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What options for smaller size shaft drive bikes?
I am looking at smaller size shaft drive bikes, but the smallest modern bike I see is the Motoguzzi v85tt. This did not always used to be the case, as in the 80s Yamaha even made the tiny t80 townmate moped with a shaft.
I am not looking to start a debate regarding chain v shaft, as for various reasons shaft is my preference. But I am intrigued to know if anyone knows of any smaller modern bike options other than the V85tt? |
Moto Guzzi
I think are your only options. The Mandello V100 is a little over 200kg but a bit lighter I think than the V85 I think. Pricey tho.
I have a F800ST which is belt driven and only 182kg. Great luggage system and a bullet proof Rotax 800cc engine. Bit of a forward lean, but I believed this was addressed in the F800GT which is essentially the same bike with some input from ST riders. |
BMW had an 850 GS boxer witj driveshaft in the late 90s, but its production didnt last long….https://www.autoevolution.com/moto/b...0-gs-1997.html
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If you are looking for a [brand] new bike, your smallest capacity option would appear to be a Moto Guzzi V7...
There are various [Vespa style] scooters out there which continue to utilise a gear-driven swing-arm engine/transmission combo, but everything* else under 1000cc these days is either belt or chain driven. I know you didn't want to discuss the merits of chain vs shaft drive, but pretty much everyone travels 'around the world' on a chain-driven bike these days, and that is very rarely a disaster... Jx *edit. There is also Ural of course, but I suspect a sidecar outfit is not what you're really looking for? |
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Generally speaking though, at least the final drive is enclosed on those [CVT] scooter models - which is presumably your priority? As I say, I really wouldn't worry about a chain (be it exposed or semi-exposed) on a travel bike - modern 520 size O/X-ring chains need very little maintenance, and you have to remember that wherever you are riding, there is a local riding a bike with a chain drive there with no issues... Jx |
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Honda ADV300 would be probably winningest affordable enclosed CVT machine currently available. They look very comfy.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bIDa8uk2Z0 It may be a perfect little bike for me, as I can't see myself doing anything rougher than that. |
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Jx |
Good point about scooters.
Honda has a range of socalled ADV-scooters, from 150/160-350-750. How good those are to tackle rough roads I dont know but some light off road capability they should have. |
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Small shaft drive bikes
You have to go back to the good old times.
Honda CX 500 https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/c...s/honda-cx500/ Moto Guzzi V50 https://ridermagazine.com/2008/06/22...v50-1977-1989/ |
I had a 2014 Moto Guzzi v7 Special that I tried to adventure-ize. Rear suspension travel is the crux -- increasing the departure angle of the shaft from the back of the gearbox is complicated by the single yoke u-joint. I really liked the engine character. For me at 6' it was a little cramped for longer rides.
It weighs about 50lbs less than the v85tt. |
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