okay, seems to me that all bikes either are shaft drive, chain, or belt. i know there gotta be ups and downs to both. i'm looking to my motorcycle guru's here on gstwins to help me out. what are the pro's and con's of all types? and which would you prefir to have and why?

Shaft = never adjust or replace chain or sprokets - $$$$$$$ if it brakes
Belt = almost never replace and if it brakes it will not distroy your wheel or case. - $$$ if it brakes
Chain = cheap



cafeboy

so belt is the way to go eh? 

I like belts and if it brakes there is very little chance of the rear wheel locking up like a chain will.
I am looking in to a belt drive swap for my VLX.



cafeboy

any noticeable power/torque differences between the 3? assuming all other things are equal on the bikes of course.

But shaft drive instant power with no laging




cafeboy

To me belts are very smooth and are more for cruising not ripping on.


cafeboy

QuoteTo me belts are very smooth and are more for cruising not ripping on.

Buell has pretty good luck with them... although I believe the 1125 is chain driven. As I recall, shaft drive is the least efficient (frictional losses + added weight?). The claims are all over the map as far as belt vs roller chain. Belts are quiet too. With the engine sprocket minimum diameter and the width, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to convert a chain driven bike to belt.

Quote from: gearman on October 18, 2008, 03:12:29 PM
With the engine sprocket minimum diameter and the width, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to convert a chain driven bike to belt.

Well here is the kit.
http://www.scootworks.com/shop.cgi/page=partsh.htm/SID=1219417411.652




cafeboy

Quote from: cafeboy on October 18, 2008, 03:38:18 PM

Quote from: gearman on October 18, 2008, 03:12:29 PM
With the engine sprocket minimum diameter and the width, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to convert a chain driven bike to belt.

Well here is the kit.
http://www.scootworks.com/shop.cgi/page=partsh.htm/SID=1219417411.652




cafeboy

i don't see gs500 listed, it's prolly right next to the EFI kit though

Quote from: cafeboy on October 18, 2008, 03:38:18 PM
Well here is the kit.

Seems a little pricey, but if you save a couple of chain/sprocket replacements over the life of the bike, not that bad.

Quote from: ohgood on October 18, 2008, 03:46:40 PM

Quote from: cafeboy on October 18, 2008, 03:38:18 PM

Quote from: gearman on October 18, 2008, 03:12:29 PM
With the engine sprocket minimum diameter and the width, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to convert a chain driven bike to belt.

Well here is the kit.
http://www.scootworks.com/shop.cgi/page=partsh.htm/SID=1219417411.652




cafeboy

i don't see gs500 listed, it's prolly right next to the EFI kit though

That kit is for my VLX.



cafeboy

i'll never own another chain bike again - too much of a PITA

shaft is great - but some of them have nasty lash in them (like my c50 did)

belt is best - all the advantages of both the chain and the shaft, and they look awesome

moto gp and all racing bikes use chain....so what does that tell you?

It gets a little more confusing when you go deeper into each catagory.  Different styles of links on chains, different materials that the belts are made from, different bearings and shaZam! for the shaft.  Each with variables.  Have fun.  I always liked the look of a belt, but I trust a chain more for some reason. I have no clue why.

go ahead, confuse me.. 

Quote from: frankieG on October 19, 2008, 04:30:52 PM
moto gp and all racing bikes use chain....so what does that tell you?

that they are willing to do a lot more maintenance then i am

Quote from: jserio on October 18, 2008, 02:19:11 PM
so belt is the way to go eh? 

pretty much 'cept gearing down one, is not economically feasible

The most efficient transmission of power to the rear wheel is accomplished with a chain, belts have a little more stretch to them and thus absorb a bit more of the energy to the rear wheel and have a synergistic effect. You get a slightly different power transmisson feel when you go to pull a wheelie on a belt driven bike theres a split second delay. The least efficient method of power transmission is via shaft drive. To much energy loss through the various componenets.

Thats's why sportbikes use a chain, low weight and least amount of transmitted power loss to the rear wheel.

Its Belt all the way for bikes with the power (or lack there of) of the GS. Belt is almost as cheap as chain for mass manufacture and it will last the life time. Too bad, the manufacturers dont like anything lasting very long.
Of course harley and buell are the worst bikes for belt, the high torque and the overall weight these things are hauling make it ideal to not run belt. or belt has to be wide ... very very wide. Buell guys constantly replace their belts ... There are some I know who are on their 2nd or 3rd "life time belt".

Basically small bike+low power = belt. Larger bikes will need chain or shaft.
Cool.
Buddha.