2015 Yamaha Shaft Drive Motorcycle Lineup

In the current model year, Yamaha Motor Co. are only offering three shaft drive machines, namely the FJR1300, the V-Max and the Super Tenere.

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.

2015 Honda Shaft Drive Motorcycle Lineup

In the current model year, Honda Motor Corp. are offering the following shaft drive machines:

• GL1800 Gold Wing Grand Tourer
• Gold Wing F6B and F6C Baggers
• ST1300 Pan European
• VT1300CX Fury
• CTX1300
• VT750 Shadow

Yamaha Super Ténéré XTZ1200

Yamaha have been making large dual purpose motorcycles under the (Super) Ténéré banner for something like 20 years now, but none of the earlier models have a lot in common with the new monster that is the Super Ténéré 1200. Clearly the crew from Iwata are dead set to seize the "big bore dualsport" crown from BMW's R 1200.

The new Super Ténéré sports its own unique high-tensile steel backbone frame and fuel injected 270-degree parallel twin engine, which work together to centralise the bike’s mass and lower its centre of gravity. 

Suzuki GSX 1100G - the Shaft Drive Gixxer

When the GSX1100G was introduced in 1991, the bike press didn't really know what to make of it. Here was a derivative of the mighty GSX-R1100 "slingshot" engine, in a heavyweigt touring chassis with distinctive retro styling reminiscent of the VX800 model introduced around the same time.

Just like the earlier GS Suzuki models, ”G” after the model name tells that GSX1100G was shaft driven. The package was completed by 5-speed gearbox, oversize disc brakes front and rear, and 6-spoke light alloy wheels.

Simson AWO 425

The AWO 425 has the distinction of being the only four stroke motorcycle manufactured in the former East Germany. In production from 1950 to 1961, the AWO was a popular base for choppers and custom bikes during the 1970s and 1980s,  retains a cult following both as custom bike and classic restoration right through to the present day.
Following WW2, the gun factory in Suhl was converted into the Soviet controlled Avtovelo bike company, in order to raise funds for war reparation payments. Later, Avtovelo turned into the German-owned Simson company (more famous for making 50cc mopeds) and to distinguish from the mopeds, enthusiasts always referred to the large bikes as AWO.
Despite the 425 in the model number, the Simson has a 250 cc engine, foot-operated 4-speed gearbox with auxiliary hand shift, and shaft drive to the rear wheel. Popular legend has it that the machine was originally planned with chain drive, however in the post-war economy there was a lack of good quality chain so shaft drive was used instead.