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

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.

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

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.

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

^^^ This.


Eric

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"

[Jethro]

Chips, dips, chains and whips...

[storm 64]

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

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...

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.

[Baatfam]

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

i have had both bikes chain ,and shaft, i would honestly say chain is better, as long as you keep it maintained, you can always change sprocket sizes for speed or cruising with lots of bottom end, the bikes are lighter,and look better, so i choose chain drive

[mrbill5491]

Road Clam, I have 4 quarts of vintage 0-40wt Royal Purple with ummm 3,000 miles on it, I'll even strain it for ya lol

I always preferred chains to shaft drive bikes. Maybe that because of riding a Moto Guzzi Le mans Mk11 that always wanted to through you in the tarmac on right handers and pick you up from the tarmac on left handers.

Partly pistons being a V twin across the frame and party the shaft spin.

Hated riding a GS850, I could feel the difference between that and my GS550 when out for a ride. Probably why I went for the GS1000E, lived the power hated the through.

[jetta90]

uh oh..........

I'm gonna go make me some popcorn.......this should be entertaining.

What's the best oil to run in my GS ? (i'm bored, and it's been a while since I read a good opinionated internet war..

Oh, c'mon, get a life. Everyone knows to use straight 30 weight non-detergent. If you like, make it half and half with ATF, just like your forks.