Posted by hogryder on September 02, 1999 at 00:28:47:
In Reply to: Re: Hardly Davidson posted by Tim Schroeder on September 01, 1999 at 17:43:32:
Honda says their Moldwing, I mean Goldwing, weighs in at 815 lbs. I'm no 98-lb weakling but that's more bike than I ever want to try to lift off it's side.
One power factor that Honda doesn't mention is efficiency. One mechanic I know says the shaft drive is only about 85% efficient in transfering power from the engine to the wheel, as opposed to belt drive which he said is about 98%. That would cut Honda's effective HP to 86.7 and Harley's effective HP to 68.1 (for the 80 c.i.)
If Honda (and all the rest of the Japanese companies) would put belt drives on their big touring bikes they would save a LOT of weight while improving performance. Why don't they???
Anyone know???
Ride Free