Chain Drive and

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low-side
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Re: Chain Drive and

#31

Post by low-side »

It looks like the motocopter handles the drive in a similar fashion to what I described earlier and uses torsion bar rear suspension to avoid the use of a coil-over shock. Torsion bars and leaf springs have a degree of self dampening, so it probably works OK without a shock (or it's underslung and I can't see it). A disc brake on the shaft running across the back of the engine is a neat touch.
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Sidecar Bob
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Re: Chain Drive and

#32

Post by Sidecar Bob »

ericheath wrote:... the 10-25% boost to the axle would be a boon.
When they talk about the power losses in shaft drives they are usually comparing engines with transverse crankshafts that require the direction of rotation to be changed at both ends of the driveshaft. With longitudinal crankshafts in GoldWings, the losses would be halved.

But I'm with Cyborg on this one. Whenever the subject of converting a 'Wing or a CX (which also has the engine in the frame the right way) to chain drive comes up I just can't understand why anyone would want to do something that will make their bike work less well or be less convenient to use.

Besides, if chain drives were that much better wouldn't cars have them?

Personally, I really learned to dislike chain drives by driving a chain drive sidecar outfit for several winters. Even if I heaved the beast onto its centrestand and knelt in the slush while wiping the chain off and re-lubing it religiously, every time it rained or snowed it still needed a new chain & sprockets every spring. (Yes, I understand that o or x ring chains don't let the water in between the pins & rollers but there will always be wear between the rollers and the sprockets.)
After the last time I vowed that I will never a chain drive motorcycle for regular use again.
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dontwantapickle
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Re: Chain Drive and

#33

Post by dontwantapickle »

Sidecar Bob wrote:.......I just can't understand why anyone would want to do something that will make their bike work less well or be less convenient to use.
That is a rather subjective statement.
any modification could be an improvement or detraction, depending on the intended use of the bike.

Personally, I think that adding an extra wheel to a motorcycle is not an improvement, but I don't discourage
others from doing it.

Torching off the rear shocks and adding a leaf spring is also something I don't see the point of, but if that's what somebody wants to do to their bike, I say .... go for it.

It's a big world out there with plenty of room for all of us to improve or destroy our motorcycles, (depending on a person's perspective). Just because I might not like it, doesn't mean that it's wrong.

Different strokes for different folks and all.
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Re: Chain Drive and

#34

Post by SnoBrdr »

dontwantapickle wrote:
Sidecar Bob wrote:.......I just can't understand why anyone would want to do something that will make their bike work less well or be less convenient to use.
That is a rather subjective statement.
any modification could be an improvement or detraction, depending on the intended use of the bike.

Personally, I think that adding an extra wheel to a motorcycle is not an improvement, but I don't discourage
others from doing it.

Torching off the rear shocks and adding a leaf spring is also something I don't see the point of, but if that's what somebody wants to do to their bike, I say .... go for it.

It's a big world out there with plenty of room for all of us to improve or destroy our motorcycles, (depending on a person's perspective). Just because I might not like it, doesn't mean that it's wrong.

Different strokes for different folks and all.
What would be the improvement gained by converting a GW to a chain?
78 GL1000 Original Owner 131k
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dontwantapickle
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Re: Chain Drive and

#35

Post by dontwantapickle »

I can think of a few different reasons why someone might consider it.
But for a definite answer (and not just a opinion), you should probably ask a person who has actually done it.
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Re: Chain Drive and

#36

Post by SnoBrdr »

dontwantapickle wrote:I can think of a few different reasons why someone might consider it.
But for a definite answer (and not just a opinion), you should probably ask a person who has actually done it.
Well, not to be picky but you did make the statement.
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dontwantapickle
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Re: Chain Drive and

#37

Post by dontwantapickle »

1. looks
2. rear tire options
3. gearing changes
4. to upset the purist and naysayers
5. just because they want to

Just a few valid reasons off of the top of my head.
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Re: Chain Drive and

#38

Post by rcmatt007 »

whatever
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CYBORG
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Re: Chain Drive and

#39

Post by CYBORG »

dontwantapickle wrote:1. looks
2. rear tire options
3. gearing changes
4. to piss off the purist and naysayers
5. just because they want to

Just a few valid reasons off of the top of my head.
I don't really understand your opinions on this matter. Perhaps you can help me, and other form members, understand where you are coming from. Would help if you could explain what kind of bike, or bikes, you have. How and where you ride them. How long you have been riding. What was your longest ride. What kind of awards. or trophy's your bikes have won. Do you build bikes, or restore them. Is it really your intent to "upset the purest and naysayers". Inquiring minds want to know . No judgment, just interested
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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ericheath
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Re: Chain Drive and

#40

Post by ericheath »

HOTT’s words after his Ol’ Sparky build started, “Why? Because we can.” That pretty much sums it up. If you want to try something, try it. This is a forum. The gentleman asked some questions, people opined. That’s what it’s about. Everyone gets to make the best decision in their own judgement. Different opinions don’t make us different. Loving the old Goldwings, stock or modified. That’s what it’s all about. The wealth of knowledge here is amazing.

A good suggestion- just a suggestion- is not to experiment on a really nice stock bike. Older tired bikes are around for a few bills.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
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CYBORG
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Re: Chain Drive and

#41

Post by CYBORG »

I agree
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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dontwantapickle
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Re: Chain Drive and

#42

Post by dontwantapickle »

CYBORG wrote: I don't really understand your opinions on this matter. Perhaps you can help me, and other form members, understand where you are coming from. Would help if you could explain what kind of bike, or bikes, you have. How and where you ride them. How long you have been riding. What was your longest ride. What kind of awards. or trophy's your bikes have won. Do you build bikes, or restore them. Is it really your intent to "upset the purest and naysayers". Inquiring minds want to know . No judgment, just interested
I don't know what answering any of those questions has to do with anything, especially in a "technical" forum,
but OK........ I'll play along.

... what kind of bike, or bikes, you have?
right now in the shop i have :
1 - 2002 Valkyrie
1 - 1981 GL1100
1 - 1980 GL1100
2 - 1976 GL 1000's
1 - 1983 Husky XC500
1 - 1972 Yamaha DT1

... How and where you ride them?
How? - usually two up and exceeding the posted speed limit.
Where? - everywhere. But I try to stay out of the big cities, I hate riding in traffic.
Since I live in the Rocky mountains, most of the time I ride in the mountains, except when I'm out riding in the desert southwest.

... How long you have been riding?
I'm 55 now, and I got my first mini bike when I was 7. (you do the math)

... What was your longest ride?
In 2010 my woman and I took off for the summer and rode 20,080 miles before returning home.
(yes, that's 20 thousand miles).
My longest 1 day ride was by myself, from Toledo,Ohio to North Platte, Nebraska - 966 miles.

... What kind of awards. or trophy's your bikes have won?
A BSA victor that I recently finished just won the 2018 AHRMA Vintage MX Classic 500cc. National Championship
last month.
And probably a dozen local bike show trophys over the years.

... Do you build bikes, or restore them?
Yes, both! I have owned over 100 bikes in my lifetime, with 15 (I think) of them being goldwings.

... Is it really your intent to "upset the purest and naysayers"?
Of course!
When I was younger I did it every chance that I could with my bikes. Now that I'm a bit older, I choose my battles.
It's all a part of that "rebel biker" in me, I can't help it.

I hope that my answers satisfy you Cyborg,
and that my motorcycling experiences qualifies me to have an opinion here on your forum.
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robin1731
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Re: Chain Drive and

#43

Post by robin1731 »

How about them cubbies. :roll: lolol

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1976 Goldwing Super Sport
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CYBORG
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Re: Chain Drive and

#44

Post by CYBORG »

dontwantapickle wrote:
CYBORG wrote: I don't really understand your opinions on this matter. Perhaps you can help me, and other form members, understand where you are coming from. Would help if you could explain what kind of bike, or bikes, you have. How and where you ride them. How long you have been riding. What was your longest ride. What kind of awards. or trophy's your bikes have won. Do you build bikes, or restore them. Is it really your intent to "upset the purest and naysayers". Inquiring minds want to know . No judgment, just interested
I don't know what answering any of those questions has to do with anything, especially in a "technical" forum,
but OK........ I'll play along.

... what kind of bike, or bikes, you have?
right now in the shop i have :
1 - 2002 Valkyrie
1 - 1981 GL1100
1 - 1980 GL1100
2 - 1976 GL 1000's
1 - 1983 Husky XC500
1 - 1972 Yamaha DT1

... How and where you ride them?
How? - usually two up and exceeding the posted speed limit.
Where? - everywhere. But I try to stay out of the big cities, I hate riding in traffic.
Since I live in the Rocky mountains, most of the time I ride in the mountains, except when I'm out riding in the desert southwest.

... How long you have been riding?
I'm 55 now, and I got my first mini bike when I was 7. (you do the math)

... What was your longest ride?
In 2010 my woman and I took off for the summer and rode 20,080 miles before returning home.
(yes, that's 20 thousand miles).
My longest 1 day ride was by myself, from Toledo,Ohio to North Platte, Nebraska - 966 miles.

... What kind of awards. or trophy's your bikes have won?
A BSA victor that I recently finished just won the 2018 AHRMA Vintage MX Classic 500cc. National Championship
last month.
And probably a dozen local bike show trophys over the years.

... Do you build bikes, or restore them?
Yes, both! I have owned over 100 bikes in my lifetime, with 15 (I think) of them being goldwings.

... Is it really your intent to "upset the purest and naysayers"?
Of course!
When I was younger I did it every chance that I could with my bikes. Now that I'm a bit older, I choose my battles.
It's all a part of that "rebel biker" in me, I can't help it.

I hope that my answers satisfy you Cyborg,
and that my motorcycling experiences qualifies me to have an opinion here on your forum.
thankyou. That helps a lot. Having ridden in the Rockies, and the desert,(did the California 1000 one year), I can understand your dislike of riding in the cities. I do have a love of riding in the Evergreen Colorado areas. Lived in Dillion a while. I have owned my 78 since 1980, has nearly half a million miles on it, and was built by me to help me deal with a back problem I have had since childhood. I have been riding a little over 60 years, and some of my experiences can be found on the internet by googling Doug Snavely motorcycles. I hope we can meet in the wind one day and exchange experiences. Safe riding
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
digschopper
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Re: Chain Drive and

#45

Post by digschopper »

There are industrial 90° drives that once on an adapter plate,might work. Personally I'd keep shaft.
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