shaft drive, vs belt driven

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codex5 · #1 Unread post by **codex5** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 3:30 pm

which is better?

1. shaft driven, is longer lasting, nearly maintence free.
2. shaft loses about 5+% of its rwp
3. its bulky and heavy
4. can not easily change the final drive ratio
5. much more durable and, smoother in long rides

Belt
1. quiet
2. direct connect, so u get majority of ur power
3. nearly maintence free, just a new belt
4. lighter
5. can easy change final drive ratio
6. smooth but maybe not as smooth as drive

can anyone add to this , im in a delima

jmillheiser · Sun Jul 23, 2006 3:43 pm

you pretty much hit the nail on the head. When bike shopping I wouldn't worry about the type of drive it has. Just get the bike that your most comfortable on.

BTW are you shopping for your first bike?

codex5 · #3 Unread post by **codex5** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:29 pm

yup yup, debating, on honda 1300S, or wait till september for the yamaha 1300...

jmillheiser · Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:32 pm

maybe try to find a year or two old VTX1300. Will be a good deal cheaper.

it is generally recommended to start with a used bike, that way should you drop it you wont lose as much sleep vs dropping a brand new bike.

codex5 · #5 Unread post by **codex5** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:45 pm

indeed i get where u comming from, yet have i found a bike in my comfort zone in a good deal price range, i noticed u didnt mention the yamaha and thoughts why?

Kal · #6 Unread post by **Kal** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:49 pm

hmmm

What about chain drive though?

codex5 · #7 Unread post by **codex5** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 4:55 pm

not much different from belt, just have to lube the chain, and its metal vrs rubber.... original post is something that most people know, but maybe someone who has expeirence with both types of drives, could add something

jmillheiser · Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:20 pm

I would also check out the V-stars as well. The 1300 is new for 07 (slated to replace the 1100). The 650 will be cheaper and lighter, the 1100 will have more power and may or may not be easier to find used.

Pretty much any metric cruiser under 60hp would be perfectly fine for most new riders. the HD sportster 883 is also a decent choice though used ones cost almost as much as new ones (if you dont load an 883 down with options its actually pretty reasonable)

Randy · #9 Unread post by **Randy** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 5:47 pm

Cruisers are heavy in general. Who cares about an extra 10 or 15 pounds.
You negate all chain/belt lash and only have to change out hypoid oil about once a year if you go for the shaft drive.

I am kinda partial to the shaft drive for cruisers.

Sev · #10 Unread post by **Sev** » Sun Jul 23, 2006 6:14 pm

I'd say... sit on them both. Find out which one is the most comfortable and then buy that one. In today's "modern age," the final drive is basically irrlevant to the bike you get. 10 lbs here or there, or having to change out the belt or drive oil isn't something that is going to bother you.

An uncomfortable seating position, bars that are to wide or to narrow, bad positioning of footpegs... these will make you unhappy. How the bike puts power to pavement is for all intents and purposes irrlevant. It REALLY only becomes an issue if you don't like something about the bike.

EG. Well... I like my bike, BUT*, the bars are to high, the seat is bloody hard, the pegs are to far forward. Oh and I have to lube the chain. It's always the last thing you mention when you complain about the bike, and you wouldn't be complaining about it if you didn't have the other problems.

*Note: I love my bike, everything about it, but the rockhard seat... and I'm learning to cope.