New GTR

[PRD]

And not only small bikes. In the 1980's Yamaha produced the TR 1 thousand cc v twin. It was chain drive running in lithium grease in an enclosed chain case . Chain was reported to last 30000 miles and no mess.

[O.C.]

unnecessary maintenance. Space taken up with chain lube. Having to keep an eyes on the adjustment. Cleaning excess lube off the rear wheel.  No thanks.

Any type of maintenence is rarely uneccesary,      

Adjustment of todays chains is infrequent,. 

The latest lubrication is extremely low or non fling, and needs less frequent reapplication ergo no need to carry with you (small tins are available)

Rear wheel dirt is no greater on my Versys than it was on any of my previous four GTRs or even my previous Super Tenere (also shaft drive BTW)

Lubrication of todays 'O' or 'X' ring chains is easy as they are protected against dirt ingress, do the research for yourself  Pete and then you will understand

I have owned  several shaft drive bikes and fully appreciate the benefits despite the extra weight disadvantages, however I  don't agree with your opinion of today's chain drive bikes.

Ask yourself how many Paris Dakar bikes have shaft drive ....... they operate in a highly competitive environment under dreadful conditions....can't be all bad, eh     

[PRD]

Sorry do not want a chain drive bike. To me it is unnecessary and I don't want to waste time maintaining chain. I do not need to do research on modern chains am aware that they are better than old ones but I prefer shaft drive.

[O.C.]

What a laugh     

[PRD]

What a laugh     

if I can make you laught it's all worth while!!

[Lonewolf]

I have to agree with PRD, any half respectable tourer will be a shaft driven bike not chain driven. Having a chain on a big tourer is totally antiquated and not conducive to the miles that many will do on a touring bike.

[snowy]

Interesting that we don't mention belt drive in drivetrain technology?
Only ever had one, an old GPZ305, fantastic idea as far as I can see?
OK, supposed to not be as efficient in power transfer, but it's like having a mega cush-drive fitted!
Only read about failures, but know of none personally, and with minimal adjustment, and service life 30-40K what's not to like?
And does not shaft / bevel drives have issues? We've heard of weeping seals, big time on BM's
Chain drive with an auto / PD Oiler (electrical - love 'em) is as good as anything, My F700GS- 8,000 miles, chain adjusted twice! Got me hands dirtier changing the shaft oil on the GTR!
Awaiting barrage of replies...............................................

[PRD]

Belt drive is good. I rode GPs 305 years ago thought it was very good. Did 2500 miles on Harley and Indian in states last year. No prob with drive and no lubing either. As good as shaft drive I reckon. I'm sure I read somewhere modern belt drive is more efficient than chain or shaft.

[ChrisB]

Interesting that we don't mention belt drive in drivetrain technology?
Only ever had one, an old GPZ305, fantastic idea as far as I can see?
OK, supposed to not be as efficient in power transfer, but it's like having a mega cush-drive fitted!
Only read about failures, but know of none personally, and with minimal adjustment, and service life 30-40K what's not to like?
And does not shaft / bevel drives have issues? We've heard of weeping seals, big time on BM's
Chain drive with an auto / PD Oiler (electrical - love 'em) is as good as anything, My F700GS- 8,000 miles, chain adjusted twice! Got me hands dirtier changing the shaft oil on the GTR!
Awaiting barrage of replies...............................................

Good point Snowy. we have the technology so why not?

[1ka]

How long do chains last nowadays?

My last chain drive was on a VFR750 back in 2000. I had to change the chain and sprockets every 8K for about £400. That'd be three times a year at my current mileage!

[snowy]

How long do chains last nowadays?

My last chain drive was on a VFR750 back in 2000. I had to change the chain and sprockets every 8K for about £400. That'd be three times a year at my current mileage!

Too many variables, power, riding style, maintenance, environment, but with new quality lubricants / chains etc as long as they're looked after I'm expecting 15-20,000 miles!
As said above, me 700GS, only 72 horses, with auto oiler fitted, I've only adjusted chain twice in 8,000 miles. It gets washed every couple of months, coat of chain spray wax after wash, then let the oiler do the day to day lube, and that's just gear oil!
Big believer in you pay for "what you get" with chain kits, same as brake pads and tyres!

[O.C.]

if I can make you laught it's all worth while!!

You will be pleased to know that make me laugh a lot  

[O.C.]

Too many variables, power, riding style, maintenance, environment, but with new quality lubricants / chains etc as long as they're looked after I'm expecting 15-20,000 miles!
As said above, me 700GS, only 72 horses, with auto oiler fitted, I've only adjusted chain twice in 8,000 miles. It gets washed every couple of months, coat of chain spray wax after wash, then let the oiler do the day to day lube, and that's just gear oil!
Big believer in you pay for "what you get" with chain kits, same as brake pads and tyres!

Correct, I too still like the power transfer sensation of shaft drive, but these days chains, and don't forget, sprockets are way better than in the past, hence with basic maintenance they last much longer....just clean with a spirit soaked cloth and apply one of the many varieties of modern lubrication

Some members on the Versys forum for example easily achieve 30.000 + with their chain driven bikes

[nightrider]

How long do chains last nowadays?

My last chain drive was on a VFR750 back in 2000. I had to change the chain and sprockets every 8K for about £400. That'd be three times a year at my current mileage!

. How the heck did you get through c n s in 8000m  ,  they was £60 in 2000 ,   Especially on a vfr ,,

[STX1300man]

The MCN pictures are clearly Photoshop and a blend of the existing SX and GTR models.

Other pics floating about show the H2 with a bit more fairing, higher bars and new fangled LED headlights (that nobody needs).

The H2 is indeed a fantastic bike and when I test rode it I said that the motor in something more practical would be fun, but didn't expect a bike so similar to the existing SX market.