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Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!hao!hplabs!hp-pcd!hpfcms!tatge
From: tatge@hpfcms.UUCP (tatge)
Newsgroups: net.cycle
Subject: Re: Orphaned Response
Message-ID: <43300017@hpfcms.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 9-Apr-85 12:30:00 EST
Article-I.D.: hpfcms.43300017
Posted: Tue Apr  9 12:30:00 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 21-Apr-85 03:09:09 EST
References: <-572800@ucbvax.UUCP>
Organization: Hewlett-Packard - Fort Collins, CO
Lines: 35
Nf-ID: #R:ucbvax:-572800:hpfcms:43300017:000:1557
Nf-From: hpfcms!tatge    Apr 15 09:30:00 1985

All the comments on chains and shafts have been pretty right on.  Here
are a few additional notes.

There are three main problems with shaft drives as measured in performance
terms.  One, they are less efficient delivery mechanisms of the power
available at transmission output.  Two, they sometimes have a good deal
of lash and general slop in the system which is disconcerting at speed.
(Note that this varies *considerably* from model to model (not just
from mfg. to mfg.))  Three, (and worst of all for performance riders)
they develop a torgue at the rear axle which causes the rear end to
become unnaturally unweighted under acceleration.  This is not very
troublesome in a straight line, but can leave you picking bopp dots out of
your knee cap if you grab too much throtle coming out of a turn.

However, if kept within their limits, shaft drives perform wonderfully.

Generally, you do not have to worry about what drive to pick.  Most of
the big four do an excellent job of matching the type of drive to the
style of bike (with a few really dumb exceptions like the Vmax).  If
you just pick the type of bike you want without even looking at the 
final drive, chances are you'll find that it is just what you want.



                   George Tatge
		   Fort Collins, CO
		   ihnp4!hpfcla!tatge


p.s. Today's Maintainence Tip

When draining the oil from engine or transmission, try placing a large
container under the drain plug before removing.  This has been known
to save considerable time in cleanup and considerable wrath from the
spouse.