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[Richard230]

It is my guess that BMW has moved from belt drive on their F800 S/ST/GT models to chain drive on their new 850 and 900 models because doing so saves them money. I have no doubt that developing a chain drive system is much less expensive than a belt-drive system. Plus, it allows easy overall gearing changes when they come out with different chassis versions that are powered by the same engine.

[JaimeC]

It is my guess that BMW has moved from belt drive on their F800 S/ST/GT models to chain drive on their new 850 and 900 models because doing so saves them money. I have no doubt that developing a chain drive system is much less expensive than a belt-drive system. Plus, it allows easy overall gearing changes when they come out with different chassis versions that are powered by the same engine.

And THERE you have it in a nutshell!  Making belts and pulleys for different types of bikes with different power characteristics is far more expensive and time consuming than a chain and sprockets.  When Erik Buell went racing, he didn't switch to chains because they were stronger... it was because it was far easier to change the gearing at trackside for different tracks and rider preferences.  Changing sprockets and adding/removing links in a chain is far easier than carrying a plethora of pulleys and a belt sized for each possible ratio.

And by the way, chains DO snap.  Maybe not as often as belts, but when a chain snaps the result is usually far more catastrophic.  My friend's Triumph had his chain snap on a ride and it tore open the sump in his engine.  When a belt snaps, the only thing that happens is suddenly you don't have any power.

[Richard230]

Here is another interesting article regarding this new chain:  https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/products/bmw-m-endurance-chain/

[Shadow]

...When a belt snaps, the only thing that happens is suddenly you don't have any power.

To be fair anyone has had a belt simply strip out its teeth on EV motorbike, there is the most unsettling of sounds as well.

Godzilla roar? And you wonder if some as-of-yet-unknown classification of animal is suddenly chasing you. 

[BigPoppa]

Anyone happen to know what size chain our Energica’s use? I looked through both the owner’s manual and the service manual and I couldn’t find the size specified. I’ve only got a bit over 7,000 miles on my SS9 so I don’t expect to need a new chain for some time but I’m still curious.

[SBK74]

Anyone happen to know what size chain our Energica’s use? I looked through both the owner’s manual and the service manual and I couldn’t find the size specified. I’ve only got a bit over 7,000 miles on my SS9 so I don’t expect to need a new chain for some time but I’m still curious.

Energica use a 525 chain.

[BigPoppa]

Thanks for the info! Good to know the first chain released will work with our bikes...hopefully. I guess the length of the chain may still be a question.

[Richard230]

Thanks for the info! Good to know the first chain released will work with our bikes...hopefully. I guess the length of the chain may still be a question.

I think you should be more concerned about the chain's price.  If it is too long it can always be cut to the proper size. 

Keep in mind that BMW is the company that charges almost $500 for the rubber drive belt of their F800GT model. 

[princec]

You'll note that they seem to have given up on the belt drive idea... bit of a shame as it was a good system if you don't like gunge.

Cas

[Richard230]

You'll note that they seem to have given up on the belt drive idea... bit of a shame as it was a good system if you don't like gunge.

Cas

I agree, as do a lot of BMW F800GT owners.

[Curt]

A major aspect of chain wear is that the pins gradually wear out the plate holes, turning them ovular, resulting in the chain stretching longer over time. I don't see how a coating on the rollers could address that problem, all else being a typical X-ring chain.

[princec]

You know, the biggest single thing that could be done to increase chain life is just to have them fully enclosed and sealed. I wonder why this has not been pursued more.

Cas

[DonTom]

You know, the biggest single thing that could be done to increase chain life is just to have them fully enclosed and sealed. I wonder why this has not been pursued more.

Cas

Like the  "Primary chain" in my Harley. It's a chain inside the bike that goes between the engine and the tranny. The bottom of the chain is always  in one quart of oil. Other than the oil changes, never have to touch the chain and should last as long as anything else on the bike.

-Don-  Reno, NV

[Richard230]

You know, the biggest single thing that could be done to increase chain life is just to have them fully enclosed and sealed. I wonder why this has not been pursued more.

Cas

It has been done in the past on a few motorcycle models during the 1960's to the early 1980's, but conservative motorcycle enthusiasts didn't buy them and so the manufacturers just gave up and we are stuck with exposed drive chains.