I have my self compaired j shaft to direct drive you always loose power going that route. That magical hub is gotta be out there some where.
The best part to this game is trying to get the torque transferred directly to the pavement, and not lost in a contraption.
I know this topic is like 17 pages long now and this is a quote from like page 15 or something but I do have to chime in on the goats comment on Jackshafts...
No offense buddy, but the only loss of power to wheel I loose with J 3-speed hub shifter is my little stock 48cc motor trying to pull me sitting up in 3rd, but it will do me near 30MPH on a constant basis.
An expansion chamber tuned for speed would fix that too I imagine.
But my point is the same as it was in my post on like page 2 of this topic...
For the life of me I just can't understand wanting to gear a second drive train.
Don't tell me 'keeping the stock look' as an answer either, you are adding a motor and a second drive train!
Cheap?
Come on, please go back to basic math and logic.
I simply can not see any logic in either cost or logic to try to 'improve' an otherwise unwanted second drive train at all when you can simply use one with a Jackshaft!
Again I am sorry if I have offended anyone in this multi-page topic, and hey, best of luck, but I just can't see the logic especially when you start talking about adjustable tensioners on both sides!
I say if you have a vintage bike, put a 3-speed hub shifter and Jackshaft on it.
One chain, 3 gears, and about as stock looking as you can get with a motor.