Converting a Motorcycle from Shaft to Chain Drive?

[@walterfechter8080]

Correct in regards to parasitic power loss (with shaft drive). Moreover; unless you can do some kind of mojo with a ring and pinion gear; you can't change the final drive ratio with a shaft drive. It all depends on what you want -- reliability and less maintenance (shaft drive) or something different (shaft to chain). Shaft to sprocket/chain requires a LOT of machine shop time -- NOT for a novice builder or someone without big bucks.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Correct hahaha, thanks!

[@sjuozhunki]

There are many Yamaha Vmax's that are converted over to chain drive by PCW in New York for the purpose of changing the final gear ratio-it puts more torque to the ground and as well as the horsepower.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Absolutely! If someone wants to take a power bike like that and convert it for the purpose of gaining the extra power to ground plus the versatility of changing sprockets out for different ratios then that is a different story! I still say it should be done by a pro, and obviously if someone is doing that to a Vmax for those reasons they wouldn't be coming to me for advice on it probably hahaha. Thanks James!

[@user-zw7yl8si8d]

I am looking at doing a conversion on a 2019 suzuki m109r. Would a belt setup work better? I just dont like the side torque of the shaft.

[@jameshisself9324]

Forget the HP losses, standard shaft drive puts horrendous loads into the rear suspension and will typically put the rider in a position where if he closes throttle mid corner, he **LOSES** ground clearance and bangs hard parts into the pavement. This is at highly elevated velocities in the first place, so if you don't ride fast you will never know or care about this. The next question is: is there something about this shaft drive bike that makes it important for you to convert it? There are a few, and the V-Max comes to mind. Large displacement versions of the 'same' engine but were only ever shaft drive is another. Often a simple bolt in for much more displacement, except of course the shaft. You make the excellent point that if someone is watching this video, they are probably not qualified to do this. You also ended your title with a question mark, so you aren't solving anyone's problems here. Thanks?

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

Of course he's helping people ! He's given them the best practical advice. If you want a shaft driven motorcycle, then just buy one, but don't bother converting yours in your garage, because it's difficult, expensive, time consuming, but in the end,...it's unnecessary !

[@jameshisself9324]

@@intergalacticbasketballdro7186 Thank you captain obvious. Your comment has little to no value. But I guess you felt good making it! Don't ever assume that people that criticize or thumbs down this video are 'fools'. The people that already know what a foolish endeavor it is to try to convert are the people you should be listening to. If they are not making videos and spouting away about it doesn't make them less knowledgeable, just less noisy. Think about that.

[@funkymonkey529]

He does have a valid point on that. However in this case. I was Basically just wondering if any machining work or welding work was going to be needed Or if it was all basically just Switching out parts. He did an excellent job of answering. I think I should have done a better job of wording my question. 😂 This bike is an 85 Yamaha verago with the xv 1000 limited edition. Essentially the same bike from from Harley Davidson and the Marlboro man. I picked the thing up for 600 bucks because an old man in the mountains couldn't figure out how to get it running. It had been kept in a garage. I got it home and had it running in a 1/2 hour. the valves just needed adjusted. 🤷‍♂️ I'm only the 2nd owner and the thing runs like it's brand new. the original pipes Don't even look like they've been hot. I'm just not a big fan of shaft drive. Bought it to flip it. But now I might keep it. Unfortunately I still haven't done any more work to it. Had to take a break and put an engine in my truck

[@jameshisself9324]

@@funkymonkey529 That movie had an HD FXLR, not remotely the same as an 85 Virago. That is generally a good thing as the Yamaha is a far more reliable bike but supremely uncool in the wrong circles since it is one of the worst examples of a Japanese copy of an HD. Dreadful when looked at in that way, but best not to. There have been many conversions of Viragos into infinitely cooler bikes, but few if any succeed in converting the shaft to chain. Most don't even try. A really great example is a builder named Greg Hageman who more or less made a name for himself doing Virago conversions. Here is one of my favorites, but you will note no attempt is made to shed the shaft. www.bikeexif.com/yamaha-virago-920

[@funkymonkey529]

@@jameshisself9324 One of the bikes was a Harley. There were 2 bikes and the other one sure as hell isn't. You might want to look again

[@roadsterman]

Yes, you can do it and it will save almost 60 lbs! I did it on my Kawasaki 1500 shaft drive 2004. You have to have skills. I used a Honda cb750 final drive sprocket and drill it with 8 holes .( You have to use a indexing table on a milling machine. You also must make the oil going into the Carden final drive return to the engine oil pan. Law of physics says you connot compress a fluid. You will have oil leaks. I have posted all of these steps online through a forum. No one was interested. There is NO bubble plastic kit that just bolts on.

[@bettyswallocks7183]

Fascinating - although I think you might have gone into too much detail. Should I convert from shaft to belt, or from belt to shaft though? I have some suggestions for your next videos: "Grease - should you smear it on your bike's brake disks and tyres or not?" Or how about "Should you replace your bike's handlebars with a steering wheel?" Or what about "Should you put water in your fuel tank?" I think you should investigate these burning issues next.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Hahaha, thanks for the comedic relief Don :-)

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

Betty Swallows, the answers to all of your questions is, "No" ! Stop greasing your brake disks. Stop adding water to your gasoline. AND TAKE THAT STUPID STEERING WHEEL OFF OF YOUR MOTORCYCLE !

[@funkymonkey529]

Some people prefer to have their power cut And are too Pansy to do their own mechanic work. Some just don't enjoy it. Others are the guys passing you on the freeway you wish you could catch. just saying

[@bghorn01]

Obviously packaging and rideability would be a challenge but couldn't you just turn the engine 90 degrees and then custom make a sprocket or sprocket hub that could go on the output shaft of the engine? Couldn't you do that if you used a motorcycle engine in a cross kart or other 4 wheeled vehicle?

[@Kpostma100]

I want to do the oposite is that posible? I own 2 chain driven quads and want one of them to be cardan driven. It has a zongshen 300cc block,is there anything posible?

[@lestermans1656]

Bro I just listened to that whole video and you never mind

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

Hey Alex ! I've watched a few of your videos, and you seem to be a pretty well educated motorcycle guy. You speak clearly, without having to cut and edit. I value your input. I think that you're recommendations here are solid advice. I was kinda surprised that you received so many thumbs down, but I guess you just can't help those fools.

[@lukeforsman4501]

The guy I know wants his leg from under the left knee. I have a honda-matic system at my shop but he still wants to put it on a rigid frame and make bobber and cannot do that with shaft. Is it possible to convert the Honda matic shaft driven to chain? It's the only way he wants to ride, with a a little raked out. I have the frame and rolling chassis w sprocket. He wants more cid than the 400CM that matches the drive.

[@funkymonkey529]

I just now seen this video. Lol damn it's been a while. Just to clarify. I already have the bike I was going to Just clean it up for the Nostalgia at 1st. It's An 85 Yamaha verago Custom edition with the gold trimmed engine. I was Toying with the idea Is of just going full custom. This was a great video and I'm sure it's going to help a lot of people out. I actually am quite a mechanic. I am an A&P mechanic. I probably should have specified I was really just wondering if it was a case of unbolting bolting the assembly and throwing on sprockets. I knew it was going to be expensive. I just wasn't sure if it required welding and all that jazz. Figured it was easier to ask than to tear it apart Is possibly unnecessarily. Lol You pretty much answered my question. Thank you.

[@garrykennedy5484]

I have an 84 700 magna shaft drive with bad motor. Bought a donor that is chain drive 85 model. Will my shaft drive move over to the 85 chain drive just by changing out the outdrive section?

[@phillipternullo4934]

Took the words out of my mouth . But to begin with I’d go with the shaft drive any day . Unfortunately my Harley doesn’t come that way .

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Yeah they've been married to the belt for a long time haha

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

I'm pretty sure that you are acting in accordance with Alex's recommendations. Remember to give him a "Like" on this vid, because the ratio there needs improvement, too.

[@TheirishHornet03]

I came across your video because I mainly wanted to see if swapping an engine from shaft driven to chain is possible. I'm wanting to convert a Honda Deauville 650 to a chain and swap that engine into my Honda Bros nt400 frame. Idk if it's a good idea but 650cc VTwin sounds like a good idea to me lol

[@marcusmiller4059]

Hey brother, I got a kawasaki kz1100 and just realized it was a shaft drive, im doing a cafe build should I just keep it shaft or since it's a cafe should convert, just ur opinion

[@olanordmann7836]

Is it possible to modify my drive shaft to gear up my bike?

[@richardwilliams7953]

I have a 1982 RC07 honda vf 750 magna the engine is shaft drive but is no good I can get a repacement chain drive engine can I convert the chain drive to shaft drive using the parts I have.

[@loganb6361]

Dude, do I get a duke 390 or Royal Enfield gt650 I am looking for an all rounder bike that I can have fun on! Or do I break my budget wait for few years and get a z900?

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Well those are very different machines for sure, the Duke 390 will be lighter and more "fun" in a lot of ways, but the 650 is a way better all-around bike in my opinion (plus better on the maintenance etc)

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

@@AlexSimmons11c The Royal Enfield is reliable, but they look like they were built in 1981 ! (Ugly) The Duke 390 is sporty & fun, and it looks awesome, too ! But you'd be sacrificing a lot of Horsepower. That's why I chose a Kawasaki Versys 650. Good power, Reliable, Sporty & Fun, and it still looks awesome too !

[@danebradford3046]

I'm converting an 1987 Honda Goldwing interstate 1200 into a trike and looking for the best options

[@sathishrao7926]

Woow ! Intense topic ! Next topics : Parallel twin to Boxer twin ? V Twin to Transverse V Twin ? 😄

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Just put them on the list :-)

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

I think that the answers would be the same as in this video. Go with whatever your bike has, and don't bother swapping motors. As far as which one to buy though, it's all good, so just buy whichever motorcycle best suits your needs, and you'll probably be happy !

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

I would like to know, how hard would it be to convert a chain driven motorcycle to belt drive ? How hard is it, to do ? How much might it cost ? What are the benifits ? What are the drawbacks ? What types of motorcycle s would be good to do this to, if any ? Is it, worth the time ? effort ? and expense ? THX

[@bettyswallocks7183]

INTERGALACTIC BASKETWEAVING ROID FARCE It would range from very easy to impossible. It would be easy - up to impossible, as I said. It wouldn't cost too much, but might be quite a bit. Benefits are no chain drive and new belt. Drawbacks are no chain drive. The best types of motorcycle to do this on are chain drive motorcycles, if any. It depends if it's worth the time, effort and expense on how much you want to convert chain to belt drive. "Hey Alex ! I've watched a few of your videos, and you seem to be a pretty well educated motorcycle guy. You speak clearly, without having to cut and edit. I value your input. I think that you're recommendations here are solid advice. I was kinda surprised that you received so many thumbs down, but I guess you just can't help those fools." Hi Alex!

[@dozer3955]

Hi buddy... can you explain what is involved in extending the swingarm on a shaft drive please...

[@AlexSimmons11c]

A logistical nightmare really! You have to remove the shaft and do a longer extended swingarm like with a chain, then you either have to engineer and install a longer shaft or convert the motorcycle over to chain. Most people extending a shaft drive bike will convert to chain because it's much easier than trying to install a longer shaft itself.

[@dozer3955]

@@AlexSimmons11c ... I've never worked on a shaft drive bike before but i'm going to give it a crack... it's a 1800 v twin drag bike...

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

@@dozer3955 Why on Earth would you want 10% power loss from a shaft drive, on your drag bike?

[@isaiahcarreno-cox6704]

For me I wanna build a cafe racer and I like the shaft driven but it’s so hard to buy a shaft driven wheel idk how to or where to buy one

[@isaiahcarreno-cox6704]

I don’t know if you have recommendations for places if so that would be awesome. I wanna get a bigger wheel that’s 17 inches to the 15 inches I have right now

[@poke12gauge32]

I need one for chain to shaft as im looking to change the engine on my old timberwolf without having to swap the rear end

[@Arkkalious99]

NUMBER 1 REASON TO CONVERT SHAFT TO CHAIN: BC WITH SHAFT DRIVE YOU CANT USE A WIDE REAR TIRE BC YOU CANT WIDEN THE SWING ARM. PLZ EXPAND ON THIS.

[@lundyracing]

A shaft is wider than chain, which takes up real estate that could be used for a wider tire. This is of course if having a wider tire is wanted bad enough to do the conversion.

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

Shaft drive maintenance is EXPENSIVE ! If you have an expensive motorcycle, like a BMW or Honda Goldwing, that's Shaft driven, then that's just an expense that you'll have to pay. But if not,... then why would you want to ?

[@bettyswallocks7183]

Such modifications would protract the maintenance interval, as Alex (being pretty well educated) patiently tried to explain in his "clearly spoken", "uncut" and "unedited video, while giving "valuable input" and "solid advice". It does seem somewhat foolish to have so many questions from such a comprehensive presentation.

[@toddgilbert4615]

I was looking for info on converting a sportster to a trike using a Ford rear end. Thought you might know a conversion piece. Your conversation was unhelpful.

[@tor9903]

i want to convert over to a chain or belt so i can convert over to a trike

[@natalijakosman175]

How much is can cost conversion from chain to belt sir

[@josephbradberry3887]

What if you are going to a chain drive so you can do a trike ?

[@empe3332]

Build reverse trike with engine at front. Something like Morgan.

[@VivekSingh-hy1dk]

Why would anyone wanna do that in the name of customisation. Maybe someday someone will ask for adding bicycle pedals on a v twin bike. Customisation is cool but extreme customisation is just not good😎

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Hahaha, well people come up with all sorts of crazy idea, to each their own I say!

[@killfase01]

Only good reason is drive ratios.. other than that, fuck it

[@661_locomoto9]

need to know so i can put a 1988 goldwing 1500 engine on a go kart

[@tracyharp5101]

Why? The power is not that much difference. Shaft is superior. No maintenance and cleaner.

[@markdorland2870]

had a fleeting thought of taking my Concours to chain but i am not now :)

[@natalijakosman175]

Can u please explain how possible to convert to shaft I want

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

Nope !

[@137_DeathValleyCAL]

Well Honda doesn't make a VT1800 in a chain drive... so...

[@natalijakosman175]

Even to convert from chain to belt

[@RaulRodriguez9mm]

Can u do this on a atv

[@nitrocell9287]

200 people want to convert a shaft driven bike into a chain.... The whole rest of the world is interested in converting a shaft driven rim to chain. imagine if there was a video on that....

[@simplyexisting1125]

I wonder what kind of nightmare the guys that designed the boss hoss went through.

[@MatthewGallagher93]

Alex, I want you to know that you run an exemplary channel. Not only do you provide information-rich content daily, you are also great at engaging the audience and seem to honestly care about the feedback you get, rather than just getting mad if someone disagrees or something lol

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Thanks Matthew, I do my best haha! That is all anyone can do in my humble opinion! If I can get better equipment and more time I will continue trying to improve overall quality, but for now I do what I can! Thanks so much for the support, means the world!

[@MatthewGallagher93]

@@AlexSimmons11c I know just a little about the video production side of things, but I have and would donate a pretty okay webcam if it would be an improvement for your current setup. Also, my profession is IT if you ever need anything along those lines. Even just some free support and advice! I've certainly gotten at least that much on the subject of bike maintenance from your channel.

[@AlexSimmons11c]

@@MatthewGallagher93 I super appreciate the offer! I already have a couple of decent cameras, it is more just getting things I would need to upgrade my video space for sound quality and finding the time to go do more on site motorcycle reviews haha, plus the time to edit together bigger videos. It will all come in time as the channel keeps growing, just have to also spend a lot of time working outside of this to keep the bills paid :-). Thanks again!

[@edwardkeaton4972]

Just wondering because of the king of baggers race

[@user-us1hx2cx3j]

I've been riding for over 50 years and I have *never* seen or even heard of someone trying to go from shaft to chain or vice versa. This is a real waste of time video....I could feel my brain cells dying as I watched it.

[@patjcolonna5811]

Hi, there are applications for it. It might sound dumb but I was gifted a 1983 yamaha 950 engine and I need it to be chain so I can rebuild and throw it onto a go cart 😅😂

[@user-us1hx2cx3j]

@@patjcolonna5811 ok, a go cart I can accept...lol.

[@patjcolonna5811]

@@user-us1hx2cx3j 😂😂

[@natalijakosman175]

No no please what I need is to convert bike from chain to shaft or from chain to belt

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

Why do you "NEED" to get rid of your drive chain ? You "really" can't live with it ?

[@ChiefSayan]

Good video

[@AlexSimmons11c]

Thanks Sayan, have a great day!

[@perkins1439]

Yeah I want my motorcycle to have a chain so when it breaks it'll tear everything all to hell

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

(Hello, paranoia) how many people do you know that's EVER broken a motorcycle chain ? I have never seen this happen before. Nobody I know has EVER seen that happen before. How do you break a motorcycle chain anyways? That would take years of neglictive maintenance ! Dont be scared. Just lube it and ride it.

[@perkins1439]

@@intergalacticbasketballdro7186 mine broke on a 250 and knocked a hole in the block next to the transmission gear

[@tysonkonken6184]

Shaft is easy care, chain is tunable.

[@petehira1594]

Overthinking it, me thinks

[@funkymonkey529]

For all of you negative Nancy's Out there scared of a little elbow grease and spending cash on something you love to do. try thinking about it a different way. If you went to McDonald's... Would you be OK with only getting 90% of your order? Or If you Go to autozone and you bought yourself some spark plugs for your V8... or a wedding cake..... Or your heating and cooling.... Or even the engine to your car.... Tell me would you only want 90% of those things? How about 90% of the gas you pay for? You just have to put 10% of it into a gas can to leave for someone else... Get real people. Real mechanics see through your BS. I don't know about you all but I prefer a 100% of what I purchase or as close as I can possibly get to it. This is clearly what separates the men from the boys

[@jlrutube1312]

I don't know, most men get married to a woman that is only 90% of the woman they really wanted.

[@BarisAlp]

Bla bla bla... I have a 535 engine and i want to put it on hardtail chopper chassis. Who cares about your shaft-chain opinions? If you've made this conversion, show it and talk about your experiences, otherwise don't waste people's time. You just talk too much.

[@MrDarkstarpro]

the title of this video is useless because there isnt a convert happing what a joke

[@viktarpazniakovich5709]

FROM THE SHAFT TO THE CHAIN THIS IS A DIBIL

[@kingtut5923]

Al lots of ha ha in your answers ha ha.

[@1macy14]

I'm trying to connect a moped motor to a ATV

[@intergalacticbasketballdro7186]

WTG (100 mpg hero) !