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I am looking at Japanese cruisers, ie the Kawasaki 800 Classic, the Suzuki c50T and the Honda Aero. Among the many differences is the type of drives they have. Can anyone simplify the differences for me?

I'm assuming the explanation of the structural difference is obvious therefore, the advantages and disadvantages are listed.

Belt:
Pros - No Lubrication; infrequent maintenance; Dampen sudden shocks or changes in loading; Quiet and smooth; Pulleys are usually less expensive than chain drive sprockets and exhibit little wear.

Cons - Must be replaced when broken; Slippage can occur, especially with improper tension; are more prone to damage caused by the environment such as oil, moisture, chemicals, etc.

Chain:
Pro - Highest torque; no slippage; Negligible stretch; Long life; Environment has little affect on it; Long shelf life since it is unaffected by atmosphere and doesn't deteriorate.

Cons - Noisiest of all three, though they have silent chain drives which help reduce noise; Chain drives can elongate; Flexibility is limited to a single plane; Sprockets usually need to be replaced when chain is replaced.

Shaft:
Pros - Very low maintenance; less drag; more efficient; most sturdiest and strongest; longest lasting; quiet and smooth

Cons - most costly when needed replacing; heaviest; loss of horsepower; lowest torque of all three;

i don't agree with what you said about replacing sprockets when the chain has to be replaced. As long as the chain tension is maintained properly the life of the sprocket is almost endless.

katana wrote:i don't agree with what you said about replacing sprockets when the chain has to be replaced. As long as the chain tension is maintained properly the life of the sprocket is almost endless.

except for when the teeth get smoothed over from the chain. It's part of pre-emptive maintenance anyway, would you rather change it in your garage, or have to et the bike towed when teeth start snapping off when it's worn down and way past it's prime. Besides, perfect time to add +2 teeth in back to give things a little more up and go

katana wrote:i don't agree with what you said about replacing sprockets when the chain has to be replaced. As long as the chain tension is maintained properly the life of the sprocket is almost endless.

Well, not really. The sprockets do wear, and they wear with the chain. If the chain has worn out, the parts it wears out against will be likewise worn.

If a part spins, slides or makes contact/breaks contact with something repeatedly, it wears. Sprockets included.

If you run new chain on old sprockets, you will accelerate the wear of your new chain.

I would for sure replace the front sprocket when replacing the chain. The rear sprocket may not be worn as much as it does not turn as many times as the front sprocket.

Greg O.