Shaft Drive Bike Suggestions (Besides XJs) ? - USA

So I'm finally selling my Maxims to a friend before I move from IL to Chattanooga, TN to a smaller house and garage.

I currently have a '94 Goldwing GL1500i that was running great except for valve covers needing new gaskets (I hope that's the issue).

Eventually (ASAP ) I'd like to get a 2nd bike for 1up riding when I don't feel like riding the Goldwing. I'd like to find another SHAFT bike. I like the low maintenance of the shaft vs messy chains and belts.

Visually I like the V-Max. I've never ridden one. I saw one recently on the highway. Compared to a goldwing the V-max looked tiny. LOL. I don't need that much POWER, but I like the brand, look general size of it. Thoughts?

Ideally like I'd like something less than 15 years old and Fuel Injected if possible - Or MUCH easier to access and tune carbs than the XJs.

Unless I get a REALLY good paying job after finally moving, I doubt I'll get anything nearly new or new.

Any suggestions are welcome. NO I can't keep the Maxims. I needs something newer that starts right up and hopefully is nearly as reliable as XJs and Goldwings.

 

I'll sell ya my 85 BMW K100rs, shaft drive and fuel injected

 

I googled the bike - yup looks like and 80's BMW... Beyond that don't know anything about them...

 

Anything from the Yamaha Star line will fit what you want. Consider belt drives too, they are low maintainaice and very reliable.
Moto Guzzi is also a good choice (a bit agricultural still, but much more modern than they were even 25 years ago). Everything is easy to get to, and they have good parts support.

As Polock suggested a K bike is also a good choice, but I will mention that it has a few quirks. The turn signal controls being one of them.

 

don't forget the automatic up side stand

 

Ya, and that nice puff of white smoke on startup after it has set on that sidestand overnight. I never understood why they didn't orient the engine so the cylinder head would be on the uphill side. Even so, I'd like one.

 

I"ll keep belt drives in mind - should be alot less mess/work compared to a chain.

quirky is not exactly what i'm looking for...

 

Sport or cruiser try the late model VTX 1300 honda or 2 carb shadow 1100.
Or Vulcan 1600 FI
Not enough jap big four shaft drive sport bikes unless ST honda or newer FJR Yamaha

 

Ok to clarify I'm 6' tall and don't want any modern crotch rocket style bikes.

Ideally smaller than goldwings although xjr and similar look nice.

I know I'm going to want my maxim, but that ship has sailed for now.

Tbt if had money I'd get one of those honda fb6 ?? Goldwings with out the trunk...

 

I figured you were not 5'2 when you mentioned the GL15
I'm 5'10 now "shrinkage " but stupid long legs can't remember any bike I'm not flat foot with knees bent. yes do agree most new crotch rockets don't fit well for over 5'9 when you are over 50ish ( last new bike 2001 Gsxr 600 on a special deal from Suzuki) was a nice bike for longish trips but not going to do the 700+ mile days like when I was 18. Last summer son and I took our bikes for day ride my butt was killing after 3 hours, the seca 650 seat is sacked

 

Unique and parts and accessories are probably non-existant but the local TN dealer has a used
2009 Honda DN-01. Saw one once new on showroom floor. Different but cool!

EDIT: I also had/sold a Suzuki Burgman 400 with CVT so powerful automatic is not new to me.

 

Don't know many details/ specs, but that's certainly a cool looking bike. Signal integrated into the mirrors is a nice touch. Looks soooo strange without a shifter on the floorboard and no lever on the right grip!
As for accessories, there's not much, but Corbin makes a 2 up touring seat with backrests, ect.. In my opinion, totally kills the lines of the bike. Looks like its sitting on top of the stock seat.