Confessions of a troubled history in motorcycling

[Longitudinal]

They both have their purpose. It's not worth arguing about which is best. Both and neither.

An enclosed chain would be most of the best of both worlds, but it hasn't been done sine the early 20th century with a heavy casting. As far as know.

I have seen some Bultaco dirt bikes with enclosed chains. It seemed like a clever idea.

[Longitudinal]

My MC ownership is considerably more limited, but I have owned two shafties and one chain bike. My first bike, a 1983 Nighthawk 650, was a shafty. So with shaft drive being my introduction to motorcycles, I never gave shaft jacking a thought.

While it is true that the shaft setup is heavier and that the weight difference is 100% unsprung, the difference is never going to affect me as a rider. I like the enclosedness of the shaft system. I actually like shaft drive aesthetically as well. The only part I don't like is stressing over the strength and lifespan of the drive splines in my '82 GS1100GL.