[alyef]

If any of you were following the paris-dakar race, you will know of the yamaha wr450f 2-trac.

Wouldn't it be great to have a rear wheel hydraulic drive like the yamaha has on the front and no chain?

http://www.motobykz.co.uk/2x2/WR450F-2-trac.htm

 

[Guest]

If any of you were following the paris-dakar race, you will know of the yamaha wr450f 2-trac.

Wouldn't it be great to have a rear wheel hydraulic drive like the yamaha has on the front and no chain?

http://www.motobykz.co.uk/2x2/WR450F-2-trac.htm

I'm surprised that they didn't make the 650 with either a shaft drive or at least a belt-drive. This bike will not see much off-road adventure, so there really is no need for an antiquated, high maintainence chain drive. They'll probably do that in the future, but I probably won't wait. When I get a chance to test drive it, I will probably buy it.

 

[texbridge]

Chains are cheap, efficient, lightweght, simple, compact and reliable. Maintenance is minmal with a modern chain. Almost zero if you install an inexpensive automatic oiler. Shaft drives are only superfically "low-mantenance". They're heavy, complcated, and they affect the handlng of the bike. Ya gotta lube the splnes [much more of a headache than smply oiling a chain] and they seem to fail at an alarmng rate. Sometimes antiquated is good!