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Difference between revisions of "Shaft drive"
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[[Image:Fn-1913.jpg|thumb|left|A 1913 [[FN (motorcycle)|FN (Fabrique Nationale)]], Belgium, 4cylinders and shaft drive]] | [[Image:Fn-1913.jpg|thumb|left|A 1913 [[FN (motorcycle)|FN (Fabrique Nationale)]], Belgium, 4cylinders and shaft drive]] | ||
[[Image:R32-pn.jpg|thumb|A 1923 [[BMW motorcycles|BMW R32]], with a shaft-drive, [[Flat-twin|boxer twin]] engine]] | [[Image:R32-pn.jpg|thumb|A 1923 [[BMW motorcycles|BMW R32]], with a shaft-drive, [[Flat-twin|boxer twin]] engine]] | ||
Drive shafts have been used on [[motorcycle]]s almost as long as there have been motorcycles. As an alternative to [[Chain drive|chain]] and [[Belt (mechanical)|belt]] drives, drive shafts offer relatively maintenance-free operation and long life. A disadvantage of shaft drive on a motorcycle is that [[gear]]ing or a | Drive shafts have been used on [[motorcycle]]s almost as long as there have been motorcycles. As an alternative to [[Chain drive|chain]] and [[Belt (mechanical)|belt]] drives, drive shafts offer relatively maintenance-free operation and long life. A disadvantage of shaft drive on a motorcycle is that [[gear]]ing or a Hobson's joint or similar is needed to turn the power 90° from the shaft to the rear wheel, losing some power in the process. On the other hand, it is easier to protect the shaft linkages and drive gears from dust, sand and mud. | ||
The best known motorcycle manufacturer to use shaft drive for a long time—since 1923—is [[BMW motorcycles|BMW]]. Among contemporary manufacturers, [[Moto Guzzi]] is also well-known for its shaft drive motorcycles. The British company, [[Triumph Motorcycles Ltd|Triumph]] and all four Japanese brands, [[Honda]], [[Suzuki]], [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries Consumer Products and Machinery Company|Kawasaki]] and [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]], have produced shaft drive motorcycles. All geared models of the [[Vespa]] scooter produced to date have been shaft-driven. The automatic models, however, use a belt. | The best known motorcycle manufacturer to use shaft drive for a long time—since 1923—is [[BMW motorcycles|BMW]]. Among contemporary manufacturers, [[Moto Guzzi]] is also well-known for its shaft drive motorcycles. The British company, [[Triumph Motorcycles Ltd|Triumph]] and all four Japanese brands, [[Honda]], [[Suzuki]], [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries Consumer Products and Machinery Company|Kawasaki]] and [[Yamaha Motor Company|Yamaha]], have produced shaft drive motorcycles. All geared models of the [[Vespa]] scooter produced to date have been shaft-driven. The automatic models, however, use a belt. | ||