Tell me why I shouldn't buy Staton friction drive

[astring]

I just got the honda 35cc 4 stroke friction drive and it is great (no hills or rain in AZ).

 

[srdavo]

Before I order I want any bad points brought out. Obviously friction drive is less desirable but it fits my budget and needs for now. This kit may be switched onto 2-3 different bikes as a demo for others and a friction drive is easily switched. Never owned friction drive but I already know it beats the heck out of HT chain alignment problems,adjustments, noise, drag and dirty frame...how could it not be better?

The only drawback seems to slippage and tire wear...but how big an issue before I drop the 500? How many approximate miles before tire replacment?

The more I look at Staton friction I wonder why I was so against it:

Pros:

• 
  Non-inavasive to wheel eliminating pressure on spokes & lateral stress

• Eliminates chains & sprockets and the dirty oily frame

• 
  Its simple- less moving parts

• Installs/uninstalls much quicker

Cons:

• It slips in wet weather.... period (or are there any workarounds)

• It wears out your tire more quickly

This is the one:

http://www.staton-inc.com/Details.asp?ProductID=3193

I have a staton friction drive, powered by a 23cc mitsu.
http://www.motoredbikes.com/showthread.php?t=4490

I haven't noticed any damage or unusual wear on my tires, since using my friction drive. I mostly travel on paved roads...& try to dodge the potholes.

How about take-off? I throttle gently & pedal up to 8 or 9 mph before i let my throttle completely take over.

your pros list is "dead on"

I like friction drives....but I'm in flat kansas.
tire wear doesn't seem to be an issue, if installed & operated correctly.
the friction roller, however, shows some wear.

Ask AlaskaVan...he ran many, many miles with his 43cc staton friction.

IMO...the only con is wet weather.
DE has a wet weather roller.

the con list is looking better.

 

[TWalker]

What is DE? I keep seein it but can't figure out what it is.

 

[srdavo]

Dimension Edge
http://www.bikemotor.com/

 

[loquin]

If it's not raining, the staton friction roller won't slip, no matter how steep the road. Just be aware of tire pressure, and make sure that the friction roller is pressing 'into' the tire a quarter inch or so, depending on the tire pressure.

If you'll be in the hills a lot, you'll probably want a 1 inch roller, or even a 7/8 inch roller, though.

 

[JemmaUK]

If it's not raining, the staton friction roller won't slip, no matter how steep the road. Just be aware of tire pressure, and make sure that the friction roller is pressing 'into' the tire a quarter inch or so, depending on the tire pressure.

If you'll be in the hills a lot, you'll probably want a 1 inch roller, or even a 7/8 inch roller, though.

And if you buy a GEBE with the #11 gear you will have similar performance with no possibility of slipping - rain or otherwise.

So far as straining the wheel GEBE can supply a prebuilt wheel and to be honest I have done over 500 miles on some rough roads and not a problem.

Personally given the choices available friction/roller drive comes a very poor 6th or so. I cant see any compelling reasons for using it when there are other options.

Jemma xx

 

[TWalker]

And if you buy a GEBE with the #11 gear you will have similar performance with no possibility of slipping - rain or otherwise.

So far as straining the wheel GEBE can supply a prebuilt wheel and to be honest I have done over 500 miles on some rough roads and not a problem.

Personally given the choices available friction/roller drive comes a very poor 6th or so. I cant see any compelling reasons for using it when there are other options.

Jemma xx

I hear ya but buying prebuilt wheels, fabricating brackets and stuff either drive the price way up or cost time. I have already decided to go with Staton.

 

[motman812]

love my Staton

I've have a Honda 35cc Staton friction drive that I've had since December and put over 750 trouble free miles on it. If you put the drive against the tire properly and are conscious of the possibility of slippage and subsequent wear on the tire it won't be a problem. Water is definitely a no no. With the Honda, even at WOT it doesn't use or throw oil.
For my needs, riding on paved roads in so. Cal, the net advantages of the friction drive far out weigh the net advantages of a chain drive.

 

[Mountainman]

Hi - TWalker --- You mention possibly switching the engine from two to three different bikes -- that seems to remove most options -- sounds like it should be -- a friction drive unit used... Unless - you just love to work on these things ? Happy Riding from - Mountainman

 

[TWalker]

I already bought a Staton friction for the first kit. I will probably order more units but for this test bike that one will do for that reason it needs to be a demo, swithched between bikes, loaned out etc.