Remember when a "shaftdrive" bike was considered virtually maintenece free?

[Momz]

Back in the early eighties I worked at several M/C shops as a salesman. I sold BMWs, Hondas, Yamahas, etc. And most of my customers would go GA-GA over shaftdrive bikes, because they believed that they were maintenence free. No chain adjustments or lubrication issues, well most of those buyers never really rode their bikes much (have kept in touch with a lot of them over the years).

There is a plethoria of used motorcycles from the eighties on craigslist and garage sales that can be bought for a song. If your looking for a project bike, remember to ask if the shaftdrive and driveunit has ever been serviced.

As Valk owners we probably are better equipped to take on a resto or custom M/C project, and those 20-25 year old bikes can be had for a song.

Be wary of those "Turbo" bikes though.     

[Patrick]

My first shaft drive was a BMW and I thought the same.. First time shaft drive bike owners are in a for quite a culture shock,, but,, the shock disappears eventually..

[NITRO]

What's wrong with turbo bikes? A guy is selling an '82 seca turbo dirt cheap, but needs a little work.

[JaysGone]

Nothing wrong with old bikes except for finding parts.
Im having enough trouble finding parts for my 99 Valk as is.
They are out there but finding what you need at the time you need it.
Is a hurry up and wait thing.
In my case if andd when I find what I need its already 10+ years old.
New OEM for a Valk is pretty hit or miss.
A 25 year old turbo might be impossible.

If I knew what I was geting into rebuilding a 13 year old 1500.
Id have gotten a newer 1800 GW.

[Momz]

NITRO

A cheap Yamaha Turbo Seca is going to be an expensive bike to repair. A headache on two wheels. They were the "worst" of all the turbo bikes.

If your interested in the turbo bikes; the best is the Honda 650 Turbo, stay away from the 500 Turbo.
The Suzuki 650 Turbo is quite rare, but a great handler, as is the Kawasaki 750 turbo. But the Suzy and Kaw aren't shafties either.