From reading the forums here, there isn't much love for the factory chain on our bikes. Can anyone explain why ? Mine had surface rust at 2K miles when I bought it, I assumed from being cleaned with a pressure washer by the dealer before delivery. So I just re-lubricated it, and it seems ok. When I have a few more miles on the bike I may consider then 44 tooth option, so a new chain would be required at that point anyway.
It is widely suggested, OE chains are manufactured to a budget which, with Ducati, does not run to any rust protection that you get on chains bought direct from the manufacturer. Some chain lubricants include a rust inhibitor which helps with the problem. Andy
Get an AFAM or DID chain, The Regina chains do go rusty very quickly unless constantly maintained. My main issue with Regina chains is that they stretch and need to be checked regularly for stretching, not ideal on long trips, I had AFAM on my 1260 and one adjustment after about 600miles and then not again for 5,000 miles. Interesting that the V4 comes with a DID chain now.
This probably goes against the grain with Ducati fans, but lack of shaft drive really is a deal breaker for many buyers looking for touring bikes. I wonder if there is a big enough market for Ducati to make a shaft drive Multistrada to meet the demand of the "Touring" crowd, and a chain drive version for those wanting a more "Sport" version ? I'm no expert, but I've read a shaft drive can sap up to 30% of the engine power, which came as a big shock to my GS riding buddy !!
I think it's highly likely my next bike will be shaft-drive. Having previously owned a BMW I loved that it was a quick case of dropping engine, gearbox, and final drive oil once a year, and that took maybe an hour tops to do all three. No more hassle. Keeping a chain properly tensioned, adjusted, clean, and lubed is a pain - and I have a Scottoiler on my bike.
If you think about it, this is almost certainly bollocks. If that were the case, a modern bike being ridden hard would be losing 20-50ish kW of energy which would be dissipated as heat in the shaft drive. You wouldn't be able to touch the shaft drive casings, (and they don't have massive cooling fins or oil coolers). I think the biggest drawbacks are the weight issue (heavier), and depending upon the design, torque wind up. Plus for the manufacturer they are more expensive (but for the user last longer).
Leave Boring Mans Wheels to keep their shaft drive. I am perfectly happy with my chain drive thanks. A good and well maintained chain (and sprockets) is never an issue. BTW, AFAM don't make any drive chains, they are another company (like Renthal) that rebrands chain made by other manufacturers on their behalf
Having been let down on 3 separate occasions by shaft drives on Bill Me Whatever bikes, due to final drive failures, twice while touring in mainland Europe and having to be recovered back to UK, it's unlikely I'd be interested in a Ducati shaft drive in the foreseeable future, not that I think it's likely to happen
One was oil seal failure, on the other occasions both were bearing failure on 2 different K1300S', still under warranty at the time fortunately.
Who makes the Afam chains then Hootowl? Out of interest, how do you know? Personally lubing a chain doesn’t bother me, especially on the Multi with a centre stand. A quick spray of lube every day on tour and off you go.
