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recommendations for Japanese made shaftdriven motos under $3000?

T

tranquilride

New member
Joined
Sep 6, 2006
Location
Marin, Ca.
Moto(s)
Previously owned Honda CB400, Honda Nighthawk 700S.

Now own a 1997 Suzuki Bandit 1200S. And am n
So after repeated suggestions to spend a bit more $$$ & get a newer, better overall condition motorcycle that will be more mechanically reliable than the 84 CB700SC Nighthawk S I currentl have, I am researching options.
Among which is being open to suggestions & input based on experience with specific, relative makes by riders.
There are a few criteria I definitely have which narrow my options a bit, and am hoping for recommendations.?

* Japanese manufacturer, probably preferably Honda.

* Shaft drive - no chain.

* Under or @ $3000 max purchase price. Obviously pre-owned motorcycles for such price range.

* Durable, reliable, well-earned mechanical reputation for particular model.

* Prefer sport-touring style similar to the CB700SC Nighthawk. I like my back & need the more ergonomic comfort without going into Harley cruiser framestyle.
I remember liking the style of a Bandit I looked at a year ago, though not a Honda. Something wellsuited to frequent commuting as well as longer, trouble-free, comfortable touring through many states.
 
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Glad to see you're taking our advice. I like those old bikes and would love one as a project bike, but I wouldn't want one as a daily driver and my only form of transportation.

Unfortunately, there are not too many recent shaft driven bikes that would fall within your price range.

There are tons of good bikes available with chain final drives, however.

Cleaning and lubing a chain weekly or bi-weekly is just a few minutes with a spray can, brush, and some kerosene. Given the work you've been doing on the Nighthawk I'm sure you could handle it.

Chain adjustments are really no big deal (on my bike, you just need to unbend and remove a cotter pin, and use a 17mm and 19mm box wrench to loosen the axle bolts, tighten the chain up, and tighten everything back up. ~5 minutes.) and less frequent (maybe every couple of months.)

For instance, this morning on CL here in Phoenix, there was a '99 GS500E listed, for $1000, low miles, good condition, price negotiable. For up to $3000 even in the Bay Area you should have some pretty good options to choose from...with chain final drives.

Shaft driven bikes in that price range will mostly be the age your Nighthawk is, or older. That's not going to help you much in the reliability department.
 
Yes, it is wise advice. I want to keep the Nighthawk as a 2nd bike, with another as a more reliable runner.
Part of the attraction to shaftdrive is maintenance ease, cost & frequency of maintenance and seems like safer as less chance of debris, clothing, rock, etc getting caught like could occur in a chaindrive which could make bike & rider Fall Down Go Boom! Maybe that happens less than I think it might on chain driven bikes?.

I did not know shaftdrive would effect price that much though. Good to know.
 
ocean said:
Part of the attraction to shaftdrive is maintenance ease, cost & frequency of maintenance and seems like safer as less chance of debris, clothing, rock, etc getting caught like could occur in a chaindrive which could make bike & rider Fall Down Go Boom! Maybe that happens less than I think it might on chain driven bikes?.

I did not know shaftdrive would effect price that much though. Good to know.
Click to expand...

As far as debris and clothing goes, this isn't like a bicycle's chain. The front sprocket and chain is behind a cover. The top of the chain is underneath a cover at a minimum, at least until it reaches the rear of the bike. It's not exposed like that.

Yes, shaft drives have less maintenance, but chain maintenance takes up literally 5 minutes of my time on Sundays after I go out for a ride. It's not really that bad.

It's not so much that it affects the price, it's just that most Japanese bikes are chain drive these days. BMW is known for their shaft final drive, but BMW is way out of your price range. Older Japanese bikes with shaft drives are getting old enough now they will probably require as much maintenance as you are doing now.

Skippy does have a good suggestion for you though, I'd forgotten about those. But if you're willing to learn how to maintain a chain (and it's really not difficult) you have a lot more options.
 
suzuki gs bikes from the 80's, good ones can be had for under $2000 and they made a shaft drive gs650l, gs850 and gs1100l. The gs850 is probably one of the most bulletproof bikes of all time.

edit: but given your history with your nighthawk I would agree with some of the other posters that you may be wise to get something newer and chain driven.

Or...how about a really clean nighthawk 700 and use your old one as a parts bike.

Or..how about a honda civic, available for less than $3000 and way cheaper to run than a moto. Parts are cheaper and any mechanic will work on them.
 
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Found this a few minutes ago on CL & sounds & looks like the type of bike I would enjoy & within my price range. Well, will be after I save up the money I'm 6 months or so. -

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/829872706.html

993 Honda CB 750 Nighthawk Low Mileage - $2895 (campbell)

sale-829872706@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-09-06, 7:43AM PDT

Very well maintained 1993 Honda Nighthawk CB750 with powerful 75 HP engine
Always garaged
Dropped only once on the driveway with a small dent on the gas tank
Very low mileage of 19,400 miles
Custom made luxury seat with passenger back rest
Large windshield
Great for city riding and touring with ample power

Kelly Blue Book value of $2175 with addition of $720 for accessories and low mileage => $2895 firm
http://www.kbb.com/kbb/OtherVehi
 
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Honda CX500 FTW! You can also get one with turbo!

honda_CX500_1981.preview.jpg
 
honda gl1100 aka goldwing. you the earlier ones, gl1000 variants, are not the hard case laden freeway couches that their current brethren are they're standards. the gl1100 is more affordable than the gl1000 as the earlier bikes are getting collectible. you could get a really nice one of either example for 3k though, some of the gl1200 models too, but they're almost all covered in bard bags and extra electircal doodads

chains aren't a big deal once you've cleaned and lubed one once or twice. don't hamstring yourself with the shaft drive requirement
 
CX500 isn't a touring bike, though there is a "Silverwing" model which has full touring fairings and hard bags (with that strange CX500 engine) like a small Goldwing.

I'd recommend an 80's V45 Sabre or Magna. They are 700 or 750cc (depending on year) V-4 engined, shaft drive bikes. The Sabre is the sportier bike, and the Magna is the cruiser. They're absolutely bullet proof.

I'm working on a 1982 V45 Sabre with factory Hondaline fairings and hard bags. It'll take me a few months work in my spare time as my fall project bike, since it was stored for 10 years. My wife doesn't understand how I consider it "fun". :teeth

It looks like this
sabre.png

If that image fails, search google images.
 
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The moto in the photo ( Sabre ) I like the look of quite a lot! Though being same age @ as my current bike @ don't see how that would be a better choice than just maintaining the CB700SC Nighthawk I currently have? But I do like Hondas & the shaft drive & style of the sabre.
 
The sabre's and magnas are good bikes but the V4 engine is a pain to work on unless you have little tiny hands.

That 1993 nighthawk would be a good bike but its priced a bit high, my 1991 nighthawk 750 was in really good condition cost $3200, and came attached to a sidecar worth about $1200.
 
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do not fear chain maintenance.

if you absolutely must have a shaft, how about a honda pacific coast
 
Marlowe said:
:wtf :| :rofl

He has a Nighthawk 700!
Click to expand...

Ha! Funny!
Yes indeed - that is my bike. Well, not THAT one of course.
Great model of bike.
Just need to replace some fuel line tubing, front fork seals, front tire & brakes & probably a carb cleaning soon on mine.
 
goldwing!

prepurchase check: when were timing belts last done
rust in gas tank (common if it ever sat)
rust on frame, particularly the rear
check ignition system, it's points style and wears out eventually
wouldn't hurt to take a look at the forward driveshaft joint, but not mandatory

yeah, sure it's older than the bike you have but they have a pretty rabid aftermarket following, lots of parts available on ebay and enthusiast boards should something go wrong.
 
flying_hun said:
This is the best suggestion you've received. These can be found from time to time for very little money.

Vulcan 750's are reputed to be quite solid, quite cheap, and (IMHO) quite ugly, but YMMV.

Also, have you considered the Concours?
Click to expand...

Concours could be exceptionally fun, since someone found out the zrx engine will fit right in ! (you could do this upgrade later ?)
 
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