Motorcycle Shaft Drive Pros and Cons

Shaft drives are notable for their durability, longevity, and cleanliness. Because the shaft is self-contained, it rarely ever needs maintenance itself—the bike typically only requires regular oil changes to keep it going. Additionally, the shaft system stiffens the swing arm on the rear tire, providing increased handling and stability, while the absence of lubricants means the system runs cleaner than chain drive models.

On the other hand, shaft drive models typically tend to transmit more of the shock absorption to the bike frame and rider, which is especially true when accelerating or decelerating. The shaft system also has a tendency to lock the rear wheel if the downshifts do not match the road speed, which could be dangerous if the rider is not paying attention.

Due to their longer road-life, shaft drive motorcycles are much more expensive to repair and require parts made by their individual manufacturers—so it would be difficult to find a replacement shaft drive in the middle of a cross-country trip if something were to happen. Although shaft-driven bikes may run longer before needing repair, the costs involved when they do need maintenance are more than many buyers are willing to take on.