Drive Train Curiosity

[TommyWillB]

Seems like there are a bunch of different ways of delivering power to the real wheel. Belts, chains, drive shafts... probably more.

When pondering a basic cruiser, do I care?

Are there important reliability, maintenance or performance differences?

Are the different drive systems optimized for different goals?

Are some companies/brands better at (known for) building certain types?


* I'm not looking for any sort of binary "which is best" thing here. I'm looking to get the basics on how to think about the trade-offs and grey areas. i.e. which issues are important considerations vs. interesting arcane academic curiosities.

 

[mototireguy]

Pro-Cons

Shaft Drive: Almost zero maintenance but less efficient. Something like a 1-2% power loss compared to chain drive. More weight.

Chain Drive: Higher maintenance but most efficient. Less weight.

Belt Drive: Unknown pro/con.

 

[hayabusafiend]

I've owned bikes with all 3 drive trains.

Belt drive is my favorite. Zero maintenance and no drive lash.

My current bikes are (BMW) shaft drive. Almost no maintenance (oil change every 12K miles) and little drive lash (some torque).

Chain drives are great for performance reasons (less parasitic friction losses), but need cleaning and lubing every 600 miles, periodic adjustment and eventual replacement due to chain stretch, and noticeable drive lash.

 

[Ironbutt]

I'm partial the chains. I've broken a drive belt before on a Buell.. Everyone says they don't usually break, and they don't, but this one did.. and imagine the hassle replacing it? look it up.. I won't even get into it.

As much as they appeal to me in a technical sense, I'm not a lover of belts in this application. maybe... for the primary, not.. for the final drive.

 

[TommyWillB]

Thanks guys!

 

[Darwin]

Pros: The bike you want has the right type of drive on it.

Cons: The bike you want might have a different type of drive.

In all seriousness, 99% of the time it just doesn't matter. You'll have to maintain all the different drives - each has its own protocol. And its not like you get a choice "Yeah, I'll have that color over there with a chain, no... make it a belt... no... make it a cheeseburger!"

 

[ST Guy]

Shaft drive is basically a no-maintainence kind of drive. Just change the fluid periodically. And not mentioned yet, are the splines that MUST be properly lubed at every wheel remove/install (easy to do - use the specified lube, regular grease won't cut it), two or three orings that may have to be replaced from time to time (every 30,000 to 50,000 miles maybe), and the rubber cush-drive inserts that will degrade with miles (easy to replace and there are things that can be done to extend their life). So, shaft drive, while not maintainence free, is damn close.

Belt drives have some advantages, but don't ever get a rock between the belt and the pulley. That's almost a sure belt breakage situation. And yea, most belts are a royal pain in the butt to replace.

Chains are most efficient (belts are just as efficient, but they can't handle as much power). But they do require the most maintainence.

Any system will work well, if properly taken care of. Your decision might also be influenced by appearance. I've never liked the look of belt drives on bikes. And somehow, a shaft drive looks weird to me as well, when on a cruiser. But it's all personal preference.