Chains vs belts. Who wins the fight?

[Travman]

This is a good article about the pros and cons of chain and belts for the final drive.  I learned a little more about both.  I don't think we will see belts on any ducatis any time soon.  What do you think?

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/08may08_chainsvbelt_p1.htm

[TCK!]

I hope we don't... there was a topic on TOB previously about talks to switch to belt drives... I just don't see that as ever happening.

[EvilSteve]

Interesting article.

Increasing the tensile strength of belt drives will mean thinner belts and less reason to dislike the look.

[c_rex]

I'm old school- keep mine chain please.

[eltristo]

I would have no problem with belt drive.  But then,  I am lazy and hate cleaning my chain.  If it works, it's fine by me.

[surfs1st]

You know I think I'm one of the only people who actually likes the Buell 1125R.    I've actually considered buying one, the only thing stopping me is the unusually large front fairing.  I just can't get past its appearance.

[DCXCV]

Who wins the fight?  Which would you rather not get hit with?  Chain wins every time.

Okay, but seriously - belts are less effort, but I like my chain even if I have to clean and wax it constantly.  It's just one more thing that makes you pay attention to what's going on with your ride.

[eltristo]

Okay, but seriously - belts are less effort, but I like my chain even if I have to clean and wax it constantly.  It's just one more thing that makes you pay attention to what's going on with your ride.

Isn't that kinda like saying the '70's Harleys, since you had to consistently check to make sure the engine wasn't going to fall out, were inherently better? 

[mxwinky]

The short of it for sportbikes, though belts are quieter and require less maintenance and can be engineered to be stronger than chains, the ease of changeability to allow different gearing for track and sport use means that chains will be with us for the forseeable future.

[prudolph]

I wouldnt mind having belt as long as it works. The one statement i think would make a  good argument is the Limp- home rather than the walk home. The fact that it wouldnt chew up sprockets could also be a plus. As far as cleaning... makes no difference for me itl give me something to do when i cant ride it.

[Manny]

Give me chain or give me death.

Really, I just like the looks, sound, and solid feel of chain drive.

I know it's not for sportbikes, but I liked the shaft drive on my old yami cruiser.

[DCXCV]

Isn't that kinda like saying the '70's Harleys, since you had to consistently check to make sure the engine wasn't going to fall out, were inherently better? 

Oh, see, now you're just baiting me. 

But I think there is a line of knowing what's going on with your ride vs. constantly having to wrench it.  It's simple enough to maintain a chain, IMHO.  Kinda like how I have to check the air pressure in my bike and pick-up whereas some new cars have a light that tells you when the pressure is low.  Maybe not much like that at all?  Or maybe I'm just stubborn.  Bring on the leaky HD's.

[eltristo]

Yeah, I was kinda baiting you.  :e:v Certainly no offense meant. I'm content with my chain, I'd probably be content with a belt.  Who knows?  I am, as it has been worked out recently, easy. 

[Howie]

If Ducati does make the switch over to belts the chage will be gradual since it requires a pretty radical design. 

[eltristo]

I'm not even aware of any such thoughts by them, I think this was just a random foray into curiosity.