Drive chain versus drive belt?

**p.dath** · 25th August 2009, 18:51

Why do some bikes use chains and some use belts?

It is just a price thing, or do they both have advantages?

**Hitcher** · 25th August 2009, 19:38

Gahh! Thud.

**The Stranger:Me** · 25th August 2009, 19:41

Originally Posted by p.dath

Why do some bikes use chains and some use belts?

It is just a price thing, or do they both have advantages?

They dont want to use a chain, but as everyone knows, shaft drive bikes can't wheelie, so they us a belt instead.

**Two Smoker** · 25th August 2009, 19:44

Originally Posted by The Stranger

They dont want to use a chain, but as everyone knows, shaft drive bikes can't wheelie, so they us a belt instead.

Bet you d-pex could wheelie the shaft drive... or dipshit might be able too aswell... apparently they are awesome...

**Subike** · 25th August 2009, 19:46

Originally Posted by The Stranger

They dont want to use a chain, but as everyone knows, shaft drive bikes can't wheelie, so they us a belt instead.

I guess somebody forgot to tell my XS1100 that

**The Stranger:Me** · 25th August 2009, 19:47

Originally Posted by Two Smoker

Bet you d-pex could wheelie the shaft drive... or dipshit might be able too aswell... apparently they are awesome...

Nah, my shaft don't rotate.

**The Stranger:Me** · 25th August 2009, 19:48

Originally Posted by Subike

I guess somebody forgot to tell my XS1100 that

No way, it's against the laws of physics - photos or it didn't happen.

**Two Smoker** · 25th August 2009, 19:49

Originally Posted by The Stranger

Nah, my shaft don't rotate.

Im sure you would like them to ratate on your shaft...

**p.dath** · 25th August 2009, 19:50

I didn't even realise they made two wheel bikes with an actual drive shaft, or is someone taking the micky?

**Hitcher** · 25th August 2009, 19:55

Scotty? Please beam me up. Now.

**Motu** · 25th August 2009, 19:59

You can't chrome a chain and wear it on your jacket.It's called a soft option...but they are suitable for dentures.

**The Stranger:Me** · 25th August 2009, 20:09

Originally Posted by p.dath

I didn't even realise they made two wheel bikes with an actual drive shaft, or is someone taking the micky?

Gahh! Thud.

Many beemers, various hondas and assorted tourers are shaft drive mostly.

**Subike** · 25th August 2009, 20:10

not mine but seeing you asked.

belt drives are meant to be smoother in the power delivery and quieter.

cains wear and throw crap all over the place

shafties just keep on doing it with LITTLE TO NO MAINTENANCE

**Big Dave** · 25th August 2009, 20:12

Originally Posted by p.dath

I didn't even realise they made two wheel bikes with an actual drive shaft, or is someone taking the micky?

Most manufacturers offer shaft drive vehicles currently and most offer belt or chain driven alternatives too.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Shafts are the easiest to live with and heaviest and clunky-ist.

Chains are strong and messy and have differing service intervals.

Belts are clean and smooth and light and wear longer - but are much less resilient.