Does anyone have information on the reliability of chain drive atv's such as the lakota. Do they break, or require a lot of maintenace.

 

sport bike a chain is pretty standard fare. utility bike a shaft is the better chioce. The shaft is more reliable but the chain does a better job at transfering the power.

 

Chains, are good if you keep them oiled and correctly tightened.

Shafts, The only thing you have to do is grease them! Never have to worry about them breaking.

For a 4x4, Shaft is the only way to go, with a sport, it just doesn't work!

 

I was looking at getting the lakota, but I know that where I ride it isn't flat and there are ruts, rocks, small tree's that I will probably be running over. would this be a problem with a chain drive.

 

I think you better deside where you are going to ride . a friend came with us riding last week with a 350 warrier in bad mud power line chain came off and busted a big piece out of the engine block majour trouble. not something you need on a bad trail .

 

what are things that are bad for chain drives?

 

I have always ridden chain driven quads and never had any problems. I didn't adjust my chains for about six months of intense riding...they stayed on and just kicked a bit! It all depends on personal preference.