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I am confused. I am looking at getting a new bike(800cc or less) I am 60 yrs old and want a cruiser. Obviously I want a bike with the fewest problems. I read where chain needs lubed and adjusted. Then I read where belts slip and break and need adjusted. Now I read on forums that even the shaft drive needs lubed ans splines get screwed up. I thought I wanted a S-50 or a V-star 650 or a Vulcan 750 all shaft drive, now I am not so sure. I know there is no such thing as a maintenance free bike, but is there one that is close to it?

No such thing as absolutely no maintenance when it comes to a machine. Belts can break if a foreign object, such as a pebble, runs up between the belt and a drive pulley.

Quality chains now have O-rings in each link with lubricant inside, but still require light lubrication with oil or chain waxes on the outside, plus periodic cleaning and adjusting.

Drive shaft systems are the most protected from the elements, but as you mentioned, splines and U-joints require periodic maintenance. This is easy to schedule... having the splines regreased everytime the rear tire is replaced. Its that simple, and the final drive fluid can be changed every year or two depending on how much you ride.

But there is no free lunch out there.

A chain drive will require, by far, the most attention and maintenance. Belts last a lot longer than you would think, with people getting tens of thousands of miles out of them with no problem. A shaft drive should at least be pulled apart and inspected/lubed every time a new rear tire is mounted.

Any way you slice it, you're gonna have to address maintenance and inspection issues no matter what. I'd say the belt and shaft drives are about even since the belt would require more adjustments than the shaft but the shaft requires far more disassembly and work. If you plan on having a shop swap your rear tires while on the bike I wouldn't worry about it either way. Just have them do the proper adjustments and/or maintenance while the wheel is already off.

Belt and shaft are your best bet for low maintenance.

Like the other two said, shaft you can just have serviced when you replace the rear tire.

For my BMW, I grease the rear wheel splines and change the hypoid gear oil once a year at the start of the riding season. This is probably more than is needed but is easy to remember and perform out of habit. Once done, I'm good to go for a full season of riding.

Chains and belts do eventually need to be replaced. I've never had my shaft drive apart in 31 years.

Shaft drive is also a clean way to go. I vote for shaft drive.

From the power transfer standpoint, chains and belts are more efficient while shaft drive is the least. However, with the power of todays motors, this is not a significant point unless you're racing.
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I vote for shaft also. Once a year I change the gear oil, and slather some grease on the splines when it gets a new tire. Should last for at least 100k with that maintenance schedule.

I vote for shaft drive also. I've had several bikes with shaftdrive and never had problems. I change the oil and lube once a year. It's not a complicated process. I've never had a belt drive.

Re: Shaft Drive , Ditto , Ditto , Ditto............from the old Wizz

So are you saying you have to get a new tire every year?
Also aside from looks and only from a standpoint of known problems with the S-50,V-star 650, Vulcan 750(which also has I think Hydraulic Valves which eliminates adjusting them) is there a standout among 800cc or less bikes with either shaft or belt? Thanks

I'm sorry I also forgot to ask. If one is new to biking do you all think that flooboards would be better to "learn on" or not? I have heard you either like em or you don't so I was just curious? Thanks again