechanism without viscous damping, a parameter expression is obtained. The results may be used in design of the flexible drive mechanism.