Shaft vs Bike Age

[firebane]

We all know that shaft bikes have a higher percentage of power train loss compared to those with a chain.

If you were looking at an older bike say mid 70s to late 80s would you be more inclined to go with a chain over a shaft? Would it be more to do with the CCs of the bike?

Or would you just find whatever and ride? As an example a 1982 Yamaha Seca 750 (shaft) or a 1982 Kawasaki KZ550.

 

[Rat_ranger]

Depends on your end goal for the bike. Chain is easier to swap wheels, lift or lower the rear, extend the rear etc. Shaft is nice for the reduced maintenance.

 

[Tim]

Find whatever and ride.

 

[hillsy]

The Seca 750 was a really capable bike and on the street would outperform most of the other 750s of the day. Unfortunately Yamaha hit it with the ugly stick and it never got the credit it deserved.


But yeah - if you want to cut one up and swap wheels it's harder with a shaft drive bike. But they are cheaper 8)