Elsewhere in this forum, I have been going on about what bike to get when I get some insurance money (and my license back and I am strong enough, And, And, And....) The Moto Guzzi V85 was in the list mainly because it has shaft drive, Another factor that a mate steered me towards it, was its lack of power but I've shelved this argument because power is determined only by how much you twist the throttle. Just because I have a more powerful bike, doesn't mean to say that I have to use it and speed everywhere (although I probably will!) I am beginning to think that shaft drive is not that bigger a deal. As Ducati don't do shaft drive and this is a Ducati forum, I'm guessing that most would agree that shaft drive is no big deal?
I would not choose a motorcycle just on final drive. GS is bril esp on a tour when others are messing with the chain. Less to clean etc. But a chain, not the end of the world surely.
Normally, on a tour, I never touch the chain. I am now thinking that the only reason that the Guzzi is on the list is because it has shaft drive. Maybe I should discard it and the list (subject to test rides) should just be the Ducati SuperSport S and the KTM 790 Adventure.
Could always go for something a bit older if you want a shaftie, surprisingly good to ride but it's one heavy bugger to push in and out of the garage.
I've chain and shaft drive bikes. All over 1100cc I'd use any off them for touring as they're all capable. Just get what you like
The only issue that I have, is that I've never done tours for months cover many thousands of miles, I am used to doing chain adjustments in my garage with the bike on a stand and big sockets and breaker bars and torques wrenches for undoing and doing up the wheel nuts and bolts. If I was in Germany (say) and they chain appeared to be very, very lose, then with a long trip home and I want to carry as few tools as possible, then what do I do?
I’ve got chain drive bikes and shaft drive,....shaft drive is very convenient,....until you see this....... Which leads to this..... Which leads to this.... Then this.... Just to get to the main offender, which was this.... £220 quids worth of bearings and seals and she was back together, good for another 40,000 miles ! Chains and sprockets are a hell of a lot simpler!!!
Easy - get the bike you like first. Then work the rest out. The rest of the world gets by I'm sure you'll be fine.
The last chain drive bike I had was a Kawasaki Versys 1000. I did 2 Continental trips Of 2000+ miles a time each year for 5 years as well as using it for convenience and pleasure on an almost daily basis. I fitted a PDoiler, (other oilers are available), and I never ever needed to make any adjustments while touring and neither should you. My current ride is a Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere, it has a shaft drive but without the BMW issues. Yes, it is heavier than my old Versys and yes, I am considering trading it for a Multistrada but it is a cracking bike and does everything that I want it to. Get the bike that suits you whether it is a Moto Guzzi, a Ducati, a BMW GS or any Japanese bike that you care to mention and don’t over-think it. There is a bike out there with your name on it, doesn’t matter if it is chain, shaft or toothed belt drive, you’ll know when you find it.
PerryL, Don’t let my post put you off shafties either way, that BM’s 20 years old and has given me brilliant service over that time, it was due some tlc I think ! As the other guys have said, just get the bike that makes you happy, you can read all the road tests going, YouTube reviews etc, but it means nothing until you ride the bike for real. Best thing to do is arrange test rides on your shortlist of 3 or 4 bikes, you’ll know immediately which one is right for you, it might not be the fastest or the lightest or the best looking, sometimes a bikes character overpowers all those measurables and just gives you that feel good factor that makes you grin when riding it, ..enjoy choosing!
I used to have a 650 Katana shafty a while ago now but bloody brilliant and it sure wasn't slow, another shafty i was looking at a couple of years back when i got my compo was the Moto Guzzi Griso, i liked the look and after all it's Italian.
Yes, I will keep to my list of three (to make things simpler) and when I get my driving license back, I will do test rides. I expect, as you say, I will know straight away which one is right and I doubt if they will allow me a test ride to Poland to be sure, absolutely! I suspect (but don't know) that I'll be happy with any of them!
You might want to forget shaft drive then. One of the main disadvantages is the weight it adds compared to chain-drive.
A mate did have that Katena - that was a good while ago! I considered the Griso, but discarded it after I read about some unreliability issues (with the cams or valves, or something) and then I discovered the V85 TT Travel. That ticked every box (apart from the ability to power wheelie, but that's just me being childish!). Given that I will be buying new, I would rather go for the V85 over the Griso (which you can't get new now).
