Trying again ... Shaft V Chain/Betl Drives...

[brianmagner]

Evenin Guys,

I posted this in the wrong place last time and had to delete it, but wanted to try again....

I just "inherited" a '79 XS11 that I am attempting to restore. Not having a ton of experience it has been goign a little slower than anticipated (needless to say). Any way, I asked a buddy of mine to come over and take a look at it who customizes bikes and the first thing he said when seeing it was "you are going to want to change-out that shaft drive for a chain if you want real power". While reading through out this web-site, I have never read anyone complaining about this bike have a lack of power.

My question is....Is it better to have the belt/chain drive or the shaft? Why?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

Brian
79 XS11
Charleston, SC

[oseaghdha]

Read this. Has a lot of info for you.

[Bigfoot]

The bike has plenty of power IMHO. The conversion is possible for those who really want it but most are happy with the shaft drive.

[oseaghdha]

I believe the main advantages with the chain drive mod is that you can fit a wider tire, and change ratios "easily".

The shaft does eat power, no way around that. But the bike was advertised as being capable of a sub 12 second 1/4 mile and has a top speed around 130. How fast do you want to go?

[brianmagner]

Thanks

Interesting stuff...

[81xsproject]

I don't know about a chain, but I can't imagine the efficiency of the belt. To have that lost 10-15% at the wheel would be amazing. After the FI project is complete, who knows.

[Crazcnuk]

The amount of power lost is negligible when compared to the increased maintenance, expense and noise of a chain drive.

If you are really worried about the small power loss, you shouldn't be looking at a bike like the XS. There are plenty out there with more power right out of the box.

[Steptoe]

chains----yuk

I spent 3 yrs trying to find a shaft after having a chain bike[GSX11] constant stretching, tore a side plate in 1/2 once, at the time replacement costs for chain & sprockets +/- 300 bills, always lubing them, washing dirty sticky mess off the wheel every week AUSSIXS11 has a 107 bhp, mine does 97 bhp with a top speed of more than you,ll ever need & T.C has vid of power on wheel stand--- stick with what you got JMHO but then again some of us just can,t help tinkering

[TADracer]

Like every other type of mod.

Switching to a chain drive is like every other modification. You need to weigh the pros and cons before making the decision and take into consideration the other things that may be affected and then need adjusting or modification. So, if you have the $$$ and want the ability for a larger rear tire and/or the ability to change ratios for performance then, yes the chain drive conversion is probably for you. If these things are not high on your list then you might consider staying with the shaft drive that is very reliable, needs no real maintenance and runs alot more quiet than a chain.

Chain drive will not make more power for you but it is another way to get it to the ground.