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The main benefit to shaft drives is less maintainance, and quieter than a chain. The cons of shaft drive are more weight, higher cost, and less efficient power transfer.

The smooth, low maintainance nature of shaft drive makes it desirable for touring bikes and cruisers despite the additional weight and cost.

The added weight and less efficient power transfer makes shaft drive undesirable for sport bikes, and the higher cost makes it undesirable for less expensive street bikes.

My ex bf had the Yamaha, he liked it for awhile, but it kept falling over by itself, and he eventually wanted something that did not catch the eye of every cop out there. So he traded in for a Kawasaki Concourse, that was a bit much as well.
I think I would be concerned about a couple of things = is the bike at a secure place at work? I dont know about where you live but around here bikes are getting stolen at an alarming rate. Especially the sport bikes.

I think what you really want is a V-Strom.
It's the Swiss Army Knife of motorcycles. Commute during the week, then do touring, sport touring, sport(ish) riding, or dual sport riding on the weekends.

Hmmm, Honda Deuville?



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Deauville

700cc V-Twin, shaft drive, very tourable. Euro only though, if you happen to live there.

Edit: Checked your location. Sorry, not available in NA.

That honda is kinda in a similar category as the BMW F800ST.

I always considered belt drives to be the compromise between shaft and chain. its smooth and quiet, but lighter and cheaper than a shaft drive.

jmillheiser wrote:I always considered belt drives to be the compromise between shaft and chain. its smooth and quiet, but lighter and cheaper than a shaft drive.

Belt drives are awesome! Plus they last longer than chains as well. I just find it frustrating that replacing a belt is generally more expensive than a chain, when the belt actually costs less to manufacture than a chain.

Have you considered a Kawasaki Z1000?

AlphaZed wrote:Have you considered a Kawasaki Z1000?

I love the Z1000! Unfortunately Kawasaki isn't offering it in Canada anymore. That color scheme is sweet too!

AlphaZed wrote:Have you considered a Kawasaki Z1000?

no i haven't... but that's a nice looking bike. what's the seating position like? i want something a little more upright (standard). plus, i've never thought about getting a liter bike. are they good for longer trips (can they easily accept bags)?

mazer wrote:My ex bf had the Yamaha, he liked it for awhile, but it kept falling over by itself, and he eventually wanted something that did not catch the eye of every cop out there. So he traded in for a Kawasaki Concourse, that was a bit much as well.
I think I would be concerned about a couple of things = is the bike at a secure place at work? I dont know about where you live but around here bikes are getting stolen at an alarming rate. Especially the sport bikes.

first, what you mean it kept falling over?

second, i haven't thought a lot about it's security... but i'm a campus minister at unc chapel hill. i don't think i have any protection being a campus minister, but it's not like i have to worry about students being mad 'cause i gave them a bad grade and keying my bike. and there are campus cops going around all the time to check the parking lots (hoping to give tickets for people without passes).
as far as my house, i park my bike in my backyard (behind a privacy fence). not cause i'm paranoid, but my driveway is gravel with no protection, and in my back yard i have a lean-to i can park it under.
only thing is, it doesn't answer going other places. i'll think about that. thanks for bringing that up.