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

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?

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?

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

I did look at this, but since 2021 the V7 uses exactly the same engine as the V85tt

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.

True, but at least the bike itself is still a little physically smaller than the TT model?

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.

I used to have an Ural without a sidecar. They still make them as far as I know.

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/