Confessions of a troubled history in motorcycling

[GSXR7ED]

My shaft drive is my only choice is case of rain. Chain has to be dried out immediately after riding in the rain, or it starts to rust.
Shaft drive final drive ratios are final from the factory, no flexibility for performance tuning.
Shaft drive rear ends have a much higher unsprung weight that chain and sprocket.
Just some of the facts, man…

Meh, yeah... you have a point about the rain. But who wants to ride in potential wet weather...if you can help it?

How do dirt bikes with chains do well in the wet mud?

Like was said, no need to argue which is better...depends on the Rider.

Ed

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[storm 64]

Two nice motorcycles, the rest... 🤐

[Rob S.]

...who wants to ride in potential wet weather...if you can help it?

Got caught in drizzle on the way home from the showroom on my brand new Sporty (just give me the keys and the owner's manual - I've been riding since before you were born).

And in the seven years that I've owned it, my 11E saw a mist maybe once. Haven't commuted in decades.

[Steve]

What strikes me is that they are almost all HONDA's! My condolences!

Even better than that, they're all water-cooled (except for the GSes).

.

[GSXR7ED]

Got caught in drizzle on the way home from the showroom on my brand new Sporty (just give me the keys and the owner's manual - I've been riding since before you were born).

And in the seven years that I've owned it, my 11E saw a mist maybe once. Haven't commuted in decades.

One thing I’ve learned (being in my mid 50s), throwing my weight around at work about my level of experience stirs up animosity in some/not all. Luckily, I’ve gotten past that.

Ed

****

[Wingsconsin]

What strikes me is that they are almost all HONDA's! My condolences!

Two nice motorcycles, the rest... 蘿

Ouch -- No haters please --- Honda been good to me -- Look at that list of Goldwing's

I also drive a 2020 Honda Passport now ---

But I have love for the Suzuki GS as well -- I have never known the joy of NOT having a coolant system to worry about until I found the GS

[Steve]

That’s ok, Carl. My list of bikes includes just one Honda, but a BUNCH of shafties.

.

[Rob S.]

One thing I’ve learned (being in my mid 50s), throwing my weight around at work about my level of experience stirs up animosity in some/not all. Luckily, I’ve gotten past that.

It was looking like rain and some twenty-something was telling me how to clutch and shift.

[Grimly]

It was looking like rain and some twenty-something was telling me how to clutch and shift.

Heh. It would have been a pysser if you'd dropped it on the forecourt.

[Dogma]

Enclosed chain?

1967 Honda CA-100 by R John Thieda, on Flickr

Yamaha XV920R

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yamaha_XV920R

MZ250 had one, which I used to commute for about 4 years in the early 80s. I think I had to adjust the chain once.
After that, I discovered Scott Oilers when one came fitted by the PO of a CBX550 I bought. The chain already on it lasted me about 30K and I adjusted it once in all that time. There was still plenty life left in the chain when I sold the bike.
The Stinking Old XS has a Scott (again, fitted by the one PO who wasn't a dirtbag) and I've barely had to look at the chain in the past several years.
I rapidly discovered during my CBX ownership that chainsaw bar oil is a more than adequate substitute for expensive Scott Oil - I'm fairly sure that's all S.Oil is, just dyed a pretty colour and ramped up in price by a factor of 5.

I forgot about the Cub. The others I'd never heard of. It sounds like the Yammie had other issues that might have kept the bike from being a success. I did some Gargling and found somebody fabricated a cover for a V-Strom, but they're not something yo can generally buy aftermarket. It seems like it would be a no-brainier for a sport-touring bike. I wonder what I'm missing, other than the fact that it might look a little goofy.

[Baatfam]

I forgot about the Cub. The others I'd never heard of. It sounds like the Yammie had other issues that might have kept the bike from being a success. I did some Gargling and found somebody fabricated a cover for a V-Strom, but they're not something yo can generally buy aftermarket. It seems like it would be a no-brainier for a sport-touring bike. I wonder what I'm missing, other than the fact that it might look a little goofy.

I just think it isn't necessary. A good chain wax, and the rain doesn't matter.

And for most people, the chain will last as long as they own the bike...with zero maintenance, LOL...

[Dogma]

I just think it isn't necessary. A good chain wax, and the rain doesn't matter.

And for most people, the chain will last as long as they own the bike...with zero maintenance, LOL...

I think you've nailed the economic analysis. I keep forgetting I'm not normal.

[Steve]

Don't worry, Dale.

"Normal" is just a setting on the clothes dryer.

.

[Rob S.]

A good chain wax, and the rain doesn't matter.

Never heard of chain wax, but I have a different solution: I don't allow my ladies out in the rain (or snow, Jedz ).

[rphillips]

"NEVER HEARD OF CHAIN WAX"??? Maxima "Chain Wax"??? You've must have spent a lot of time in a hospital or something. Goes on wet, cures tacky. I've lived a sheltered life, but used Chain Wax for years. Hey Rob, when you get back to going, give it a try.