Honda Shaft Drive

 

Hi everyone,

New to motorcycles.  I recently took a MSF course.  That was the first
time ever on a motorcycle.  Should have started 25 yrs ago.

Anyway, now the the bug is firmly planted inside, I went out and
purchased a 2002 Honda Shadow VT1100C.  Couldn’t beat the price and it
had only 3800 miles on it (a few hundred more now).  

My question is this, after doing a bunch or research on shaft drives,
it sounds like the pro’s and con’s are a matter of opinion.  You read
stuff from the manufacturers and everything is great.   What is your
opinion on shaft drives?  I know it’s a done deal, but I’m just
curious.  Given the chance, would you own one.

I am taking the bike in next week to have a conmplete safety check
done and have all the fluids replaced.  Better be safe than sorry.  I
love this bike.  Shifting seems a little "clunky" (hoping that’s
just a minor adjustment) and I’m still learning the "sounds" in
order to shift.  

Thanks for your opinions.  Looking forward to hearing from all of you.

--
Posted using the http://www.motorcycleforumz.com  interface, at author's request
Articles individually checked for conformance to usenet standards
Topic URL:
http://www.motorcycleforumz.com/General-Discussion-Honda-Shaft-Drive-ftopict138762.html
Visit Topic URL to contact author (reg. req'd).  Report abuse:
http://www.motorcycleforumz.com/eform.php?pu04836

 

flying_frog wrote:

Congrats on your new addiction!  I rode a '97 Shadow Spirit for a number of
years, so I can probably handle most of your questions.


I've owned several bikes with driveshafts, and currently own one (Yamaha
FJR1300 touring bike).  Generally, they're lower maintenance than
chain-drive bikes, at least in that regard.  There's no chain to oil
routinely, and replace occasionally, and no sprockets to wear out.  If you
follow the OEM recommendations for lubrication, your final drive should
never wear out or need any other maintenance.  Lubrication intervals are
quite long, and there's nothing exitic about the gear oil it uses.

Bikes that are designed for high performance, like my R6 (600cc sportbike),
generally have chain drives, because it results in more torque applied to
the rear wheel (and it probably saves a little weight, as well).  They're
built for two different purposes.  The Shadow won't do 0-60 in 2.96 seconds,
but it requires virtually zero maintenance.  There's something to be said
for both systems.


Good idea to get everything "up to snuff," so you don't have any worries.
The Shadow is a very low-maintenance bike in all respects, not just its
final drive.  With its hydraulic lifters, it never even needs the valves
adjusted, and that low-compression engine is very easy on all the parts
inside.  Change your oil and filter when recommended, and keep your brake
fluid fresh, and you'll enjoy many years with it for very low cost.

That model is a klunky shifter.  There's no getting around it.  When I first
got mine, I was especially alarmed about the shift from 1 to 2 and from 2 to
1.  Others with years of experience with that model told me to just get used
to it, because they're all that way, and as bad as it sounds, it doesn't
hurt anything.  I did as they suggested (didn't worry about it), and rode it
for 3 or 4 years with no transmission problems.  It's just a quirk of that
bike.

 

The very clunky shift from 1st to 2nd is eased greatly be treating it a two
gear changes.  1st to neutral, then neutral to 2nd.  If this takes to long
for you, just holding the gear shift (clutch in) for 1/2 a second in neutral
helps a lot.

Lot of information about Shadows at http://www.hondashadow.net/forum/   both
the general discussion and technical forums. Lots of talk about clunky
shifting and top end (heads) tapping noise (mine has both - both seem to be
harmless).  Check posts by MarkC - more than anyone ever wanted to know
about oils and filters.  Theres a couple of other regular posters that have
a lot of knowledge about Shadows.

Ian
99 Shadow Spirit

 

Ian Wheeler wrote:

Good tip.  It reminds me that I should have mentioned www.shadowriders.org,
too.  The mailing list there, Roadhouse, is a social list that's almost like
corresponding with family (family that you like, that is).  There are
members who are also quite knowledgeable about Shadows.  To join, go to the
web site and read the FAQ.  It's easy, and since it's an independently run
mailing list (as opposed to, say, a Yahoo group or a Delphi forum) you don't
need to jump through a lot of hoops to join.

There's no requirement that you actually *ride* a Shadow to subscribe.  Many
of the members own and ride other motorcycles in addition to a Shadow, and
others are former Shadow owners who have changed bikes, but couldn't bear to
leave the Roadhouse family.

 

 I'll second all of what Jerry says....plus most shaft drive bikes I
have owned  were a bit "clunky" when shifting....well all but my
Volusia of course. Wonder how Suzuki did that? ;-)

joe