Shaft vs Chain
#1
Shaft vs Chain
We are newbies and just bought a Suzuki Ozark about a month ago.
Question:
We noticed that most of the low-end models have a shaft drive while most of the high end quads have a chain. I understand that a shaft requires less maintenance but what is the advantage to a chain? I wouldn't think the high-end models would have a chain over a shaft drive unless there was some advantage.
Trails in our rainy area tend to get really muddy so I figured a chain would just get all gunked up and wear faster with all the mud on it as compared to a shaft. True? Why pick a chain?
Thanks
Dave
Question:
We noticed that most of the low-end models have a shaft drive while most of the high end quads have a chain. I understand that a shaft requires less maintenance but what is the advantage to a chain? I wouldn't think the high-end models would have a chain over a shaft drive unless there was some advantage.
Trails in our rainy area tend to get really muddy so I figured a chain would just get all gunked up and wear faster with all the mud on it as compared to a shaft. True? Why pick a chain?
Thanks
Dave
#4
#5
Shaft vs Chain
So it sounds like the reason that the high end machines have a chain is because the makers assume that more people will want to change the gearing on those quads than the entry level ATV's.
I guess it just kind of seemed backasswards or something. If the shaft is more expensive than the chain and is more convenient to maintain, I would think the chain would be on the low end models and the shaft would be on the high end. Oh, well. I guess the ATV makers know what they are doing. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]
nosliw
We have been to Evan's Creek, Capital Forest, and Tahuya. We are looking forward to go check out Gifford Pinchot ORV area South of Randle next.
I guess it just kind of seemed backasswards or something. If the shaft is more expensive than the chain and is more convenient to maintain, I would think the chain would be on the low end models and the shaft would be on the high end. Oh, well. I guess the ATV makers know what they are doing. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]
nosliw
We have been to Evan's Creek, Capital Forest, and Tahuya. We are looking forward to go check out Gifford Pinchot ORV area South of Randle next.
#7
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#8
Shaft vs Chain
This isn't a high end vs. low end thing, but rather a ute vs. sport thing. There are plenty of high end very pricey utes, that have shaft drive. The main reason for a shaft, is if you are going to have a 4X4, you need to run a shaft out to the front differential, so you might as well run one to the back also.
A chain drive is way lighter, so that is the best option for a sport bike. There are however a couple of shaft drive sport bikes, like the 250EX (just a Recon in sport plastic) and the V-Force.
A chain drive is way lighter, so that is the best option for a sport bike. There are however a couple of shaft drive sport bikes, like the 250EX (just a Recon in sport plastic) and the V-Force.
#9