08-31-2020, 05:19 AM
I prefer shafts. A chain and sprocket set lasts me about 30,000 miles on average. The last set on my CB went 36,909 miles and cost $400 to replace parts and labor. The shaft on my ST 1300 was still in perfect working order at 110,000 miles when I sold the bike and required about $7 of fluid per year plus a little moly lube on the splines once a year. That would have been about 4 sets of chains and sprockets or about $1600 parts and labor. The shaft on my FJR 1300 has gone 32,000 miles in 2 years and again has used a few ounces of fluid twice a year. If it were chains and sprockets it would be coming up on a $400 bill soon.
My opinion..and only my opinion..is chains and sprockets are ok if you don't ride very much. For the average rider who does less than 5,000 miles a year, a chain and sprocket set will last you approximately 7 years. If you tend to put a lot of miles on, ride long distances, those that ride 20-25,000 miles a year, a chain and sprocket set won't make 18 months. For those riders, a shaft drive is a far better system. It's not maintenance free, but it's close, and other than some BMW failures (reportedly only 5% of BMW shaft drive bikes) they have proven to be very durable systems. There is a reason nearly all touring bikes come with shaft drive..and ALL cars and trucks.
Who here would buy a chain drive car?.... raise your hands (btw Honda used to make one)
My opinion..and only my opinion..is chains and sprockets are ok if you don't ride very much. For the average rider who does less than 5,000 miles a year, a chain and sprocket set will last you approximately 7 years. If you tend to put a lot of miles on, ride long distances, those that ride 20-25,000 miles a year, a chain and sprocket set won't make 18 months. For those riders, a shaft drive is a far better system. It's not maintenance free, but it's close, and other than some BMW failures (reportedly only 5% of BMW shaft drive bikes) they have proven to be very durable systems. There is a reason nearly all touring bikes come with shaft drive..and ALL cars and trucks.
Who here would buy a chain drive car?.... raise your hands (btw Honda used to make one)