Shaft or Chain... that's the question...

[Road_Clam]

What is going on here? I thought this was settled back in 2009

Well, not really. The "debate" was raised again 6 times in 2010, and 21 times in 2011 . Were still searching for the correct answer.

[JATO]

My '97 TL1000S and '78 GS1000 are chains and besides a bit of inconvenience every 500 miles or so, dealing with a chain doesn't bother me. My C90 is a shaftie and it doesn't have any of the shaft bad manners. Now, if you want to ride a terrible shaft drive, take a Honda CB900 Custom out for a spin. Absolutely horrible rear end rise under throttle and combine that with a frame that feels like it's made out of no less than five pieces held together with hinges. The CB900C is by far the worse handling and performing bike I've ever ridden. That being said, I have one for sale, $100 but it doesn't run and you have to come to me to pick it up...

[storm 64]

I have a 1100e and a 850g. I like the chain,my girlfriend likes the shaft! lol

[Jethro]

Chips, dips, chains and whips...

[850GT_Rider]

Well, not really. The "debate" was raised again 6 times in 2010, and 21 times in 2011 . Were still searching for the correct answer.

Since our beloved GS Series contains both chain drives and shaft drives, I think the correct answer is "Yes - shafts or chains. No belt drives"

[7981GS]

Since our beloved GS Series contains both chain drives and shaft drives, I think the correct answer is "Yes - shafts or chains."

^^^ This.


Eric

[FEFD17]

Shaft is the only way to fly for me. I dont mind wrenching on stuff that breaks,but if I can eliminate a maintenance point,count me in.

[boingk]

Since our beloved GS Series contains both chain drives and shaft drives, I think the correct answer is "Yes - shafts or chains. No belt drives"

Bingo.

I like chains on racy bikes like my current VTR1000F, but not more sedate ones like my soon-to-be-mine GS850G.

They both have their ups and downs, and provided you have a good oiler (I particularly like the Tutoro automatic dispenser) there is no reason a chain cannot last for 30,000 miles or more, even on heavy bikes ridden hard.

So, either one is great and comes to personal preference. Me? I like both... but for different things.

CHeers - boingk

[Ton1959]

The only bike that let me down while traveling was the G850GZ. De 1982 model. It lost all the splines from the ring inside the rear wheel. I do have a BMW with a shaft and they are also more expensive on maintenance.
Chains are easy to maintain and very reliable. And grease stops corrosion.
But a good shaft drive is better then a bad chain.
But a bad shaft drive can cost you a fortune. Okay I think I go for chain is better.

[tkent02]

Chains last forever anymore. Maintenance isn't even a consideration. Spend a half hour every three or four years replacing it, good to go another 30,000 mles.

[GelandeStrasse]

Chains last forever anymore. Maintenance isn't even a consideration. Spend a half hour every three or four years replacing it, good to go another 30,000 mles.

And if you use a chain oiler they last even more forever any anymore.

[tkent02]

And if you use a chain oiler they last even more forever any anymore.

Yeah, I wonder how long with a top quality chain and a good oiler. Certainly longer than I ever keep a bike. Way longer.

[Ton1959]

I have to change what I said before. Chains are better for my purpose. But if I was riding everyday and very often in the rain Iwould go for the shaftdrive.

[wymple]

Chains let me alter the gearing for acceleration and touring purposes. A new set of sprockets and a good (read expensive) O-ring chain of high tensile strength virtually eliminates having to mess with anything much. Geared to suit me, I prefer a shaft. Call me lazy or whatever, but Yamaha, Moto Guzzi and Suzuki have all spoiled me.

[850 Combat]

Yeah, I wonder how long with a top quality chain and a good oiler. Certainly longer than I ever keep a bike. Way longer.

I can't live with the mess of a chain oiler. I've owned bikes that had them. On a loaded touring bike with bags, its a pain even to look closely at the chain, especially when you are stewarding multiple motorcycles.

Its not fun to carry a can of chain lube in your motorcycle luggage, either