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Rode a Suzuki 850 w/shaft drive for close to 70K miles. Never a problem with the shaft and almost maintenance free except for fluid changes periodically.
What you will find is that a shaft is much quieter and smoother. I prefer a shaft over a chain on a cruiser.

Ok yet another question?

First how easy is it to remove the battery on the yamaha motorcycles? The way it is positioned on my kawasaki its nearly impossible because it is put at the back end of the seat where the frame curves in. I don't know if it makes a difference between the 650 and 1100.

Second if you are unable to remove the battery during the winter is there a way to charge it to prevent killing the battery?

jjhotrods wrote:First how easy is it to remove the battery on the yamaha motorcycles? The way it is positioned on my kawasaki its nearly impossible because it is put at the back end of the seat where the frame curves in. I don't know if it makes a difference between the 650 and 1100.
Second if you are unable to remove the battery during the winter is there a way to charge it to prevent killing the battery?

Pick up a 'trickle charger'. You can get them for around $35-$45. (You can get them on the net) When you pull the battery, put the charger on and it maintains a full charge all winter long. Like Ron Popile says; "Set it and forget it"

My battery is under the seat of my Yamaha and has easy access. If you want a bike that really sucks, take a look at the Suzuki Intruder. Battery is in a box that hangs down in front of the rear wheel. You take two screws out, a trap door swings down and the battery drops out of the box. A real PITA to get at. BTW The battery must be disconnected first. That's a whole new chore.
To change the plugs you have to remove the gas tank. This is why I got rid of my Suzuki.

When you pull the battery on your yamaha is it neccessary to remove the tank? Now since I am unfamiliar with the layout of the yamaha is there enough room to actually reach and disconnect the leads. The kawasaki setup is so tight that you can barely get your finger in by the leads let alone attempt to disconnect them. If not how much do you need to remove from the bike?

As far as the trickle charger I have heard that mentioned by a few people I know who ride. However they ride harleys so the layout is probably different.

jjhotrods wrote:When you pull the battery on your yamaha is it neccessary to remove the tank? Now since I am unfamiliar with the layout of the yamaha is there enough room to actually reach and disconnect the leads. The kawasaki setup is so tight that you can barely get your finger in by the leads let alone attempt to disconnect them. If not how much do you need to remove from the bike?As far as the trickle charger I have heard that mentioned by a few people I know who ride. However they ride harleys so the layout is probably different.

The type of bike has no effect on the tricle charger. I've got two. (got one for Christmas)
Don't have to remove the tank.
Most bikes, especially the rice burners, can have tight places. Just use the right tools and take your time. Oh yes! Don't touch the wrench to the frame.

Some battery chargers have permanent plugs that you can install to make things easier. They've got a red and black wire with circular terminals that you permanently attach to the battery. These lead to some kind of plug that you can route somewhere that is conveniently accessable from outside the bike. Then, whenever you want to hook up the charger, you just plug it into the bike.

I've had one on my 750 for years, even though it only takes a minute to pull my battery. Plugging it in takes a few seconds.

Ok another question?

Yamaha 1100 uses a carb right? Just curious but how often and how difficult is it to adjust if it is even neccessary? I have been told that on honda bikes for example the carbs are in a rather difficult location to work on.