Let's say this again: the second largest manufacturer in the world, with a palette of some 30-odd models, offers a mere three types of shaft drive machine.
Yamaha promotional image of FJR1300
The Japanese giant's catalog is full of motorcycles that would greatly benefit from shaft final drive - such as the complete "Liner" and "Star" lineups - but no - the accountants and bean counters have won, and millions of motorcyclists worldwide have to live with technically inferior chain or belt drive set-ups.
Unsurprisingly, traditional shaft driven Yamahas such as the XJ900, XS1100,Virago and Seca command a hefty premium premium in the second-hand market; demonstrating that there is a large ever-expanding market for hassle free motorcycles.
+As I stated on another site, I have 2 Virago 535 one to be renovated the other in a very good state. It is pointless having chain or belt around here or for that matter a bike over say 600 cc (although with stupid power and thereby increasing weight it is almost becoming pointless) as the roads are not suitable for anything heavier. If it has a chain then every few months new chains and sprockets, as for belts, one stone and you are square wheeled! Can the belt be changed cheaply without too many tools? if not forget it as a small pebble seems to castrate the belt...permanently. As a 70 year old I do not think pushing a drive less machine is in my remit, so riding anything with chain or belt is out. Now the thing is if I do not ride then younger people will not see the 2 wheel advantages and so will cease motorcycles.
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