Chain vs Shaft

[trader4less]

I have been looking at bikes and I see some with chain drive and some have shaft drive. Why the difference and which is better? Thanks for the help in advance!

[poppygene]

I'm speaking generally here, but driveshafts usually require little or no maintenance. You see them mostly on metric touring bikes and cruisers. Chains, on the other hand, require fairly frequent lubrication and adjustment. Chains and sprockets also need to be replaced when they wear past their sevice limits. On the plus side, chains are considered a more efficient means of transferring power to the rear wheel. That's why you see them exclusively on sportbikes. Chain/sprocket systems are also cheaper to manufacture.

Which is better? Whichever you prefer...

[old-n-slow]

This question gets asked about every second week. Just scroll down through the posts and you should find all the info that you want.

Everything you wanted to know about M/C drive systems, (don't overlook the belt drive)

[huh]

shaft drive does require less attention but still you have oil to change and some have a grease fitting. chains have come a long way. but the reason they are used on sportbikes is they are lighter and much easier to change final drive ratio's and the ridged shaft can really slow down/hamper swingarm movement. they are also able to handle the high shock loads put on them.

belt drive is good for low power bikes. but once the power level starts to rise the belt size has to get wider to handle the power. also changing the final drive ratio is harder ( more $coin) most harley's/buells that are hopped up are converted to chain drive once the power climbs.

[honda599]

Belt drives - clean, long lasting, little maintenance

Shaft drives- change oil once a year, little maintenance, heavy

Chain drives- constant lubrication, replacement required, sprocket replacement, messy, mostly found on sport bikes, efficient

Depends what kind of bike you choose....you may not have an option

[CentralOzzy]

I have had them all at 1 time or another & I prefer Belts because of the reasons above. Virtually Maintenance Free, beat that!

Shafts are nice & Smooth but also make your bike handle differently to other final drives on other bike.

Chains are strong, rough & ready, but make your rear wheel super messy with oil & grease.

plus you should adjust & maintain a chain regularly. (who needs that)

I'd rather just hop on a bike & go!

[chickenhawk]

Yeah, be honest with yourself about the time you're willing to put into maintenance. The last thing you'd want to do is neglect the chain!

[BuzZz]

Chains do require some attention, but it's not a fulltime commitment. It takes longer to check the oil in most bikes than to lube the chain. And checking the oil isn't that big a deal is it? And you check the oil.... right?

Once the intial chain stretch has occured, adjustment is not needed very often. A quick check every few days ( 3 seconds of your day) and a 10 minute adjustment every few thousand miles..... it's not THAT big a deal. You should be spending more time checking the rest of the bike out before a ride than the chain will occuppy.