Drive Shaft

[stevethelondoner]

Wasn't sure where to post this but I found this wierd because I never knew ya could get it. Went over to my mates shop on Thursday and a guy that has started working for him had his bike there. It was a Honda cruiser, nice looking bike. My mate said....it dont have a belt or chain........WHAT!!!!! I said...we went over to it and it had a bloody drive shaft. Anybody seen this before? Anybody riden one? I would like to know what the diffence in the ride would be.

Ride safe

 

[CarlS]

Aren't Goldwings shaft driven?

 

[stevethelondoner]

Not sure mate i dont know much about them......

 

[DaveM]

Honda has had the shaft on their bikes for quite some time. I owned the Honda CX 650 as in the photo and it was a shaft. They also had the 550 model also a shaft. This was my last bike before my Triumph :y114:

The Honda CX series motorcycles (including the GL500 and GL650 variants) were developed and released in the late 1970s, with production ending in most markets by the mid 1980s. The design included innovative features and technologies that were uncommon or unused at the time such as: liquid cooling, electric-only starting, low-maintenance shaft drive, Com-Star modular wheels, and dual CV-type carburettors that were tuned for reduced emissions. The electronic ignition system was separated from the rest of the electrical system, enabling the motorcycle to be push-started and ridden in case of a total electrical system failure.

In their day these bikes were much favoured by commercial despatch riders in the UK.

It was Honda's plan that the CX series would compete favorably with smaller Moto Guzzi and BMW cycles. Therefore a lot of resources were invested in achieving an optimum design the first time. The CX series motorcycles are considered to be a great all-purpose medium-sized standard with city-bike reliability and heavier short to medium range sport-touring capability. The CX continues to be an increasing fan-base to the present day and are having a renaissance as people find older examples worthy of restoration.

Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_CX_series

 

[CarlS]

BMW has had drive shafts forever.

 

[triple trouble]

Would it be out of place to mention the Triumph Rocket III here?

 

[The Seeker]

I don't think there is much difference in the actual ride of the bike, but the shaft-driven bikes are slightly quieter without a chain.

Of course you don't have to tighten a chain, align the rear wheel, or keep it lubricated and clean - which is a plus.

The downside is the difficulty and cost of repairing a drive shaft over a chain driven system.

 

[stevethelondoner]

Nice one...cheers guys....i know my mate had never seen it either.

Dave, Cheers for that mate good read.

Ride safe

 

[Dilligaf]

Most jap cruisers are shaft drive.