Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
What options for smaller size shaft drive bikes? What options for smaller size shaft drive bikes?
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By chilswelluk

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Apr 2024
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 39
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?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Apr 2024
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2024
Location: Isle Of Wight
Posts: 3
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.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Apr 2024
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,521
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
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Apr 2024
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by pezza View Post

I have a F800ST which is belt driven and only 182kg.
I looked at that bike, but see it does not have a full belt guard. It looks like there are placed where grit can get in and trash the belt. Have you had any issues?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Apr 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
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?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 16 Apr 2024
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
There are various [Vespa style] scooters out there which continue to utilise a gear-driven swing-arm engine/transmission combo
I never considered this; however, I am open minded. But most scooters that I have seen tend to have a CVT belt transmission. What specific models of scooter do you have in mind?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Apr 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
Quote:
Originally Posted by chilswelluk View Post
I never considered this; however, I am open minded. But most scooters that I have seen tend to have a CVT belt transmission. What specific models of scooter do you have in mind?
Yes, I suspect you're right with regard to CVT gearboxes on the smaller scooters, although some of the larger capacity scooters appear to have selectable gears too - although in turn they may then use a chain as the final drive to the rear wheel.

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
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 16 Apr 2024
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
If you are looking for a [brand] new bike, your smallest capacity option would appear to be a Moto Guzzi V7...
I did look at this, but since 2021 the V7 uses exactly the same engine as the V85tt
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Apr 2024
Turbofurball's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: Catalunya
Posts: 334
Honda ADV300 would be probably winningest affordable enclosed CVT machine currently available. They look very comfy.
__________________
FreeBSD fan since before it was cool ...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Apr 2024
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 39
Quote:
Originally Posted by Turbofurball View Post
Honda ADV300 would be probably winningest affordable enclosed CVT machine currently available. They look very comfy.
Yes I have looked at the ADV range. Even the ADV 160, looks like it can cope with some pretty rough off road stuff. Take a look at this video:

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.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 16 Apr 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
Quote:
Originally Posted by chilswelluk View Post
I did look at this, but since 2021 the V7 uses exactly the same engine as the V85tt
True, but at least the bike itself is still a little physically smaller than the TT model?

Jx
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Apr 2024
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,521
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.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Apr 2024
jkrijt's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 639
Quote:
Originally Posted by JMo (& piglet) View Post
There is also Ural of course, but I suspect a sidecar outfit is not what you're really looking for?
I used to have an Ural without a sidecar. They still make them as far as I know.
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg

My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide

My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 17 Apr 2024
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Portugal permanent, Sweden during summer
Posts: 475
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/
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 25 Jul 2024
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tucson, Arizona USA
Posts: 121
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.
Last edited by SeanF; 8 Aug 2024 at 20:00.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 3 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 3 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Suzuki TS185 Tach Drive Problem rbevel Suzuki Tech 2 31 Aug 2020 19:42
Shipping two bikes from Australia to Canada luckyluke84 Australia / New Zealand 0 12 Nov 2016 22:28
New to Hubb and wanting to drive from Kampala to South Africa akza Welcome to HU 1 28 May 2014 16:33
Tire size availability for RTW trip. Handy man Equipping the Overland Vehicle 18 27 Apr 2013 06:05

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:20.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top