Finally bought a motorcycle.

**Straßenkrieger** · 08-02-2008, 11:38 AM

I don't have any pics yet, but I will soon. It's a 1990 Suzuki VX800. I bought it for $2500, keep in mind, it only has 6500 miles on it, and has been garaged most of its life. It is so much fun to ride. And my favorite part, is that it is shaft-driven. No chain.

Although, 50+ mpg with a 5 gallon tank isn't bad either.

Edit: Here's the pic from craigslist. I'll get some better photos of it later.

**JDS** · 08-02-2008, 12:39 PM

Cool...what are the benefits of shaft driven vs chain driven motorcycles?

**SmaartAasSaabr** · 08-02-2008, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by JDS

Cool...what are the benefits of shaft driven vs chain driven motorcycles?

Well one benefit is that the chain won't break off and kill you

**JDS** · 08-02-2008, 02:32 PM

Haha that's definitely a benefit! So why don't all motorcycles use a driveshaft?

**Straßenkrieger** · 08-02-2008, 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by SmaartAasSaabr

Well one benefit is that the chain won't break off and kill you

Yes, and chains also tend to stretch. It's constant maintenance. I purposely purchased this bike because it was sporty, and didn't have cowling over the motor, so its not specified as a 'racing bike'. My insurance is like $250 a year. If the bike had cowling, it would have been somewhere around $2300 a year.

**Straßenkrieger** · 08-02-2008, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by JDS

Haha that's definitely a benefit! So why don't all motorcycles use a driveshaft?

Probably because the shaft limits the size of the back tire, which is my ONLY complaint on the bike. But, I'd rather have a skinnier rear tire than to constantly have chain issues. The shaft is extremely low maintenance as well.

**FlyinZX-10R** · 08-02-2008, 06:24 PM

Welcome to the 2 wheel club and the world of extreme speed!!!

A shaft drive weighs more than a chain drive system, and on sport bikes, they do everything they can to make the bikes lighter. Some manufacturers even go as far as making as many bolts as they can hollow to save grams on the bike. it all adds up in the end.

Even lighter weight/ more narrow chains improve acceleration. The less reciprocating mass you have, the greater your acceleration.

I strongly dislike doing chain maintenance, its not so much the lubrication part, its adjusting the slack out of the chain.

Still, its all worth it in the end. Now you will understand what dogs are thinking when you see them sticking their heads out the car window at speed

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Oh yeah, take a motorcycle safety course, they are well worth the money. I wouldn't be here today if I hadn't. And buy the best safety gear you can..and wear it everytime you ride. If its too hot to wear it, don't ride that day.

And don't ride like this guy, at least not for awhile

YouTube - Ghost Rider Uppsala Run part1

**HwyBear** · 08-04-2008, 04:57 AM

Welcome to the world of 2-wheelers. Very enjoyable.

CAUTION: Watch out for all "cagers" (cars) they rarely give you space, turn out in front of you and on occassion start passing when you are approaching on a 2 lane hwy.

Have fun, drive defensive!