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View Full Version : Shaft drive, Chain drive question


J.D.
03-01-2003, 11:35 PM
Ok, it seems to me shaft drive is much much better system than chain drive, more reliable, etc. So my question is, why doesn't every atv use it? No cracked cases to worry about, cracked plastics from chains taking flying lessons, and anything else that may happen from a chain coming apart. Why is chain drive continuing to be used when in my eyes shaft drive is much better? There must be something I don't know about all this.
wanta250r
03-01-2003, 11:59 PM
Maybe its because a chain is lighter. Easier to take care of ?
smokinwrench
03-02-2003, 12:10 AM
The shaft drive is basically maintanence free. Shaft drive looses alot of horsepower through the gears. Shaft drive cannot have asmuch suspension travel.

Josh
J.D.
03-02-2003, 12:19 AM
Oh, I see. So basically if you want more direct power go for a chain huh?
ATCnut
03-02-2003, 12:59 AM
I think another point is that chain drive is cheaper to manufacture. Another thing it is lighter too
PowerTrike
03-02-2003, 02:57 AM
I love shaft drive. Yeah, Its hard to have very much travel, and chain drive is more simple and lighter.
ATCRYDER
03-02-2003, 09:58 AM
More Peak horsepower is acheivable with a chain, but Shafts are 99% maintenance fee.
Mobular
03-02-2003, 12:00 PM
Ever tried to change the final drive ratio on a shaft machine?? Good Luck!
J.D.
03-02-2003, 06:57 PM
I think it could be possible, just not easy...
Dirtcrasher
03-03-2003, 06:33 PM
I forget who but someone who posts here lost his case when his drive shaft died. I hope mine decides to go away more quietly than that.
Mobular
03-03-2003, 09:17 PM
If there are optional gearsets available for a shaft system, I'd like to find out where they are available from. Up to this point, I have not found any, so one would be stuck with the factory ratio.
jeswinehart
03-03-2003, 09:23 PM
i would also like to have sx gearing in my es

i hope to god i never haft to take my engine out of my big red again !
that drive shaft bout drove me to tears getting it in + out.

john
J.D.
03-03-2003, 09:58 PM
Really? Did it stick in out or something? Maybe Yamaha did do something good, I was able to take mine off right where it bolts up to the engine so i was able to slide my motor right in and out.
jeswinehart
03-03-2003, 10:06 PM
oh ya gotta slide back the spring loaded spline that go over the output shaft, plus you got the rubber boot in your way, limited room. it's one of those things you either get right away (never ) or you spend a hour dinking around. the book makes it sound soooo simple. it ain't !
J.D.
03-03-2003, 10:11 PM
That sounds pretty hard. The hardest part to mine is matching up the hub part the the part that sticks out of the engine. Not too bad at all.
FullBore
03-04-2003, 03:30 PM
Another Point on Chain Drives is that they are more forgiving say when you miss a gear or are a bit rough with the clutch, they have a bit of built in shock absorbing that a shaft setup doesn't have, and there is usually a cush shock absorber attached to the rear sprocket, also its a lot easier to mess about with your gearing, with different sprockets if you're racing or tuning.

Nat