SHAFT VS BELT VS CHAIN

Message

hawker · #11 Unread post by **hawker** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 9:59 am

Shaft is best. Change oil every year or two and lube when tires changed is all I've ever had to do. Chain drive was always so messy, slinging grease all the time.

Had a S50 (actually VS800) and loved it. They also make a M50 now which is a little more of a cruiser type and has fuel injection vs the dual carbs on the S50. Price is about the same. Either one is a great choice. I'm sure the others are equally good, just I have no experience so I can't comment on them.

flynrider · Tue Sep 06, 2005 10:27 am

Back in the bad old days, chains were messy. They required a lot of attention with nasty, sticky chain lube that got flung everywhere once you started moving. With the advent of O-ring chains, life got much easier. The O-ring chain only needs an occasional light coating of lube to keep the links from rusting. The rollers are internally lubricated. On my Nighthawk, I just give the chain a quick spray of some clean silicone lube every month or so and it does fine. Current chain has 14K miles on it and has only needed adjustment twice.

Brent · #13 Unread post by **Brent** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 11:17 am

Thanks a lot guys. Looks like Shaft is still the way to go,now to decide on the bike..Floorboards or not that is the question.

TechTMW · #14 Unread post by **TechTMW** » Tue Sep 06, 2005 8:23 pm

Footboards can be removed if you don't like them, and they provide comfort in long haul situations ... bad points, they can sometimes reduce cornering clearance. I'd say get the footboards, and if you don't like them you can remove them.

Brent · #15 Unread post by **Brent** » Wed Sep 07, 2005 3:36 am

But if I am removing them, why not get a cusyom instead?

Sat Sep 10, 2005 12:38 pm

Brent wrote:So are you saying you have to get a new tire every year?
Also aside from looks and only from a standpoint of known problems with the S-50,V-star 650, Vulcan 750(which also has I think Hydraulic Valves which eliminates adjusting them) is there a standout among 800cc or less bikes with either shaft or belt? Thanks

Most motorcycle tires will need to be replaced at about 6000 to 8000 miles. Cruisers, with harder rubber in the tires, last into 10,000 miles, and sport bikes with softer, stickier tires need new ones at 3-4000 miles.

Depends on your riding style as well.

P

CentralOzzy · Sat Sep 10, 2005 1:25 pm

I have owned bikes with Chains, Shafts & Belts.

BELTS win Hands down....followed by Shaft....& CHAINS CAN GO TO THE GARBAGE.

These days Belts need very little or NO adjustment.