 [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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OP
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I'm seriously looking at the Triumph America.
However, I've been told by a couple of guys at work that getting a cruiser with a chain drive would be a big mistake in this day and age when motorcycle shaft drives are so dependable and trouble free.
One of the guys also told me that he had a chain snap on a bike once while he was going 50 mph down the road and narrowly missed his leg.
Indeed, a Google search on chain versus shaft drive yields an overwhelming majority of hits that give the nod to shaft drive.
With so many disadvantages to chain drive...cleaning, oiling, getting oil spray on your rear wheel, the possibility of breaking, etc...and the fact that shaft drives in motorcycles are now very dependably made after several decades of use, why do Triumph America/Speedmaster owners continue to buy chain driven cruisers?
Is it brand loyalty, or just resigning oneself to accepting the bad with the good?
Regards,
-Ward
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Buy a hardley and leave us alone.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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 I was gonna say get another Suzuki as they have shaft drives, but a Hardley will work too.
Mark
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Quote:
Buy a hardley and leave us alone.
Moe,
Don't get a chip on your shoulder because I'm questioning a bike...that also happens to be the model you own.
A chain drive, carburetors, and manufacturing plants in Taiwan can bring up a few questions from prospective buyers.
Regards
-Ward
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
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ask google "why I want a bike?" 
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
Quote:
Buy a hardley and leave us alone.
Moe,
Don't get a chip on your shoulder because I'm questioning a bike...that also happens to be the model you own.
A chain drive, carburetors, and manufacturing plants in Taiwan can bring up a few questions from prospective buyers.
Regards
-Ward
No chip on my shoulder (the broken chain knocked it off) but I do question your whole existence!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,590
Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I'd imagine keeping costs down is one reason. These new chain systems are pretty bullet proof. Most last a minimum of 20,000++ miles. I believe power transfer is actually more efficient on a chain vs shaft vs belt. It's easy to change chains and sprockets to fit your need. Compared to the "old chains", these require very little maintenance/tightening. I can't remember anyone reporting a broken chain on this board over the last 10 years, could be wrong. Beside real motorcycle have chains, always have always will  . Some people here have converted to belts and have been happy with them. jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 948
3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
Joined: Jul 2006
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If you research chain drives, belt drives and shafts you will find all have disadvantages. In a recent large ralley the number ne failure among all bikes were the vaulted shaft drive BMW's.
That said, the chain maintenance is minimal and a whole cheaper to repair than shaft drive. If you can't spend 15 minutes every few hundred miles on maintenance, you need a Hyuandai.
Ride the other bikes and then ride a Triumph.
Redbike7
2006 America
No amount of skill can overcome gross stupidity. Ask me how I know...never mind, I forgot...
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Aug 2007
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Aug 2007
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plus, shaft drive looks stupid and out of place on a motorcycle, no matter what kind of bike it is. maybe I just think bikes and owners should have a relationship that only comes with driveway/garage maintenance
Always remember to be yourself. Unless you suck. Then pretend to be someone else.
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 386
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jul 2007
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Chain drives are the simplestist & most efficient method of transfering power to the rear wheel, if you keep them properly maintained and the rear wheel aligned properly then no problems occur, they are also the cheapest & easiest to replace.
Hoffo
2x Norton Commando Roadsters
08 Triumph America
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Oct 2007
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OP
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No chip on my shoulder (the broken chain knocked it off) but I do question your whole existence!
Well, let me knock another chip off your shoulder.
I now think I understand your earlier quote in one of my threads where you stated "On other boards he hails from the Piedmont Area of NC."
I'm presently not on any other boards, save for the "Volusia Raiders" board, which is a board for Suzuki owners.
However, about 2 years ago I was on a board for Ford Expedition owners and exchanged "pleasantries" with a fellow who was upset that I had registered with a username that he claimed the rights to.
The guy apparently did a search and found me on a firearms board that I used to belong to, whereupon he registered with my "Ward Cleaver" name...using slightly different characters...and created some havoc.
He also attempted to follow me to the "Volusia Raiders" board, but was quickly routed from there.
So, if perhaps you think I am a "Ward Cleaver" from some other boards you belong to, you are mistaken...other than the "Voulusia Raiders" board.
Regards,
-Ward
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Go to the nearest yama-davidson dealer and ask to take a look at the service manual for a v-star. Look up the procedure for changing the rear tire. Because of the shaft drive, half the motorcycle has to be disassembled. Since belts only come in one piece, most motorcycles require removal of the swingarm to replace a belt.
Shaft and belt drive is nothing new. These existed before WWI on motorcycles, but they were replaced almost universally by chain drive because it is better. There is considerably less power loss. A good chain is too narrow for rocks to collect on them. When this happens on a belt, both belt and pulley are destroyed. There are no torque-steer problems with a chain drive.
I have ridden chain drive motorcycles since 1954 and have had few problems. I had 2 shaft drive bikes and the torque steer was a major PITA. as was having to remove the swingarm to replace the clutch.
Along with my Trusty Triumph, I also have a belt drive bike and I really don't trust it.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: May 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
A chain drive, carburetors, and manufacturing plants in Taiwan
What's wrong with any of those things?
Shafts-
While everyone talks about how worry free shaft drives are the simple fact is chains break, belts break, shafts break, there is no such thing as an infalable part so really it's a matter of preference and I'd gladly give 15 min. of my tiime every few hundred miles for the ability to change my gearing when ever I feel like it.
Carburators-
I for one like the idea of being able to change the settings manually, shimming the needles, changing the needles, changing the jets, ect...
Taiwan-
Are you trying to suggest that the people in Taiwan are inferior to the British? They work for less money true but I've never seen anything to suggest that the workmanship is sub-par. I personally have had meny things that were made in Taiwan that outlasted similar products made in the US. I don't think you can blame Triumph for trying to save a bit on labor and increasing their profit margin. Triumph is afterall a business and you don't go into business to lose money.
Just my two cents
Let my dying thought be that every mile was fun and let my tombstone read,"They never made one fast enough for me."
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Re: Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
So, if perhaps you think I am a "Ward Cleaver" from some other boards you belong to ...
No he doesn't 
For the love of God, if you like the America, buy it 
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Perhaps a brand new BMW is the answer  Oh darn - that has a chain too. Guess they're as primitive as we are.
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Re: Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive
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Loquacious
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Quote:
For the love of God, if you like the America, buy it
But what about the Speedmaster? I'm sure there's plenty of debate about whether a single disc brake is inferior to a dual disc brake.
Mark
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I am a poor example of chain mait. but a good example of todays chains, I have over 15,000 miles on my bike and have lubed the chain 3 times and never clean it. Both chain and
sprockets are still fine. Shaft drive is OK I have one on my old BMW but I can't just swap sprockets to gear it the way I want it the way I can on my Triumphs. I have used chains all my life and swear by them. Even if a chain would happen to break as long as you carry tools it can easily be fixed along the road in a couple min. and you are on your way.
Same deal with carbs. if they fail on the road chances are it's dirt that can be cleaned out and again you are on your way.I have been riding for 30+ years and every bike except 1 has been chain drive and they all had carbs and points except the 2 new Triumphs with electronic ignitions.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: May 2007
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Member
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You're starting to sound like my wife. She can't make a decision either.
03 Red/Black Speedmaster
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Re: Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive
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Loquacious
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If you have doubts about the Triumphs, you're likely to regret buying one. All kidding aside, I think you should consider the Yamaha V Star line. They offer EFI & belt drive. They seem to be very well made, and the price per cc is excellent. Some are reported to have the oil filter in a very tough spot, but other than that... If you know any Shriners, they can sometimes get the V Stars at discount. I guy I used to work with got one close to wholesale that way.
Triumphs aren't for everyone by any means. A visit to any large gathering of motorcycles surely proves that.
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Re: Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive
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Loquacious
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Quote:
Quote:
For the love of God, if you like the America, buy it
But what about the Speedmaster? I'm sure there's plenty of debate about whether a single disc brake is inferior to a dual disc brake.
Holy crap man, don't make it MORE confusing!!! 
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Posts: 5,590 |
Quote:
But what about the Speedmaster? I'm sure there's plenty of debate about whether a single disc brake is inferior to a dual disc brake.
Actually Mark, since ba's only have a single disc, stands to reason they must be twice as good. My head hurts......?
jh
"It's not what I say that's important, it's what you hear" Red Auerbach
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Re: Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive
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Joined: Jun 2007
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Quote:
If you have doubts about the Triumphs, you're likely to regret buying one. All kidding aside, I think you should consider the Yamaha V Star line. They offer EFI & belt drive. They seem to be very well made, and the price per cc is excellent. Some are reported to have the oil filter in a very tough spot, but other than that...
Triumphs aren't for everyone by any means. A visit to any large gathering of motorcycles surely proves that.
That's it!!
PLEASE tell me they have their own site 
"You can't believe everything you read on the internet" : William Shakespeare
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,546
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
I'm seriously looking at the Triumph America.
However, I've been told by a couple of guys at work that getting a cruiser with a chain drive would be a big mistake in this day and age when motorcycle shaft drives are so dependable and trouble free.
One of the guys also told me that he had a chain snap on a bike once while he was going 50 mph down the road and narrowly missed his leg.
Indeed, a Google search on chain versus shaft drive yields an overwhelming majority of hits that give the nod to shaft drive.
Regards,
-Ward
Clearly, Triumph is a motorcycle you could never be happy with. Buy something else.
if life gives you lemons keep them because hey,free lemons.
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: May 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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My Speemaster offers dual front brake warpage. I get a nice hobby horse thing goin' on just before I switch over to rear brake at stoplights
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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Quote:
I'm presently not on any other boards, save for the "Volusia Raiders" board, which is a board for Suzuki owners.
Oh Okay...Presently. I get it. Presently. The other forums liked you too!
From the suzukiforum.com:
Quote:
Boulevard C50 vs Honda Shadow Aero - 5/28/2007 7:30:58 PM
No New Messages
Ward Cleaver
New Member
Posts: 1
Joined: 5/28/2007
Status: offline In the opinion of you fellows, how does the C50 Boulevard compare to the Honda Shadow Aero 750cc...in performance, fit and finish and quality?
Thanks in advance for any replies or advice.
Regards,
-Ward
Hum, "IntruderAlertTM" spelled "Volusia Raiders"
thusly,
Quote:
Ward Cleaver
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Posts: 707
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From: Piedmont Area, NC
Bike: C50
Resident Expert
Ward Cleaver is Offline PM Ward Cleaver Email Ward Cleaver
Posted: Aug 15, 2007 04:26 PM (Msg. 21 of 48) [Quote Post] [Reply To Post]
Why get a bike with a carburetor when you can have fuel injection?
Regards,
-Ward
Quote:
Ned Rex wrote:
It has become obvious that Ward is of superior intellect.
and from the Total Motorcycle Community Forums...
Quote:
Ward Cleaver
Tricycle Squid
Tricycle Squid
Joined: 27 Jun 2007
Posts: 1
PostPosted: Wed Jun 27, 2007 8:54 am Post subject: Is This Normal For A Motorcycle Headlight ? Reply with quote
I am a new rider. I have a Suzuki Boulevard C50.
I took my bike out last night for my first bike ride at night.
While on some rural roads I noticed that my headlight only seemed to be shining out on the road about 25 or 30 feet in front of the bike.
I couldn't even see out of turns as I was going into them.
However, when I turned the brights on, everything was quite a bit better.
So, do most of you guys just drive at night with your high beam on?
In the city of course it doesn't make much difference because of all the street lights, store lights, etc., the road is pretty much lit up already.
I'm talking about 2 lane roads going through rural areas where it's pitch black. After that first night ride with mine last night, I can't imagine ever riding at night again without my high beams on full time.
Regards,
-Ward
anther brilliant question posed to members of a forum you used to be a member of?
I'd go on but I am running out of chips! Love ya. Mean it!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: [b]Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive[/b]
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
Don't get a chip on your shoulder because I'm questioning a bike...that also happens to be the model you own.
I think I'm getting my head around the problem here. Part of the problem is that you're nitpicking the heck out of the bikes and expecting answers here. We don't have them. Ask the Triumph engineers, accountants and marketing department why they chose chains over belts or shaft. We chose the bike, knowing the caveats or not, and are generally happy with them. The other part of the problem is that many others on this site feel the need to defend the decisions made by Triumph. They don't. All we can do is talk about our experiences owning the bikes. Talk to an engineer as to whether or not dual disks are better than single in most situations. If you go to a Beemer site they'll love shaft drive. If you go to a rat bike site, they'll hate it. Try to rephrase your questions with regards to our direct experiences, not the overall technical merits of a given technology over another.
Okay, that wasn't nice.
Last edited by FriarJohn; 11/05/2007 6:12 PM.
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Re:"Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive" joke !
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Joined: Sep 2005
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
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is it Joke Of The Day thread ??
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Re:"Disadvantages Of Triumph's Chain Drive" joke !
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
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It might as well be cause I am laughing my cleaver off! Poor poor runover lad. Can't get enough of super sugar crisp. Happy Monday. Time to get on my chain driven, carburated, motorsickle with its unadjusted headlight that I bought from a dishonest triumph dealer, and which was not built in Thailand (am I missing anything?!) and RIDE home! 
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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