my learned friends on the XS forum say they have never known a problem with the shaft drive on these 25 - 33 year old bikes ????
Don't know if younger bikes have a problem
Those early shafts from Japan were simple and dependable. Yam, Honda and Suzuki. Few from Kawa too.
Honda used the same unit on the CX500 and right up to the larger Goldwings for many, many years. Even looks like they only took the lug off for the bottom of the rear shock when they went cantilever (rising rate pro-link was it?) for the rear suspension.
Never hear of shaft problems on Guzzi's. Now fitting a torque arm on the larger machines to counter the same reactions that BMW are all excited about.
I have bikes with both chain and shaft drive. ........ And both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Finally. Shaft drive is easier to maintain and doesn't get you hand dirty
Keith C
Plus one on that. So convenient. Go for a few days or weeks ride and forget about lube, noise, dirt and adjustment.
Once you had a shaft on something above 500 cc you really don't want to know about chains.
Manufacturers come up with all sorts of excuses for not fitting them. I remember when the larger Suzukis came with the option of chain or shaft. GS650, GS850 and GS1000. In salesmans speak its known as overcome objections to purchase. Modern O ring chains are nearly maintenence free sir. Bolderdash.