Hi all, starting my research on a bike for a RTW. Whats the view on the Yamaha Tenere shaft drive versus all the chain drives. They seem to be the only shaft drive. Considering the new Tiger XC as well and it is a chain. Pros cons?

thanks

It's personal preference. A shaft is heavy and major work if it ever fails. A chain is light and simple but needs lube and adjustment once in a while. With 100 HP and roads designed for 40 MPH the weight only matters when you drop it.

The ratio of major work due to shaft failures to time spent with the lube or swapping worn our sprockets varies with the individual models. Some shafts never fail, others have a reputation for failing that may or may not be deserved (the failures get attention because they are so major). Some chain drive bikes with the right chain go tens of thousands of miles with no attention, others use chains sized for a 250 on a 650 and cause more work.

The 1200 Tenere is too new for anyone to know which applies. Given it's a Yamaha I'd suspect it's mechanically fine but the paint will fall off.

I'd pick chain drive, a good O-ring lasts forever (18000 miles out the last one, I adjust it twice a year), gives plenty of warning of impending failure and parts can be obtained mail order. That said, I own a K100 and am forced to undergo the final drive oil change every 10000 miles. One day I might have to grease the *****y splines too.

I'd ask why you'd pick a 1200 cc unproven bike that's honestly going to be a real weight, but if that's the one you like don't let the shaft worry you. You'll need to come back and tell us if the shafts go pop!

Andy

I think the type of final drive is only one thing amongst many to consider when choosing a bike for this type of trip and given to pros and cons that have already been mentioned by Threewheelbonnie it is important not to get too hung up on it. If the choice comes down to two bikes, one chain, one shaft I would go for the shaftdrive, even those with a dodgy reputation like my paralever R80GS can be sorted. More important is taking a bike that you will enjoy making the trip on, not a straight forward question to answer and the drive train is only a small part of it.

Thanks both for the reply Threewheelbonnie and Mark. Yes agree many decisions on a bike I expect to sit my but on for eternity. The 1200cc is a draw back for me as I do like 800/650 at most. Chain does seem simple less a chain oiler and adjustments. Just did not know the draw back of a shaft. Weight? how much more are we talking 5lbs 10lbs? The Tiger XC is new also and seems others are wondering about its future quirks as well. Guess that goes with anything new. No testing like real world testing! I did notice there is a 100lb wet weight difference in favor of the Triumph, but the tank is also 4l smaller.

FYI, BMW r1200GS also has a shaft drive.

Over a long period of time, shaft drives make much more sense....

A good one will last you 80-100,000 miles if you keep the oil how it should be.

The only couple of disadvantages is that they actually sap about 10-15% of the engines power compared to a chain/sprocket.

That's why you only see them on large engined, torquey bikes. They also weigh quite a bit more and also cost much more to manufacture..

Chain and sprockets cost about £100 a set and will last on average, 10,000 miles. That's £800 worth of changes compared to a new bearing/gear on a shafty.

However. Just because they can be very reliable, research the bike it's on. I do recall the 1150GS and maybe the 1200 having problems with their rear shaft gears.

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.