Total Motorcycle Community Forums

My husband & I are both newbies and are looking at getting bikes come spring. As I look at all the 250cc-650cc bikes, they all have chain drives, except for the Suzuki S40, which has belt drive but is a single cylinder. I am wondering how much mess and maintenance is involved with a chain vs. shaft or belt drives. I understand that chain drives have been around from the start, and maybe messing around with that should be part of my beginning motorcycle experience. But in every article or review that I read, shaft and belt drives are always strongly preferred--in no small part because you spend more time riding. So, how much hassle is lubricating and tensioning the chain, and how often does it need to be done?

If the bike has a center stand, lubricating a chain is a matter of a couple of minutes. A thorough cleaning takes maybe 15-20 minutes. I lube chains 1-2 a month, do a thorough cleaning twice a year.

Tensioning isn't needed often. My wife and I have three chain-drive bikes, with 8K, 10K, & 14K miles respectively. Tension was adjusted once on the bike with 14K miles - it's not been needed any more than that. Modern chains are much more durable than they used to be. A lot of the "folk knowledge" about chains comes from years ago when chain construction was less advanced.

I recently found out how to lubricate the chain on my bike and it was exceedingly easy. As long as you can get the wheel moving freely (centerstand or jack), it's very simple. As far as I could tell, it's just turning the wheel and spraying the lubricant on.

I don't know anything about tensioning yet though. I'll have to figure it out at some point too.

Most early bikes were belt driven. Indian came out with chain in 9 or 10. Harley used some belts till 13.

On most modern bikes with belts they are very labor intensive to change. On a BT you have to disassemble primary. The are also more expensive than chains. And watch for rocks in the pulleys.

Shafts are a little less efficent than a chain,but less trouble. However when you have to replace they get really expensive. (most do not have replaceable U-joints like a car)

M.Zebra,

I've had both chain and belt. There is good and bad about both. I have found the belt to be dependable and low maintence, if used under normal operating conditions. Meaning no constant hole shots ot wheelies etc... The chain, under most circumstances has a better chance to be fixed on the road by you if your break down occurs in the middle of no wheresville, usually recquiring additional links. While the belt has a repair kit to it I am not familiar with its application. Chain is messy (slings oil) the belt does not recquire the level of lubrication/maitanence as the chain does. If I had to make a choice for myself I chose the belt for my preference at this time in my life (old guy who wants to keep maitenence stuff to a minimum).

I have no experience with a shaft but have not heard of any major setbacks. I would guess that if the shaft broke down you're screwed though. I don't know.

M.Zebra wrote:..........all the 250cc-650cc bikes, they all have chain drives, except for the Suzuki S40, which has belt drive but is a single cylinder..........

The V Star 650 cc bikes are shaft drive and are v-twins. The Mid size Honda Shadow 750 cc cruisers are now shaft drive again and also v-twins.

After three Hondas with chain, I got a Nighthawk 650 that had shaft drive and didn't think I would ever want another chain drive bike. But I've had two chain drive bikes since and it's all OK as long as they have centerstands.

Chains are easy to maintain. Be sure to keep them clean of dirt and sand.
Once good an clean put it on the center stand, which most small bikes have, and use a good chain lube as you rotate the rear tire.
One time around should do it.
Tentioning isn't necessary too often, but if it needs it, just crank down on the two set screws at each side of the chain in the back, being sure to turn each the same amount of times. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN!!!!!!!!

If you get bikes with chains (all our bikes are chain...no big deal) since there are two of you, lubing the chain even without a center stand s easy. One of you gets on the bike and rolls it forward a foot or two at a time while the other sprays on the lube.

Belt and shaft maintenance is easier, but taking care of a chain doesn't inhibit your riding time...two bikes takes 10 minutes.

All that info helps a lot. I didn't even think about the lubricant being a spray. And I did see that Yamaha does have a shaft drive in the smaller sizes. So, my field is broader than I thought it was. Thank you all!

Bubba wrote:Chains are easy to maintain. Be sure to keep them clean of dirt and sand.
Once good an clean put it on the center stand, which most small bikes have, and use a good chain lube as you rotate the rear tire.
One time around should do it.
Tentioning isn't necessary too often, but if it needs it, just crank down on the two set screws at each side of the chain in the back, being sure to turn each the same amount of times. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN!!!!!!!!

my chain has 2 bolts for adjustment (one on each side of the tire frame).