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.

Thread: Shaft drive, Chain drive question

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Shaft drive, Chain drive question

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