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

[Steve]

No question about it.

Chains should be used to drive the cam chains, shafts should be used to drive the wheels.

About half a million miles with shaft-drive bikes and only two failures. I had a u-joint fail on a Kawasaki Voyager 1300 and #1 son managed to twist a driveshaft in half on his 650.

Yes, chain drive is mechanically more efficient, but not nearly as practical for those of us that ride a LOT. How much is a lot? I have only done about 6,000 miles in the last 6 weeks, so I am approaching that mark. Belts are quieter, for as long as they last, but they, too, need to be replaced every so often.

Yes, early shaft-drive bikes tended to jack up and down when the throttle was changed (never heard about the sideways part), but Suzuki managed to do something to really minimize that effect. Still takes some adjustment if you are accustomed to riding really hard on a chain-drive bike, but for the average rider, the only thing you will notice is the lack of chain noise and the ease of maintenance.

Oh, the reason that racers prefer chains? That's easy. Very easy to change ratios, less unsprung weight and it maximizes power transmission. They are not terribly worried about having to do 'daily maintenance' as the race is only a couple of hours long, and the chain and sprockets are going to be new for every race, anyway.

.

Shafts have to be better!!!! I have to change the chain and sprockets on my GSX400E, and to do such a simple thing I have to take off the footrest, exhaust pipes, crash bars(mounted on the engine mounting bolts) and the gear linkage before I can even get to the front sprocket...

I recently sold the GS1100g shaft drive. In trying to sell it I had a couple of guys say that they weren't sure they wanted a shaft drive. Maybe I need to be educated... what would be the advantages of a chain over a shaft?
Thanks.

TC

I cant belive they even hesitated with the shafty. that makes no sense. when I have sold my bikes the question usually is when was the chain replaced last? and with a shafty theres almost no question.

You'll get no argument from me.. I prefer the shaft myself.. less hassle and mess.
I once was told that a chain drive will torque downwards and a shaft to the side.. hence racers prefer the chain and sprocket. Not real sure how much truth there is to that..

[bwringer]

Crikey, did everyone forget how to argue around here?



Everyone knows that real men have shafts.

I detest chains. Yes, I know they're lighter, a bit more efficient and you can change gearing. Whoop-ti-do. I don't care -- if I cared about being light and efficient, I'd eat nothing but lettuce and ice cubes for six months.

Chains are messy, dangerously exposed, require regular care and adjustment (daily fussing if you ride in crappy weather or terrain), and wear out every 20,000 miles or so, usually right before you're leaving on long trip.

The spline problems with 82-83 models have been well documented and are easily avoided. Years ago, I paid $30 for a spline from a '79 GS850, and since then a bottle of gear oil every other year (one quart is good for two gear oil changes if I'm careful) has been my only maintenance expense.

Chains. Pah.

Cheap, inferior engineering.






(Now THAT'S how you start an argument...)

shaft disadvantage- no gear chang, for speed ect..., but there really smooth!!
belt i wouldnt have one, ibve seen them with teeth gone, they stretch lik chains as well, dry rot ect...
chains- get a high dollar solid pin chain, and it will last

From what I've heard as far as power transmission efficiency, it's belts then chains and last in line would be shafts. I've had problems with chains and shafts--never had a belt but I'm sure someones' had a problem with them too.

[850 Combat]

Shaft disadvantages are more weight and more power loss, and more parts to potentially go bad, jacking and squat with throttle affects handling.
Chain disadvantages are replacent of chain and sprockets fairly often, need to adjust chain, need to lube chain.

On a barge like a GS, I think a shaft is best. On an '82 or newer, the splines may wear out, but that part costs less than a chain and sprockets, and is easier to change, plus you will have to change rear trses often enough thats its no big hassle. Problems other than the splined hub are pretty rare.

Just one person's opinion. I do own numerous chain drive bikes, and shaftys as well. Touring, especially is more convenient without a chain.

I recently sold the GS1100g shaft drive. In trying to sell it I had a couple of guys say that they weren't sure they wanted a shaft drive. Maybe I need to be educated... what would be the advantages of a chain over a shaft?
Thanks.

TC