2019 BMW S1000 XR

[Grumpy Goat]

I agree a shaft drive is better, but the difference has narrowed with the o-ring chains. The KTM I traded in had 7K miles and I never adjusted the chain, and the chain and sprockets were in excellent shape at that point. I spray can chain lube at about 500 mile intervals. Rear tire cleaning is about ten minutes using Simple Green and shop paper towels, the waxy lube from the spray can sticks to the chain and it doesn't fly all over other parts of the frame. Not as good as a shaft, but not bad. If I were to take a trip on this bike, I would carry a can of chain lube.

Once I get a seat I like, I would not hesitate to take this bike on any trip. I would not choose it over the RS, but if the RS were not available for any reason, I would mount the RS bags on the XR and go.

I am perfectly aligned with the above. I prefer a shaft drive but can live with a chain. As mentioned, the better power transfer efficiency of the chain does a heck of a lot to offest the convenience / low maintenance characteristic of the shaft. When I had a chain bike I found that chain maintenance was not an issue at all. But then I did not do long rides with it, either, where lubing would / should be done after each 500 mile day. I did appreciate having a stand (paddock but centre stand is even better) with a bike that has a chain though - makes a big difference towards actually doing the maintenance.