Middleweight shaft drive bikes ?

[DaveCon]

Modern chains are much better than chains of old with a decent oiler (there are a few to chose from). I hardly ever bother with chain adjustment. Once or twice in the life of a chain that's about it. Even a crappy F800GS chain (known for it being rubbish) was only adjusted once in 11,000 miles.

I did 3000+ miles around Europe last summer, chain never changed adjustment and it wasn't new to begin with.

Go get a Wee-Strom

[gbags]

Good to know DaceCon. Thanks

[daveuprite]

Guzzi make something called the V9 Roamer - which might suit you.

Not my cup of tea, personally. 55bhp from 850cc and heaps of balast, but if you're happy with a gentle retro-roadster it could be perfect - and it looks stylish. Shaft drive of course.

As said above, I wouldn't get too hung up on shaft drive. Chains are reliable, last a long time and these days they are very easy to maintain. Shafts will always be much heavier and tend to feel more agricultural - with a Guzzi even more so of course.



Cheaper and older would be a Guzzi Breva - but again it won't set your world alight.

[tuftywhite]

I've got a middleweight shaft drive bike.

It's great for off-road and distances, rode to Tremp and back last year, mainly on the Spanish TET. 860cc and 180kg fuelled.

New bikes aren't always the answer. Bespoke bikes, however, do exactly what you want them to do, that's why you have it built like that.

The only thing I need to add is some bars at the back to stop panniers getting in the back wheel, although, packed light for a fortnight, I didn't need panniers.

IMG_7526 by tuftywhite, on Flickr

It also has some friends.

IMG_7637 by tuftywhite, on Flickr

[johnnyboxer]

I prefer shaft drive too, chains are a PITA