i havent owned or ridden a bike that had a chain for a final drive. my sportster has a belt for the final drive and i've had no problems and like the fact the maintanence (for now) is to make sure it doesnt have cracks.
other bikes either have shaft, or for the sporties, chains. what's the deal with the chain drives? i'd rather ride than worry if i have enough lube on the chain. is there really much of a difference? i know the belt and shaft drives run smooth by experience.
2007-03-20 09:57:09 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Chain drive is still one of the best alternatives.
Maintenance can be an issue, but it's a small one.
As others have noted:
They handle high HP well. Belts are strong, but wider.
Gearing changes are possible, even easy.
Replacing a chain is a piece of cake, others not.
Chains are less expensive initially.
2007-03-20 14:00:11 · answer #1 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Chains are durible and can take the beating a sportbike or dirt bike will put on it. Belts and shaft drives are for smooth low horse power bikes.
Chains are internally lubed these days and lubing the chain in no big deal. A very very light coat of chain lube is required on the chain and it is sprayed from a can.
Another Tip - Whenever you replace your chain replace the sprockets too. If one is replaced and the other is not, it will prematurly wear out the new parts.
2007-03-20 11:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 2⤋
You must be young. Originally all bikes had chain drives even Harley,s . The problem with chains is that they stretch and wear the teeth on the sprockets. There are adjusters to keep the chain at the right tension. There is a lag when you take off because of the chain needing to get tight. This is one reason Harley went to the belt drive ....less lag when taking off and shifting....then there are the shaft drives. I have a shaft drive and love it. No lag, smooth shifting, smooth ride. Even when leaning over on a ramp I can shift.
I had a chance to ride a Road King with a belt drive it was nice.
2007-03-20 14:48:58 · answer #3 · answered by quincyurt 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋
well the whole thing on chains to me is riding if your chain breaks on the road its no big deal no tear down needed just loosen rear wheel slide forward install new chain adjust back and be on your way. belts and shafts are smoother but for piece of mind chain now if you have new bike not to many worries anyway.
2007-03-20 10:09:56 · answer #4 · answered by bubba23111 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
the chains today are oring or xring they are totally sealed so maintanence is not an issue. A little chain wax is all that is needed to lube the rollers and the sprockets (it doesn't fly off) A belt cannot handle the stresses of a modern superbike
Whats your question?
2007-03-20 14:28:39 · answer #5 · answered by 51 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Chain drive--next to direct drive is the most efficient way of transferring power to rear wheel
second is belt
third is drive shaft
2007-03-21 04:54:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are pros & cons for belt vs chain.
Here are some of the pros for chain drive -
Chain drive - the final gearing can be changed for multiple speed and torque prefrences by just changing the sprockets.
Belt drive - doesn't have different sizes to choose from. One size. Love it or leave it.
Chain drive - when the chain wares out, remove the master link and install a new chain.
Belt drive - when the belt wares out, you have to remove the
rear wheel, shocks and "swing arm" to install a new belt. Not a quick or simple job.
2007-03-20 12:20:29 · answer #7 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Chains can withstand far higher horsepower/torque than belts of similiar size. Belts are smooth and relatively maintenance free. They each have their place on the appropriate type of cycle.
2007-03-20 10:24:49 · answer #8 · answered by baalberith11704 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
most bikes with high horsepower have chains.
it's not a big deal to lube a chain 5 or 10 minutes tops.
2007-03-20 10:08:10 · answer #9 · answered by gixx 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
chains aren't such a big hassle. just check the slack once in a while. Cleaning and lubing is very easy, and you can do it on the sidestand. just scrub the chain with simple green and a grunge brush and then spray some chain wax on... takes less than 10 minutes.
2007-03-20 11:21:28 · answer #10 · answered by Shakespeare, William 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋