Need help deciding Chain drive or Friction drive

[f3if3i]

I'm new and all to this. I hve been doing a lot of search on friction drive and chain.

Right now im gonna get the 33.5 cc 1.6 hp Robin/subaru with BMP friction drive or Staton axle mount chain drive. With the chain drive, I'm worry there will be too much drag if I wanted to just pedal and changing a flat would be huge hassle. and if the cog get attach to the spoke, I'm worry it might break a spoke.

With the friction drive I'm worry the tire will wear out fast. I'm not sure but it seem logical to me it would. I would definately go with friction drive if someone who ride one can tell me the tire will last at least 2000 miles.

I also would like to pedal assist while the engine is running so I'm not sure if that will be possible with the chain drive.

I have dreamed a lot about travel the country and be on the road... with this I think it'll happen

Your advice?

 

[a/c man]

I look at it this way, something is gonna need replacing no matter what you build and ride after 2000 miles. I have a friction drive and a chain drive bike.
Neither are maintenance free.. Both are fun and have different "personalities".

Friction drive... rear tire and drive spindle not going to last forever
clutch shoes either. Bearings ?

Chain drive.... chain won't last 2000 miles, sprockets either.
Your tire won't last no matter what you drive.
More adjusting, cleaning, lubrication.
Any way you slice it they're both fun, but different, and no one can guarantee
that failure won't happen with either one somewhere along the line..

 

[f3if3i]

Thanks for sharing. Mind me asking what a drive spindle is? It's the metal cylinder that roll on the tire? That thing really does get worn out?

Since you own both can I ask if you notice any different in speed and comfort when riding?

 

[a/c man]

I prefer my chain drive 66cc. It has a whole lot more power for pulling hills and going really fast. It needs constant maintenance and can be a chore.
It is quite comfortable and fairly reliable. I can take the lane when riding in traffic because of it's speed especially taking off from a dead stop. Peddling without motor power is more of a "drag" than the friction drive, but to be honest very few of us MB'ers do much if any peddling, why the heck do you think I put a motor on it !

The friction drive is far more simple with less to go wrong. It is also quite comfortable and not as quick or fast (31cc 2-stroke) but gets better gas mileage and requires little maintenance. You can lift the drive spindle off of the wheel if you want to peddle and is just like a regular bike

Neither of mine are very quiet because they both have expansion chamber exhaust systems. I choose to not only be seen, but also to be heard.
I have always ridden motorcycles (41 yrs) so of course I gravitate to something most like what I am used to, just my personal preference.

I have no experience with the Staton axle mounted chain drive, but I'm sure someone here can fill you in. Anyway dive in and enjoy the fun no matter what you decide, I guarantee an ear to ear grin when that engine comes to life and you take off to see the countryside .
TIM

 

[Lazieboy]

? friction

I think friction drive seems simpler and easer. I have chain drive and have to mess with tensioner several times and make custom one 4 temp. chain can bind up. friction none of that BS.

 

[strotter]

I have a Staton friction drive, Staton axle mount chain drive, and a BMP friction drive.

Hands down, my axle mount chain drive is my favorite/best. I love it so much I'm thinking of getting another one for my other teenage son. Virtually no drag when pedaling or coasting. You have to fill the tire with slime. Changing a flat is terrible. Do a search for "axle mount" and read my review.

 

[f3if3i]

I have a Staton friction drive, Staton axle mount chain drive, and a BMP friction drive.

Hands down, my axle mount chain drive is my favorite/best. I love it so much I'm thinking of getting another one for my other teenage son. Virtually no drag when pedaling or coasting. You have to fill the tire with slime. Changing a flat is terrible. Do a search for "axle mount" and read my review.

REALLY? No drag?

But I also just notice how much more expensive staton chain drive is compare to BMP friction drive... $300 for the kit!!??

I think I'm gonna go with the Friction simply because less maintenance and so much cheaper

 

[Whizzerd]

Great choice! IMO, not only is the BMP unit a fine quality American made product( I've built four mb's with them) it has user friendly engineering. The Robin/Subaru is no great powerhouse but is dead on reliable. If I were to take off on a roadtrip, it would be my choice. That said, guys here that use the Tanaka or Mitsubishi 2 strokes are happy with them. I'm using a Titan 50. It's much more powerful than the R/S. At 750 miles though I just had had the tank mount bracket snap in two and the gas tank filler neck cracked. Regular use, no wrecks or tip overs. Dax has one in the mail but that wouldn't be much help on the road would it? James at BMP is a fine vendor and the BMP unit is currently on sale for $99 bucks. They work great if properly installed and adjusted. You will need to a good quality tube and tire. The rear mount adjustable kickstand from SickBikeParts helps eliminate tip overs. Enjoy!

 

[Esteban]

Friction drive with a good quality motor is my favorite. No matter which you choose, like everything else , there will be " pros & cons " to it. You WILL have flats on the rear, so consider what it takes to repair that, before buying.

 

[strotter]

My $.02
Staton axle mount is worth the extra cost!!

Regarding changing rear tire.... I filled the tube with slime, Kevlar liner, extra thick tube and schuwbe tire. Haven't had a flat since....