Chain drive, why do we want it again?

650ed wrote: You may want to change over to using Maxima Chain Wax as it may provide a better shock barrier between the links. Ed

Thanks for the tip! What chain is your preferred choice?

I've had a D.I.D. O-ring chain on my bike for the past 19,000+ miles (about 11 years) and it has barely stretched at all. It will certainly last more than 50,000 miles at the rate it is going. I replaced the original Kawasaki O-ring chain at 36,000 miles; it was not worn out, but the sprockets (mostly the engine sprocket) were beginning to show their age so I replaced the chain/sprocket set. I'm happy with the D.I.D. chain, but I know there are some other high quality chain brands.

The new X-ring type chains are supposed to be better than the O-ring chains, but I can't quantify how much better. With proper maintenance I'm certain either type will last more than 50,000 miles. I usually lube my chain about every 400 miles, although there have been times when it went much longer between lubes. Ed

So I guess plenty of opinions, all can be thought of as right for that particular scenerio. Yes chains are cheap, yes gearing can be changed, yes more power and no shaft jacking. I'll still take the shaft. They make a BMW S1000R or whatever that is chain drive that was a fast bike, but once I heard it was chain, I thought chain on a BMW? Like going to Fordland and finding the new mustang has that new 500hp engine with chain drive so you get 10 extra hp. Gads they sold out and I would never buy that bike in 100 years. I rode 10,000+ miles in 13 days twice on the KZ1000MK2 with chain. A good thing to have done. Done never again with a chain

its takes more energy to turn a shaft and ring gear then it does to transmit the same amount of energy trough a chain drive
which equals more hp to the wheel
which equals a faster bike
thats why we want it
and thats why all shafties are slow and cumbersome anchor wieghts

650ed wrote: I've had a D.I.D. O-ring chain on my bike for the past 19,000+ miles (about 11 years) and it has barely stretched at all. It will certainly last more than 50,000 miles at the rate it is going. I replaced the original Kawasaki O-ring chain at 36,000 miles; it was not worn out, but the sprockets (mostly the engine sprocket) were beginning to show their age so I replaced the chain/sprocket set. I'm happy with the D.I.D. chain, but I know there are some other high quality chain brands.

The new X-ring type chains are supposed to be better than the O-ring chains, but I can't quantify how much better. With proper maintenance I'm certain either type will last more than 50,000 miles. I usually lube my chain about every 400 miles, although there have been times when it went much longer between lubes. Ed

you need a new chain man

Pffftt.....Chains and bikes go together.

whatta you decide to be sober today or what...


shaft is for guys with black socks...chain is for guys with no socks...and belt is for guy who socks

jeffasaki wrote: its takes more energy to turn a shaft and ring gear then it does to transmit the same amount of energy trough a chain drive
which equals more hp to the wheel
which equals a faster bike
thats why we want it
and thats why all shafties are slow and cumbersome anchor wieghts

I have both- chains and drive shaft. There is good reasons for both. For long rides, the shaft drive needs no maintenance. Chains need adjusting every so many miles. I rode my V65 from Anchorage to Mexico City and back to Seattle WA. Had to change tires once. That many miles. Rode with a KLR to Vegas and back from Anchorage AK. He was constantly (every night) having to dick with the adjustment and oiling of the chain. Ended up staying a little longer on a few gas stops as well as he adjusted etc.

Not really that big of a deal- unless you just want to collapse or just eat and shower. I would usually shower while he was working on his bike- usually adjusting chain. I would average about a 1/2 to an hour at the end of the day, even more over the total of the day- so it made a difference in fatigue, that is for certain.

Now- on the race track- no doubt, chain better. Rare exceptions, plus rim choice is way larger with chain. And Cheaper

tradition

How about Diesel with hydraulic drive?

thekneeslider.com/hydrostatic-drive-diesel-motorcycle/

Put a new Tsubaki Omega chain (o-ring) along with new Sunstar sprockets this past weekend and there is still more noise than I care for, although I can not hear it above 30 mph. Chain is adjusted/lubed and aligned just right. Had a KZ1100 shaft drive new in '82 and it was quiet and trouble free for 20,000 miles until I fought a battle with a deer at 55 mph and lost. I love my '81 Gpz550 except for the chain. Chains are good for what they do, I would just love a belt or shaft drive on my favorite bike of all time!

How much slack did you leave in the chain? Ed