5 Classic shaft drive motorcycles that aren't BMWs

[@Plons0Nard]

My first bike was a Honda CX500. And now, 40+ years later I ride Honda VT500C Shadow. Both with shaftdrive. As a young lad I hated the chain cleaning and lubrication. It was then that I decided to go for shaftdriven bikes. Cheers

[@bikerdood1100]

Had a CX in the early 90s Very capable I still hate chains

[@tonyrobinson362]

​@bikerdood1100 We had the CX500 ended up having a strange creamy looking stuff in the oil, Got rid in came the Beemer! 850.

[@Plons0Nard]

@@tonyrobinson362 You probably blew the head gasket on one of the cylinders. Creamy oil = oil mixed with water.

[@UncleWally3]

I’d certainly celebrate the Suzuki GS850G and GS1000G. I bought an 850 new in 1980 and, after 230 000 trouble free kilometers, still own the brute. I’ve owned many bikes along the way and at 71 still own and ride a few contemporary offerings (VFR, Africa Twin, V-Strom) but the ol’850 holds a special place in my heart.

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice Tough those GSs

[@jefffawcett1626]

My dad had a new '78 Gold Wing. He put a Windjammer fairing in it, and it was an amazing road machine. It had an extremely smooth power delivery. Some of my best memories with my Dad were day trips riding with him and some of his 'elder' street riding buddies. Funny, but I'm now several years older than he was at the time. I'm grateful for the memories.

[@markellott5620]

Ah, the Windjammer. That brings back memories. All the wingers at the time seemed to fit them. I fitted a the similar Pantera to my Yamaha TR1.

[@zfid]

I had a 81 1100 plain Jane a few years ago. I fitted a windjammer but tbh I really preferred it without. Wonderful tourers probably the.most comfy bike I ever had

[@reinoudkuipers995]

Honda ntv 650, known as the Revere in the USA?!

[@markellott5620]

@@reinoudkuipers995 It eventually became the Deauville. The poor man's Pan. I had one. Really good middleweight all rounder.

[@bikerdood1100]

Definitely a mile eater

[@assessor1276]

Great video! Two tiny corrections: the first Suzuki GS shaft bike was the 1979 GS850G (at least in North America) and the GS1000G came along a couple of years later. Also, the GS850G was never known for having a high speed weave - they were steady as a chunk of granite.

[@bikerdood1100]

Yes I no Can only report what the research tells me As for the weave I do remember a road test that reported it back in the day and it wasn’t a one off. But 5hen Japanese bikes weaved 😂 My CX certainly Irked to shake its head

[@assessor1276]

Yes, I grant you that most fast heavy bikes were wobbly if disturbed. I will say that I hit a large dog on my ‘79 GS850G while doing about 120 km/hr and after it had reared-up and then landed, it simply continued on with no apparent difficulties. Also - I really wish you would play the entire theme song. It is a very pretty and soothing tune and I found it it amazingly appealing.

[@ashermil]

I had a 1981 GS850G. It ate highway miles, was surprisingly good in sweepers and twisties, but was a big fat pig around town.

[@josephlarmor550]

Thank you for mentioning the GS850G. I graduated to one in 1981 from a CX500. Both shaft drive, both supremely reliable, I did a series of tours in Europe on mine. I had a Rickman Polaris fairing and panniers, which transferred easily from the CX500, and made both bikes ideal touring machines. Despite “only” 76bhp, the GS850 never felt like it lacked power, even two up and fully loaded. But both bikes were not really “rated” by the motorcycling media cognoscenti for some reason, most likely simply because of their popularity and being Japanese. I sold my beloved GS850 in 1994, and after 30 years away from biking, bought a Kawasaki Versys 1000SE GT. Another under-rated bike IMHO, I’ve done 16,000 miles now in supreme comfort. I just wish one of the Japs would bring out an inline four with shaft drive. How about a “retro” GS850G, come on Suzuki!

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

In 1989 I rode around the circumference of Australia on a 1983 Kawasaki GT750 shaft. It did a great job & not one flat tyre! They are long in the tooth now but I'd buy another if I could get hold of a good one.

[@bikerdood1100]

The GT Kawasakis were indeed fine machines

[@roythearcher]

Thank you for putting this up. I owned a Kawasaki GT550 for around 20 years putting 150.000 miles on it in that time with at least 50.000 of those Dispatching around the Capital. Its a pity they didnt make the cut here but if you do another featuring 80's shafts there will be the XS750/850 Yams, the Suzuki XS1100G as well as the GT550/750 Kawasakis and the Honda CX500 and VT500 and variants...

[@bikerdood1100]

The GT was a tough bike Very under stressed

[@Geffo555]

I probably passed you going the other way. What times eh. Cold and dangerous. But what a buzz on a good day. No guvnors. No rules. Oh to be young again. All 20 MPH these days. LOL. They'd lock us up now.

[@s.k9677]

Hi i still have my 1986 Yamaha XJ 900 ,903ccm with ruffly 97 hp it was a sport Tourer back then with full fering and radio it clockt in 275-280 kg 6 yearse ago i stript it down to be a classic styled naked bike 240kg bean on track days with it also, a nice bike it is , i was thiking of to get a TDM 850 ore a GTS 1000 but whent fore the XJ Shaft drive was the reason i got the bike and now later days i got my self a RE Classic 350 it is nice to see all the old bikes you have in your videos ceap on making thoes videos from a time when bikes gave you emotions and got a soul ride safe all the best fore 2024🙂

[@bikerdood1100]

Remember them well but I only like to put one bike in per company where possible XJs are all worthy bikes no doubt

[@peterlamont1533]

Thanks for that overview. Shaft driven bikes are always of interest for fitting sidecars.. Cheers!

[@bikerdood1100]

Definitely an advantage there Sidecars are an art form in themselves. Been a while since I last had one

[@guzzibob]

​@@bikerdood1100I love the adrenaline of riding my outfit on the bendy bits here in Wales.. even at legal speeds barring the 20mph nonsense it's a blast

[@Ds-xi2sq]

I had in 1983 Honda CB1000C shaft drive....With the High & Low range 10 speed gear box . Such a smooth bike ... Plenty of HP all the torque you would ever need .... Could have had a larger fuel tank...As a matter of fact i still have it.

[@bikerdood1100]

High and low range Wow Not something we got in Europe I’m pretty sure

[@ikeeptime]

Loved my shaft drive honda silverwing gl500. 1983. 42 k when I bought it for $500. sold it 5 yrs later for same price. All I did to it was a speedometer cable and new rear tire after picking up a nail.

[@bikerdood1100]

Ran a CX myself for a couple of years Very capable

[@alistairshaw3206]

Interesting video again, I had a Honda VF750SC many years ago, and my only shaft drive, they were renowned for chocolate camshafts, but they also had chocolate collector boxes. They rotted very quickly and were expensive! I bought it from a psychiatric nurse, his name was Nutman!

[@bikerdood1100]

Well those early V4s had an issue with oil supply to the top end 1000 was even worse Smaller ones 400 and 500 lasted longer

[@kennethanway7979]

The Honda pacific coast was also shaft drive. 800 v twin, full body, hatchback trunk. I had two of them. Rode like a caddy, and would dust my buddies 1200 sportster! 😀

[@bikerdood1100]

True Not sold here in the UK though So not top of my thoughts

[@rickh8380]

Thanks for the memories of these bikes. Since I started watching your channel... I have fallen in love with Moto Guzzi machines. The only BMW bikes I like are the boxer twins. Ride safe guys and take care. Cheers

[@bikerdood1100]

👍🏻thanks

[@Backrun]

For a middleweight the silver wing made a remarkably competent touring bike

[@bikerdood1100]

True Styling was very American for British tastes but definitely a good bit of kit

[@Turco949]

I love shaft drive bikes and have owned quite a few including my current one (2017 MG Stelvio); my first bike 1983 Suzuki GS 650 Katana, then a 1987 Honda Magna and a 2006 Yamaha Vmax.

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice mix

[@charliepatterson9321]

Your volumes of knowledge make your videos most enjoyable . I have had 2 cx 500s and missed second gear more often on those bikes than any other bike . I had a seca 650 which was also clunky . I absolutely hated shafts in my younger years as they were clunky and the way they lifted the rear end in a corner was frightening ( and i don't scare easily ) . My present aero 750 has none of those traits and im not certain as to why . Maybe they reversed the gearing to oppose the lift ??? At any rate it is an absolute pleasure to ride and no chain maintenance is right up this old mans alley . I dont race on the weekends anymore so the chain has become obsolete. Im very impressed with the knowledge you have overall when it comes to motorcycle innards . I dont know a fraction of what you share . Thanks

[@bikerdood1100]

Well I do cheat by reading stuff first 😂😂

[@charliepatterson9321]

@@bikerdood1100 read stuff first ,...remember something second ,.... apply stuff third ,....forget stuff fourth ,....reread stuff fifth 🤪

[@zfid]

@@charliepatterson9321 rinse and repeat

[@ianlawrie919]

Awesome! 👍 To think the GTR was shaft driven in the day of the Yamaha FJ was a reminder of how some manufacturers would introduce one or so features which put them ahead of the market. Beautiful to see the GS850, I never rode the 1000 but they were handsome stallions. 👏👌

[@bikerdood1100]

Just glad you enjoyed it

[@peterdoe2617]

Since I've been riding BMW R75/5 for some 20 years: there are reinforced springs available for the front fork. Great improovement in my book! The dry weight (with the short rear swing arm) was only 190kg.

[@bikerdood1100]

But why leave the factory so squishy 😂 Also no BMs in this vid 😂😂

[@Barnabasanon]

I used to own one of these Honda GL1000's many years ago. I have lately been thinking of getting one again. It is so much fun to drive!

[@bikerdood1100]

Cool 😎

[@jpvill4th]

Before the V-Max there was the Yamaha 650 Seca with shaft drive. This was my first motorcycle and though I had an automobile, I drove this exclusively for three years in all kinds of weather and temperatures. Fortunately I was living where it rarely snows or gets cold enough for long enough to create road icing. I would have liked to still have it. I did look at the Virago when it was introduced but it was too heavy for my tastes at the time.

[@bikerdood1100]

There were several shaft drive Yamahas in that period, thought we’d go with the most off the wall rather than say an XS750

[@cedley1969]

The gtr1000 was a useful source of eighteen inch front wheels to calm down the gpz900r with its sixteen incher. Bolts straight in.

[@bikerdood1100]

They did love those tiny wheels Fashion 🙄

[@alexguest9937]

You missed the Kwak GT 750/550 of the 1980's/90's. At one time they were all over the place. Dispatch riders in London loved them. Can't hardly find 'em now though. Don't think I'll ever get my GT 550 G1 in candy wine red and gold wheels again.

[@bikerdood1100]

5 Something has to miss out Good bikes though not exactly exciting

[@Geffo555]

Yeah. We all had them. I couldn't believe how smooth it was. And so much lighter than a CX 500.

[@mikaelhedqvist3876]

Had a tuned MG 850 T3 1976. Loved that bike.

[@bikerdood1100]

Always liked the T3

[@calsgonefishing5812]

Let us not forget the CB900Custom story. Started as a 750 chain drive to a Hi/Low 10 speed with shaft. And then on to a 1000cc. Great bike!

[@bikerdood1100]

Oooh that’s sounds very American 4 cylinder customs are a very rare sight outside the states A few Magnas and the odd Kawasaki LTD etc but otherwise very very rare

[@timhicks2154]

Don’t forget Moto Guzzis! 350, 500, 650, 750, 850, 1000, 1100 & 1200 all have shaft drives

[@bikerdood1100]

Do they really Wow 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Well Exept the Falcone that’s a 500 Or a Galetto Stornello Then there’s the 70s so stroke twins and the four stroke 4s. Ok they are essentially rebadged Benellis but hey 😂😂😂😂

[@timhicks2154]

@@bikerdood1100 - glad I could put you right on that! 😂😂😂😂

[@timhicks2154]

@@bikerdood1100 - that’s the danger of commenting BEFORE watching your video…..

[@bikerdood1100]

Really ? Tut tut

[@timhicks2154]

@@bikerdood1100 - 😂😂

[@Bluzharp2]

I had a GS1000 Suzuki and an XS850G Yamaha. Both great bikes. The Yamaha was the standard model (not a cruiser) and was one of my favorite bikes I have owned. The shaft effect was much more pronounced on the Suzuki than the Yamaha. The 850 handled very well and I loved that sound of the triple, especially with the (weird) Kerker pipe.

[@bikerdood1100]

Definitely two very different machines

[@winksplayle]

I had a yamaha xs 1100 back in the 80s. I also have a kawasaki z1100 A1 shaft drive. I've had it over 40 years and still runs like a dream.

[@bikerdood1100]

And no chains to stretch

[@JohnFermer]

Ah, the Z1100 A1... of all the bikes I've loved and lost, I still dream about having that one back. I replaced it with a ZL1000 Eliminator, but if I could turn back the clock, I never would have parted with the A1. It was dubbed the 'armchair rocket-ship' by one of the magazine's of the day. Yep!

[@anthonywilliams6764]

Having owned two Kawasaki Z1300 machines both carburetted, the last one was used as a courier in London beginning on 4th. January, and finishing on 17th. March, in pretty shitty weather, I nevertheless did a five day week from London to all parts of the UK and covered 18,000 trouble free miles in just TEN WEEKS !!! On the weekend, of course, I went out for a bike ride, what else ? Can you do a programme on the Zed13 please?

[@bikerdood1100]

Bit sizeable for courier work It would drink all you wages in petrol

[@andrewdyson4255]

Got my first shaft (Yamaha XJ 750 ) in 1982 and had shafties ever since. Now with ( BMW and Guzzi )

[@bikerdood1100]

I just hate adjusting chains

[@alan-sk7ky]

Runs out of steam at 110 mph I had a Seca, got rid of the silly cruiser bars and shit cable operated master cylinder, Jota bars wrong way up and a suzuki master cylinder, later on Kawa GT air shocks sorted out the back end ;-)

[@ducatobeing]

I owned a 78 GL1000. It was well finished and comfortable, the down side was that it drank fuel at a truly alarming rate. I also had a Moto Guzzi Spada, which was an excellent bike, and took me on my first continental trip (Germany in 1983), I had a Le Mans mkii as well. The Spada knocked spots off my BMW R100RS in every respect bar finish. I know people who own or have owned all these machines, and they were all pretty good. A friend has still got a V Max. In fairness, he is a bit "unusual". I did have an XS750. It was the victim of lack of development, as some oriental bike were in the late 70s.

[@bikerdood1100]

Well they are big old buses More of a Guzzi man myself Friend had a GL1000 some years ago It had no chance though the corners Vs my Guzzi

[@lauriebloggs8391]

I bought a Royale instead of a BM R100RS and never regretted it.........

[@davidrochow9382]

What about the XJ 900 with it's bulletproof motor? With a sidecar and a set of Shinko 705 tyres they also make a pretty good adventure bike.

[@bikerdood1100]

Well it’s one bike per company per video and Yamaha made quite a lot of shafties The XJ / FJs need their own video at some point

[@davidrochow9382]

@@bikerdood1100 I forgot to mention that in Australia these never sold very well so you can pick them up very cheaply which also make for a very good buy.

[@michaelarchangel1163]

I had the initial 1983 XJ900F. It was 853cc and numbed my hands at over 80MPH but I recall a courier who'd done over 300,000 miles with nothing other than regular maintenance. The next pre Diversion model had a slightly larger engine and was much smoother running. Hello to you from old South Wales.@@davidrochow9382

[@bikerdood1100]

@@davidrochow9382 sold well here and got run into the ground so quite a rare site now

[@MrJacobThrall]

I love UJMs - really do properly love them. Especially shafties. It's around 20 years since my GT750 was destroyed by a driver who hadn't seen me, but I do miss it! A GS850 though...I'd love a GS850. An old Wing would be great too, and so would a Guzzi California, but really, my heart belongs to an inline 4...

[@bikerdood1100]

More of a V-twin man myself

[@terryblack2219]

Had a few of them decades ago, good advancements in the day on my undressed gold wing I was able to keep sandwiches and thermos in the dummy tank and on the guzzes linked brakes, even loved the quirky choke cable on the Gs which when pulled out one morning and it broke made me look like a leather clad Lion tamer, thank you nice trip down memory lane.

[@bikerdood1100]

My pleasure

[@jamesweber4938]

I had an 81 naked Goldwing, a 1997 1100 Virago, an 84 Honda Nighthawk S, a Suzuki GS650, 1600 Kawasaki Nomad, 1700 Kawasaki Voyager, and a 2011 FJR. Its been 30 years since I owned a chain drive bike, a 750 GPZ.

[@bikerdood1100]

30 years of clean rear wheels 😂 Relatively

[@peteheptinstall9818]

I had a 1982 GS1000 GX with a1000s fairing, a great bike, really comfy, and frequently would do 200 miles before going onto reserve

[@bikerdood1100]

Better than many modern bikes in terms of range Tank was sizeable though

[@johnhartley3022]

I had a naked 78 wing just like the one in the video except for floorboards Called it my 100mph sewing machine. It was a blast. Had a guzzi sp1000 and a gs850 too. All great bikes

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice 😎

[@shortattentionspangarage1312]

The best motorcycle quote I've ever heard: Nothing turns a straight road into a party like a V-Max.

[@bikerdood1100]

😂😂😂

[@daniellargey8430]

79 KZ 1300 and I upgraded to the 1300 Voyager... they were the first shaft driven for me. I had many others Suzuki 850 g, honda CX500, CX650 gold wings I used to buy sell ride a lot of bikes back in the day.

[@bikerdood1100]

I do the buy part Selling I’m not so good at

[@SPSteve]

When I was young back in the 70's I hated the Gold Wings, but now I'd love to have a 1st generation naked Gold Wing. I have agree with your opinion on 70's BMW's. My 1977 R75/7 is not a great handling motorcycle (or stopping) but does look great and runs good.

[@bikerdood1100]

The original wing looked big And then they got silly😂

[@growlers90]

Good choice of bikes but I’m biased having owned two of the featured bikes and two of the special mentions (Guzzi Cali t-3, XS750, GS850 and XS1100). Just wondering did you consider the Honda CB900c with it’s high/low gearbox?

[@bikerdood1100]

Well shaft drive is just better 😂

[@keiththompson8289]

Re Moto Guzzi, they had linked disc brakes, and one model (forget which) has a two speed torque converter gerbox, which was actually rather good.

[@enricohagn]

Tha 2-gear Guzzi was the V1000 Convert.

[@bikerdood1100]

Linked breaks lasted until the 90s Loved the system myself Only seen one convert ever It was one the first bikes to have 1000cc motor

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Linked brakes won a German engineering award, lol!@@bikerdood1100

[@richardjakobek7477]

Aah, the original Goldwing. Proper nostalgia. I was just 17 when I first saw one in a shop, and my then girlfriend said I should buy one. I couldn’t afford it of course, not least because I was still at school. Nearly 50 years later I have never owned one. I’ve had a few Guzzis though. Very fine bikes.

[@bikerdood1100]

Friend of mine had two wings, both early Did try em and the felt ok on the move but the weight was very noticeable on slow manoeuvres

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

I recently tried a ‘75 GL 1000, and I was really surprised in how well it vent. Obviously 50 years of evolution in the brakes and handling department can’t go on unnoticed, but I was quite taken by the fact of how well it actually vent.

[@bikerdood1100]

The one I rode seemed ok Apart from slow handling, definitely noticed the weight then. Corners were ok but I never had much trouble keeping up on my Guzzi

[@chrisweeks6973]

Despite being a Guzzi small-block 750 owner, back in the day I always liked the GS1000G; the Suzuki had a very comfortable seat.

[@bikerdood1100]

As a life time Guzzi fan I know it’s ok to stray from time to time 😂

[@richardgarno6591]

I had a Yamaha XS11 which was shaft drive. I added a fairing with stereo and some bags to it. That was my only transportation for a few years

[@bikerdood1100]

Big old boat the XS11 There must be some still running out there I don’t thing the overstressed engines

[@kurtwise7356]

I had a 81 Yamaha XJ 750 ! Great bike! Wish I still had it!

[@bikerdood1100]

Oh I know that feeling

[@RobertR1200rt]

I really enjoy your videos . Thank you

[@bikerdood1100]

Thanks nice to hear

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Aaaah Bisto.....sorry, Moto Guzzi!!! And some nice other bikes too!! 🙂

[@bikerdood1100]

Well have to keep the Japanese bike buying fools happy 😂😂😂😂

[@davidmacgregor5193]

What about British shaft drive machines, the Sunbeam S7 and S8 and the Velocette LE 150 "Noddy" bikes spring to mind. Also the Danish Nimbus four cylinder 750 and the Italian MV Agusta 750 America and 850 Monza models.

[@bikerdood1100]

Well I was covering 70s and 80s bikes this time Sunbeam is coming on a video soon and has been covered before MV not really a practical alternative to a BM though which is kind of the point of the video Unless you’re absolutely loaded of course LE stretches to 200 later of course Then there’s the Vogue, Valiant etc

[@garthlundquist3623]

The Yamaha XS 11 was the World’s fastest mass production bike when released. 94 horsepower, 550 lbs, shaft drive. It made a far better touring bike than the later V Max, being lighter, having a longer range, more comfortable riding position, and the ability to fit touring accessories. These bikes were bulletproof. The 750/850 triple was similar, but with less performance and carrying capacity.

[@bikerdood1100]

Well they were certainly big old beasts 850 triple pretty good Yamaha did have some problems with early 750s however

[@couttsy222]

Kawasaki Z1300, Kawasaki Z1000ST, Kawasaki Z1100A, Kawasaki GT550, Kawasaki GT750, Yamaha XS1100, Suzuki GS1100G, Honda CX500, Honda CX650, Honda CX500 Turbo, Honda ST1100, Yamaha XZ550, Yamaha XJ650 and XJ750, Suzuki Katana 650, Moto Guzzi Lemans and there will be more....... There were just so many shaft drive bikes from this era -- it was a great time for motorbikes!! (And that's coming from from a long-term BMW rider and owner)

[@bikerdood1100]

Well done You’ve listed some bikes How long would a video be with all those in It’s not supposed to be an extensive list 🙄 Otherwise I’d have one very stupidly long dull video no one would watch 😂😂😂 We all know There’s lots of You forgot Sunbeam 😂😂🙄 If you list em know how can I use em later 😂😂

[@couttsy222]

Sadly, I would've watched it!! 🤣😂🤣 Sunbeam?? Nah -- Pommies never made real bikes 😉 Seriously, it did cross my mind but I was thinking more of modern classics. It was a good mental exercise to go through, though, and it really highlighted how few bikes these days are shaft drive. A nice video!

[@bikerdood1100]

Oh really ? Bloody colonials 😂😂 Too much dust rotted your brains down there I reckon Australia not exactly famous for its bikes Or knowledge there of it seems 😂😂

[@couttsy222]

To busy riding them in this glorious sunshine!!! 😁😁🏍

[@bikerdood1100]

I’m a Heath care professional Given the skin cancer rates down there no thanks

[@davidstrickler6570]

I've had a honda VTX 1800 forever. The ease and torch of this bike is unmatched in my humble opinion. If you invest the time to familiarize yourself with the handling of this bike, you'll be amazed

[@bikerdood1100]

Hmmm It’s difficult to justify anything that big I’m sure it out handles an HD, but is that saying much There’s a lot of these comically large bikes today

[@olethorhermansen5696]

It is so frustrating how shaft drive has gone practically extinct, at least on anything below 1200cc with the sole exception of good old Moto Guzzi, bless them. In the 1970's, 80's and 90's all the Japanese manufacturers used to have a nice selection of middleweight shaft drive bikes, but today all they offer is chains. Belt drive has never spread further than Harley-Davidson and Indian, so unless you're wealthy and want a big bike, all that's out there is chains. And chain drive just sucks!

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

Where has shaft drive gone? It's not that long ago that it was found on middle weights such as the XJ 650/750, the CX500/650 and even on "small" bikes like the the 350 Guzzi and it's big brother, the v50. Kawasaki had a belt option on their GPZ 250, years ago, never to be seen again. Why are we stuck with wretched chains? Yes, they're efficient, and they're cheap, but I don't care! They're also noisy, dirty and they wear. Worse than that is that my mate who owns two Moto Guzzis and a Honda ST1100 laughs at me all the time and I've got no comeback. My next bike will be shaft drive if it's 50 years old and has to be rebuilt from the ground up. Chain drives are for GP riders and the poor and nothing in between.

[@charliepatterson9321]

Honda aeros of several displacements have them .

[@brentharrington9235]

I fail to see the problem...just buy a Guzzi.

[@davidbrayshaw3529]

@@brentharrington9235 If I was going to buy a new bike tomorrow, I'd buy one of those new V7 Stones without even test riding it. Shaft drive, fuel injection, screw and locknut valve adjustment... It's all done at that point, for me. Added bonus is that those engines seem to go forever. Electricals? I'll deal with it.

[@olethorhermansen5696]

@@charliepatterson9321 Not in Europe anymore.

[@richardwhitehead4684]

Yam XS 850 or the Suz GS 850 would be my pics of the Japan bikes. Remember both when they were new. All these years later, the only one of my many bikes from the 60’s/70’s/80’s/90’s is a 1990 Lemans 1000. I’ll never sell it.

[@bikerdood1100]

Seems reasonable to me

[@finncarlbomholtsrensen1188]

You did forget a Classic Danish, "Nimbus"! A bike being produced in large numbers till the last from 1959, also intended for cargo and ordinary sidecars, with a lower gearing. And even at first with a tube frame! Most of those ever made still exist and you are able to buy one being renovated and looking like a new bike, mostly intended for elderly people, not expecting modern stupidity as disc brakes or the like! Finn. Denmark

[@bikerdood1100]

Not really If you notice it’s about Classic era Bikes with shown from the 70s and 80s The Nimbus was long gone by then The nimbus is too rare and expensive to be a realistic alternative

[@Ian-bq7gp]

Suzuki GS 850 were superb, long lasting bikes, simple and so reliable. Perfect size for mpg and a torquey engine and had better low end pull than gs750 but those suzuki GS engines were so reliable, rugged. Mine did around 90000 miles.

[@bikerdood1100]

Very tough indeed Still several around too

[@robertmarsh3588]

Mt first big bike was a Kawasaki GT550. I test rode that and a NTV as I really wanted shaft drive. 30 years later shaft drive bikes are far rarer but I still like them and am riding BMW boxers.

[@bikerdood1100]

They are just too expensive to produce I think I real shame

[@harrygatto]

I had a Velocette Valiant which was shaft drive though not quite in the same class as the bikes mentioned here.

[@bikerdood1100]

No rather smaller and not really an alternative to a Anger BMW Interesting design though

[@derekdingwall]

The extra weight over a chain always put me of shaft drive,the few i did ride felt a bit weird to me 👍

[@charliepatterson9321]

Same for me in my younger days . Shafts were clunky and abnaturally lifted the rear upon acceleration . That's not something you want in a corner . My present bike has a shaft ( Honda aero 750 ) it is not clunky and doesn't lift the rear . Since I'm now old changing chains and sprockets have become daunting . I love my present shaft drive bike . No chain maintenance has become appealing .

[@derekdingwall]

@@charliepatterson9321 sounds like they have sorted it out now then👍

[@charliepatterson9321]

@@derekdingwall you still will never see a shaft on a racetrack . Yet for public consumption it has drastically improved .

[@bikerdood1100]

Well a Guzzi V50 was lighter than a Honda Superdream 250 and 400 as well as most of the four stroke 250s of the era so not sure about that weight 😂😂 I think some people kinda of feel what they expect too when they ride a particular machine They just feel like bikes too me 😂😂 Minus the chain snatchyness obviously

[@bikerdood1100]

BMW used to race their boxers until the 80s Guzzi too It’s simply down to ease of changing overall gearing and of course cost so budget all to do with handling. Bike magazines describe the V50 as possible the finest handling production bike in the world in 79. check what won the 39 senior TT S

[@NBMoto547]

Surprised you didn't mention the GL500 and GL650, I've got a 1984 GL650 if ever you fancy doing a review on it.

[@bikerdood1100]

Well it’s one bike per company per video Have covered the CX range previously however

[@NBMoto547]

@@bikerdood1100 Ah OK I've not seen that, I'll check it out

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

You missed the daddy of all shaft drive bikes...the mighty Kawasaki Z1300

[@bikerdood1100]

Good God no

[@klowen7778]

Nice bike, if a bit on the heavy side. Though don't know about the 'daddy' part, seeing it was only produced from '79-'89, well after the Beemers and Guzzis.

[@johnhudghton3535]

Big fan of shaft drive. I have owned a V50ii - outstanding nimble light 500cc bike. I still own a Honda NY650V Deauville. Good bike - indestructable engine not so indestructable plastics. I did own an FJR1300 which ended up having an argument with some armco ( direct hit ) smashed into a million pieces and me being hospitalised for a short time. The FJR was capable but a bit of a rhino on heat and certainly thirsty... I wish my Bonnie was a shafty...

[@bikerdood1100]

Do like a good shaft drive myself 7 Guzzis including a V50 among others

[@johnhudghton3535]

@@bikerdood1100 the V50 was a sweet bike. Lighter than a 250 Superdream. Great agility.

[@johnhudghton3535]

@@bikerdood1100 V50 electrics though, literally suzzled after a wet ride. Was not built for pissing down in the North of England weather.

[@bikerdood1100]

@@johnhudghton3535 dunno Had mine 11years In that time had a broken ignition pick up and I had too much shit on my keys and broke the barrel Other problems were worn clutch and a seal/ wheel bearing Actually had more problems with my CX and only had that for two years 🙄

[@buddyhek]

Had a Moto Guzzi 850 Calfi back in the day, like a tractor, also a Kawasaki Z1100, a perfectly reliable bike

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice 👍🏻 Not sure about tractor though Definitely do more than 35mph 😂

[@bruceparr1678]

Test some old hand change bikes. I have recently started riding a B18 BSA. I am finding managing the left hand spark twistgrip and right hand hand change a real challenge.

[@bikerdood1100]

I have a 1935 machine which is Err. Interesting 😂 Nice suggestion

[@tkarlmann]

You neglected to mention the Yamaha Vision. Shaft drive, water cooled, with fairing with heating ducts -- futuristic is nearly every way.

[@bikerdood1100]

Very true but with limited space some bikes just ain’t going in 😂

[@andrewlindley837]

Always interesting to read the comments.......there is a bike for everybody and everybody has a view. Lots of mentions of the humble CX500.....I love em even though now at nearly 70 I realise they are a bit heavy.......a far better tourer than the R100RT I also owned ( now replaced by a nimble XBR500) and the CX was less than half the price of the BM. Have you any data on number of bikes sold by manufacturers in the UK.....eg.. .there are only 330 CX's otr now ( all variants) and didn't they sell 25 -30 k in the UK ? How many globally ? If you have the data it could be an interesting little film to look at sales numbers of various bikes. Just an idea !

[@bikerdood1100]

Possibly The CX isn’t included simply because I already have a Honda in there and it’s not a video about shaft drive Hondas Ran a CX 500 for a couple of years I likes it but it was heavy for a 500 and not as nimble as my Guzzi It also blew its cam chain at just over 30,000 miles which didn’t encourage me to keep it too long I did a comparison video between he 2 because I owned them at the same time. Sales is sort of interesting but does bike sales make for a good classic I’m not sure

[@Munter1]

Why didn’t you include the biggest selling shaft drive touring bike from Honda in production from 1990 - 2002 when it was updated with a slightly larger engine?

[@bikerdood1100]

1 company 1 bike so Goldwing it was Also Classic era

[@kennethanway7979]

Pacific coast?

[@Munter1]

@@bikerdood1100 Good point.

[@bikerdood1100]

So I’m making a video about shaft drive bikes but I’m only putting 5 in I live in the UK where the PC 800 was never sold and I’ve already included the GL 🤷🏼

[@kennethanway7979]

@@bikerdood1100 wasn't trying to be an a hole...just mentioned my bike. Sorry if I offended you.

[@nickpasch1019]

Yamaha Seca 650. Metzler tires. Just a bit sporty and 100 mile commuter. Good times.

[@bikerdood1100]

Nice👍

[@bradjames3555]

You said that the Suzuki Gs850 came out in 1981 but thats not correct, i bought one new in late 79 in the UK, maybe you are referring to the the 850G in 81, but as i said the 850 was available in mid 79.

[@bikerdood1100]

Well can only quote the research Doesn’t change the bike’s qualities as far as I’m aware

[@jefftaylor1974]

No mention of the Honda ST1100/1300s. These bikes were enormously popular in Europe.

[@bikerdood1100]

1 bike per make per video It’s 5 not 25 bikes 😂😂😂 Got to save some for next time Why not focus on what’s in a video rather that what isn’t 😂😂 Also the ST is a bit late Classic era bikes Popular with the Fuzz I remember 😂😂😂

[@gntdriver2840]

As someone has already commented the gs850 went on sale in 1979,the gs1000g about a year later,then that was superseded by the gs1100g in about 1982 i think

[@bikerdood1100]

I can only quote the research

[@motorman7113]

Correct. I bought my GS850GN (N=1979 model year) at the end of 1978. Great bike in its day. Heavy, and a bit underpowered but very comfortable over long distances. The air forks helped. Replaced it with a GS1100GG (G=1986 model year), the last of the shaft-driven air-cooled 8-valve-head GSs. A bit more power but slightly inferior ride quality at the front end having conventional forks only.

[@gntdriver2840]

@@motorman7113 I never owned the GS850 myself but i had a couple of 550s and a 750 in the early 80's. Suzuki certainly got their moneys worth from the 850,it stayed in production until the late 80' i think

[@mrmoodster5405]

So many more: CX500/650; XJ650; Z1300; GS1100G (although this could be counted along with the 850/1000); Z550/750GT; XS750/850......

[@bikerdood1100]

True But only 1 video to fit em in So far that is Don’t forget MV Agusta

[@JulianSmith-d9o]

Great videos as always but I never seen you do a video about yamaha radian or honda sabre

[@bikerdood1100]

Well no Not UK models A friend has a radiant So who knows at some point perhaps

[@denlsgoulden2307]

Its Spring now, look on the bright side 😊😊

[@bikerdood1100]

True but there is no riding season Just riding 😂

[@Reh8111]

Sad you didn't feature the XS 750 and 850.

[@bikerdood1100]

Can’t fit everything in a single video

[@tichwykes]

I do prefer the Goldwings without all the fairings etc bolted onto them as they look a lot cleaner to me, I used to own a Yamaha XS 1.1 many years ago it had a great engine but crap gearbox as second gear went after a short time, which was a pity as the engine had tons of low down grunt but fuel economy wasn't the best so you had to be on the lookout for a garage to fill up quite often.

[@cousinjack2841]

I also had the 1.1 in maroon and silver. Over 100,000 kms done, on South African roads that were not always the best and it never missed a beat. The only money I ever put into it was for servicing and tyres. Still miss that bike. Happy days they were.

[@glentonkendrick]

@@cousinjack2841 Ah! Another Saffer here. Also had an '81 XS 1.1, red. Second gear issue never raised its head (unlike my XS750 triple) because I learnt to change from 1st to 2nd gear with a deliberate action, rather than speed changing like I did with my 750.

[@growlers90]

Great bikes. Had anXS1100 when first released had to go from Merseyside to Luton for collection not realizing the “Free Martini style fairing” wasn’t fitted but in boxes. Had to repeat the journey the following weekend in a van! 😂😂

[@bikerdood1100]

We feel the same to be honest And 4 pots is enough

[@oldbikedavey]

There's the Sunbeam S.7/8 s..... Astonishingly torquey, and really rather amiable to ride....

[@bikerdood1100]

Well just covering 80s and 80s stuff this time Got the Sunbeam in an upcoming video

[@DrewBreezyWriters]

No Nighthawks? There are a few models in SC shaft control

[@bikerdood1100]

Not commonly seen here however

[@DrewBreezyWriters]

@@bikerdood1100 Oh, I hadn't realized. Few of them in the UK?

[@oliabid-price4517]

After seeing the title, I thought the first bike you would mention would have been the Honda Deauville..? 😮

[@bikerdood1100]

Noooo Only like to put 1 bike per company per video and the GoldWing seems more obvious, also looking at classic era really so the old Dovile is a tad to modern

[@gangsungho5161]

Nice video thanks from Korea

[@bikerdood1100]

👍

[@wwb7091]

How about the Honda VF1100S (V65 Sabre). Available with "Hondaline" bags and a fairing, it was truly a classic.

[@bikerdood1100]

Not in the UK it wasn’t 😂

[@maxw576]

I still own mine that I bought in 1985!

[@Ian-bq7gp]

The newer triumph 1200 tiger explorer is a fabulous shaft driven tourer and i imagine there are some very clean bargains of a few years old. The yamaha supertenere 1200 also a better bike in real life than the spec sheet says. Its often the case and the BMW GS1250 shaft is the market leader but the yamaha supertenere is cheaper to run, service and far more reliable but it lacks the badge.

[@bikerdood1100]

Both big old beasts though Adventure bikes are great for tall guys who like ugly bikes but not so good for shorter riders Including many ladies of course The yam looks better but heavy the BMW is plug ugly and bloody expensive too

[@Geffo555]

How come shaft drive bikes are rare now? I had several back in the 80s and they were fine for every day riding. A perfect work bike too. No worrying about chain adjustment. Just get on and go. I had a CX Custom. Kawasaki GT 550 and 750. But my favourite was the VT 500. Instant whoosh away from the lights. Wish they still made them. But with ABS.

[@bikerdood1100]

Money Manufacturers are increasing cost conscious. Note also the decline in small capacity 4s. There simply isn’t the money in the industry anymore. Not for larger machines because the market is shrinking too many old farts and too few youngsters to be blunt, in Europe and the US at least Shaft drive is more expensive and profit margins are slender, it’s as simple as that really. After all if chains were so great they’d still use them on cars 😂😂

[@Geffo555]

@@bikerdood1100 Thanks. Shame though. Shaftie bikes were so practical. I'm retired now but determined to have one last bike. Keep looking at those Triumph 400s. We'll see. Thanks for the vid.

[@kimeldiin1930]

SUZUKI GS 850 G , is BY FAR the most dangerous bike I have EVER RIDDEN ! With a front tire having passed half life it at the merest HINT of a corner it endeavoured to unseat anyone behind the bars !! Not to talk about what happened with a front tire at replacement wear !!! Still get nightmares !!! Worked at Suzuki at the time .As I raced they always asked ME to try these when the worried customer appeared with one...BRRRRRR...!!!!! With unerring regularity they scared me SILLY !!

[@bikerdood1100]

Definitely need to change em sooner then

[@stephenwilliams1824]

Yamaha XS1100 with the rectangular headlamp. A tank on two wheels.

[@bikerdood1100]

It was a big ol beastie

[@BigBadLoneWolf]

I disagree with a couple of points. The Gold Wing was advertised as a sports bike, only later did it acquire the larger engine, fairing and luggage. The V max was never a touring bike, because it would pass anything in a straight line, except a petrol station, with its very small fuel capacity and used the same basic v4 1200cc engine as the earlier Venture Royal which was a touring bike, with fairing + luggage, the same basic engine was later used for the Royal Star and Royal Star venture

[@bikerdood1100]

Well it’s true the wing was advertised as a sports bikes Is it though? As for the V- max and its puny tank True but also true about HDs alleged tourers too 😂

[@WolfBazo-uo9uj]

The VMax is underrated so heavily. I agree that the fuel capacity isn't that big, but if you stay in civilisation, it is good enough. I had a Suzuki GS650G before I got my first Gen1 VMax. Between these two, the Yamaha is by far the better tourer. Fully fueled the VMax gives you close to 200km of range, which is more than 2hrs at "normal" speed with "normal" driving style

[@WolfBazo-uo9uj]

I forgot that parallel to the VMax I had a XJ900, also shaft driven. Yes with the VMax you need to have an eye on your fuel but my mates need to stop for a smoke / coffee / pee more often than the VMax needs to stop for refuelling. It is incredible, how relaxing it can be to ride a 145 hp bike (200 at Gen2) can be. VMax is the pinnacle of "analog" versatile bikes. Except for off road, it is always the rider who sets the limit, on a VMax, never the bike.

[@jfv65]

ANother interesting midsize bike with shaft drive would be the Honda CB700 SC Nighthawk. You dont see them very often, a real 1980s bike.

[@bikerdood1100]

Very much a US market bike The 700cc capacity is very much an American oddity

[@RitaElaineHeltonBarker-uz4sz]

Maybe cover what shaft drives are available in 2024

[@bikerdood1100]

Well not many is the answer

[@markmcivor8853]

How about a video on 1st bike with 100 hp . And .. maybe 1st production bike to 150mph ??

[@bikerdood1100]

Ahh It’s a good idea But surprisingly controversial Say many 100hp claims So many lies, so many deluded owners Proper can of worms 😂😂😂😂 Definitely worth considering

[@OldSkoolBiker62]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane.. You mentioned the Yamaha 750cc and 850cc but you forgot to mention the XS1100 that was also Shaft drive..

[@bikerdood1100]

Well didn’t include a greatmay machines I’d been there all night overwise 😂 CX, MV GT VX Lots of choice back then Not so much now

[@Pete-eh8yo]

No Kawasaki MK2 Z1000ST!!!!!! Had one for 6 years, dispatched on it as well as for fun. Couldn't fault it 👍👍👍

[@bikerdood1100]

5 bikes Can’t fit in every single bike in to every video

[@IanHuntly]

What about the Yamaha XS 750/850/1100, FJR1300, Honda CX500 and so many more Guzzis

[@bikerdood1100]

5 bikes Not bloody 25 😂😂 I could name drop as many bikes as you like but 5 Have to draw a line somewhere You forgot MV Agusta 😂 Kawasaki GTs Honda Pan Do try and focus on what’s in a video🙄😂😂 You can’t put ever single possible bike in one video 😂😂

[@BatterseaBill]

Yamaha XS750/850/1100 are also contenders.

[@bikerdood1100]

True but only room for one Yamaha in a short video

[@marcbrasse747]

I’d go for a Guzzi but a sporty one. And clean up that windscreen already! 😁

[@bikerdood1100]

? I can see It was clean then it pissed down What can you do

[@marcbrasse747]

@@bikerdood1100 Only joking of course. By the way: That big Yamaha v4 was directly derived from the equally shaft driven XZ550 V-twin. Ever heard of that one? When it runs perfectly it’s a great bike but so prone to breakdowns one should better keep ones hands off it. Endured with it for a few years but then switched to the Bros/Hawk.

[@jimwolfy52]

How about the Kawasaki GT 550.I used to have one as a Dispatch Rider.

[@bikerdood1100]

Nothing wrong with em But got to keep the run time down some how

[@volt8684]

Had a bt100 bulldog shaft was a gorgeous machine but no one could ever sort the carbs

[@bikerdood1100]

Big old bruiser of a thing they were Very unique

[@tonyrobinson362]

What about the kwacker as in Topgun.

[@bikerdood1100]

The Kwaker in top gun The original was chain drive 😂

[@danweyant4909]

Love Guzzis. On my second now.

[@bikerdood1100]

On our 8th😂😂

[@tonyshelver4931]

Ummm the Kaw 1400GTR is shaft drive and replaced the 1000GTR.... The Goldwing, likewise still exists... The other shaft drive I owned in the 80s, the Moto Guzzi SP1000NT, also has a modern equivalent. The Suzukis Gs were reliable but didn't advance things much.

[@bikerdood1100]

But the video says Classic at the top It’s not about what’s available now, people look that up at a dealer

[@tonyshelver4931]

@@bikerdood1100 I am aware of that. But the presenter seemed to imply that only BMW really did shaft drive bikes anymore, compared to the rose-tinted days of yore...

[@bikerdood1100]

@@tonyshelver4931 well no the presented states that people immediately thought of BMW Not that they were the one and only Listen again 😂😂 The presenter own a Moto Guzzi 🙄 Well actually we have 3 of them

[@simonwalker7957]

CX500, they sold loads especially to curriers

[@bikerdood1100]

One bike per company per video I’m afraid Have featured the CX a few times now