Although shaft-driven motorcycles are not found in a bulk; in the Indian market, a few models are accessible
A few days ago, we penned down an article about the different drives found on motorcycles. If you have not read that article, let us give you a brief about shaft drives. In most motorcycles, the power generated by the engine is transferred to the rear wheel of the motorcycle through a chain. However, in shaft drives, there is a shaft. Pretty similar to the wheels of steam engines from the yesteryears.
Shaft drives are usually found on high-end premium motorcycles and they have a long life because the shafts are sturdy in nature. Unlike chains, a shaft drive does not require periodic check-up at all. However, shaft drives lose an enormous amount of transmission. For those who are not aware of any shaft-driven motorcycles in India, here is a list of the top shaft-driven rides in the country.
Triumph Rocket III- In the world of sports cruisers, there is probably no other motorcycle above the Triumph Rocket III. As the name suggests, the Rocket III is indeed a rocket with its massive 2,458cc powertrain. Makes a peak power of 165hp, the British motorcycle has a maximum torque of 221Nm mated to a six-speed gearbox. Being a massive motorcycle, it has an 18-litre fuel tank.
Triumph Tiger 1200- Although the motorcycle has been discontinued in India, an updated model is soon to reach the Indian shores. An ADV to the core, the Triumph Tiger 1200 is one of the best ADVs in the entire world. The motorcycle draws power from a 1,215cc engine that makes 139hp of peak power and a maximum torque of 122Nm. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the Tiger 1200 is likely to be priced over INR 20 lakh when it comes to India.
BMW R nineT- Not just the name, but the motorcycle is unique as well. The R nineT is a German scrambler that retails at INR 21 lakh in India. The only motorcycle here with a boxer-style engine, the R nineT makes 108hp of power and 116Nm of torque from its 1,170cc powertrain. With a massive engine and 18-litre fuel tank, the R nineT weighs around 221 kilograms. Apart from the R nineT, BMW has several other motorcycles with shaft drives, such as 1250GS, K1300 and K1600. BMW is the only brand in the world that is known for relying more on shaft drives than chain drives and belt drives.
