Brammo Owners Forum

Brammo Empulse Discussion => Brammo Empulse => Topic started by: 1lesscar on May 11, 2011, 11:13:12 PM

Title: belt or driveshaft
Post by: 1lesscar on May 11, 2011, 11:13:12 PM

I know this has been talked about. But I would like my next bike (empulse) to have one or the other. What does brammo think?
  :P
(http://pictures.topspeed.com/IMG/crop/200705/2006-bmw-f-800-st-13_460x0w.jpg)

Title: Re: belt or driveshaft
Post by: Richard230 on May 12, 2011, 10:10:36 AM

I like belt-drives, but I notice that BMW seems to be abandoning them. Currently their only model with a belt-drive is the F800ST. At one time they also had a belt drive on the 650cc Scarver and the F800S. They have moved to (or retained) chain-drive for the G650GS, the F650/800GS and the new F800R models. The rest of their bikes have shaft-drive, which are nice - provided they don't break, which they occasionally do. The shaft drive on my 1991 K100RS snapped at 46K miles and wiped out my entire swing arm assembly and everything inside. The new parts cost $1200 and that was with 1996 money.

My favorite rear drive for a street motorcycle is either a belt or a fully-enclosed chain drive running in an oil bath. However, dirt bikes need to stick with a chain drive due to the environment that they ride in.

On the other hand, an open chain drive is probably the least expensive to make and design and allows the easiest gearing changes.

Title: Re: belt or driveshaft
Post by: webman on May 13, 2011, 12:55:10 AM

I think the reason many of BMW's f-series bikes aren't belt drive now is that many of them are off-road GS models, except for the 'sport-standard' model (I forget it's designation).  The sporty types, for some reason, don't dig belt-drive; I think maybe it's because it's easier to change to different sprocket/gearing combinations on chain-driven bikes.

Personally, I'd MUCH prefer a belt-drive.  It's interesting that ZERO has gone to belt drive on their streetbikes; this must make them even quieter than before; stealth is always a good thing when you're being a 'hooligan'....:)

Title: Re: belt or driveshaft
Post by: Brammofan on May 13, 2011, 10:54:38 AM

Too tired to search right now, but I believe that BrammoBrian commented about belt drives in some thread on this forum. 

Title: Re: belt or driveshaft
Post by: Phantom on May 13, 2011, 11:57:27 AM

Here is the thread of belt vs. chain:  http://brammoforum.com/index.php?topic=262.0 (http://brammoforum.com/index.php?topic=262.0)

I did a copy and paste from elmoto v1 before the crash.

Title: Re: belt or driveshaft
Post by: Brammofan on May 13, 2011, 12:00:53 PM

Quote from: Phantom on May 13, 2011, 11:57:27 AM

Here is the thread of belt vs. chain:  http://brammoforum.com/index.php?topic=262.0 (http://brammoforum.com/index.php?topic=262.0)

I did a copy and paste from elmoto v1 before the crash.

I knew I could count on you.  Thanks!

Title: Re: belt or driveshaft
Post by: Richard230 on May 13, 2011, 05:29:31 PM

Those comments make a lot of sense and although I do like the low maintenance of a belt drive, if I was Brammo, I would also chose a chain drive for the very reasons that Brian details.