ElectricMotorcycleForum.com
Makes And Models => Energica => Topic started by: Richard230 on August 28, 2020, 08:12:34 PM
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BMW has come up with a maintenance-free chain that is supposed to last forever. However, they don't mention what the life of drive sprockets will be. ::) No word yet what a replacement chain will cost if you have to replace it, though. My guess is that it will cost as much as an engagement ring. :o Here is the story: https://www.mcnews.com.au/bmw-making-big-claims-for-new-maintenance-free-chain/
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I'll be watching the development and usage of this chain by S1000* owners. Although I'm not due for a chain replacement anytime soon, when I do need a new chain I'll definitely consider this one if it comes in a size that will work with our bikes.
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525 chain would have 2/8" wide sprockets and rollers a bit bigger than 520. I am amazed at how many high performance bikes use only 1/4 inch wide sprockets.
Does BMW still use a paralever system that pretty much eliminates chassis jacking from shaft drive?
Took me a while engagement ring is not a transmission part.
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525 chain would have 2/8" wide sprockets and rollers a bit bigger than 520. I am amazed at how many high performance bikes use only 1/4 inch wide sprockets.
Does BMW still use a paralever system that pretty much eliminates chassis jacking from shaft drive?
Took me a while engagement ring is not a transmission part.
Yes, they still use the Paralever system but on only the boxers and 6-cylinder models. All of their other bikes use chain drive. The Paralever has been redesigned over the years several times and finally seems to be reasonably reliable, even on the big GS models, provided that it is maintained properly.
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Good topic - thanks OP for sharing. Nowhere is BMW claiming the chain lasts "fore-ever" in fact they are clever at weasel-words such as mentioning "unusual wear" which clearly indicates a service / replacement interval. It's mechanical so once it starts to wear it will breakdown quickly. Not knocking the material science - it is way cool - I would not hesitate to switch but let's be real about longevity - it will outlast typical designs that is true.
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I couldn't help but notice that there is no mention of the material used in the X-Ring seals. Those are still going to be relatively soft and pliable in order to form the seal and are the most likely to wear since they will be exposed to the constant movement of the links over the cogs.
If it's built to BMW's recent standards, it'll fail shortly after the warranty period expires. You can take THAT to the bank.
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Sorry for the thread hijack
What is the lifespan of a chain on an Energica?
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Sorry for the thread hijack
What is the lifespan of a chain on an Energica?
A good question. Certainly it is proportional to how one rides and conditions to a lesser extent.
Just an expectation - no more than 30kKm under normal conditions inclusive of sprockets or about the same interval the Ohlins will need a rebuild. This assumes 500Km cleaning intervals. I'm sure there are more experienced riders that can share better info.
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Sorry about the "forever" description, that was just a little poetic license to get your attention. ;)
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I say bah humbug !!!! Of course, I would even take a maintenance free chain that would go 50K !!!! Yes, I hate cleaning, lubing and adjusting chains that much.... BUT unfortunately, you just can't beat a chain for performance and weight....
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I say bah humbug !!!! Of course, I would even take a maintenance free chain that would go 50K !!!! Yes, I hate cleaning, lubing and adjusting chains that much.... BUT unfortunately, you just can't beat a chain for performance and weight....
Belts weigh LESS than chains. As for performance; a brand new chain has less drag than a brand new belt. HOWEVER, a belt never changes whereas an old chain has MORE drag than an old belt.
Chains if you go off road, or you have a need to make gearing changes such as for different racetracks. Otherwise a belt is just better all around. Quieter, cleaner, lighter and less maintenance.
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I have belts.... Like them very much.... A belt system is NOT as efficient as a chain set-up.... Period.... AND show me a belt system that can deal with 200+ horsepower !!!!
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Chains are stronger, so are better for high torque/shock applications...
...But belts are more energy efficient.
And there are belts for high power applications. Just go to the belt manufacturer, they'll offer one.
-Crissa
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Chains if you go off road, or you have a need to make gearing changes such as for different racetracks. Otherwise a belt is just better all around. Quieter, cleaner, lighter and less maintenance.
I always fear a belt will snap, as has happened to many in this forum. I don't hear about that happening with chains.
There isn't much maintenance involved with a chain. That's a very minor issue, IMO.
I have all three types with my bikes, four have drive shafts, three have belts, three have drive chains. I would say each has advantages and disadvantages over the others. There is no "best" or "worst" so take your pick.
-Don- Reno, NV
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I have belts.... Like them very much.... A belt system is NOT as efficient as a chain set-up.... Period.... AND show me a belt system that can deal with 200+ horsepower !!!!
How about 563hp? Powerful enough?
https://bosshoss.com/supersport-bike/
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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.
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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.
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Here is another interesting article regarding this new chain: https://www.asphaltandrubber.com/products/bmw-m-endurance-chain/
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...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. :o
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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. :o 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. ::)
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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 :)
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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.
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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.
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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 :)
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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
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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. :(