powersliding... yeah

[dingleberry]

I am relatively new to shafties and was wondering how different are they to a chain drive in terms of "sliding yer arse" around a corner.
Is the bike more inclined to highside/lowside when traction returns or does it behave much the same as a chain driven bike? And before you fall over laughing at the mere thought of a 400 powersliding round that next corner I'll add that theres a bit of weight reduction going on (me and bike) and weight bias is leaning to the front. Oh and sticky tyres cost too much.
If anyone has experience in this area share your thoughts please.
If anyone wants to laugh at my optimism also feel free to chime in. :P

[The Prophet of Doom]

You want to drift a XZ400?
This I'll pay money to see

[Rick G]

I don't believe that it will behave any differently , from a chain drive bike . It fairly short coupled and will come around quickly . I would prefer wider bars for that type of adventure!

[The Prophet of Doom]

I don't believe that it will behave any differently , from a chain drive bike . It fairly short coupled and will come around quickly . I would prefer wider bars for that type of adventure!

Except the 400 is the most gutless motorcycle ever invented.  It would be easier to do a powerslide on a hampster.

[Rick G]

I've never ridden a 400 , but that makes sense/ It weighs the same as  a550. but has less power to  move it.
I have ridden mine on really rough , rocky dirt roads  and it had  plenty of power , in fact you had to use some caution!

[dingleberry]

You want to drift a XZ400?
This I'll pay money to see

So you've found a job already? :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

Seriously though most bikes will slide at the right lean angle/WOT/few grains of loose shingle/oil/wet weather. 

Just want to know what to expect if it happens.

[dingleberry]

I don't believe that it will behave any differently , from a chain drive bike . It fairly short coupled and will come around quickly . I would prefer wider bars for that type of adventure!

Except the 400 is the most gutless motorcycle ever invented.  It would be easier to do a powerslide on a hampster.

Never ridden a hamster, pussies are more my thing. I agree about the gutless 400 but I consider that a challenge to rectify.

[Walt_M.]

Only difference between shaft drive and chain is shafties raise the rear suspension on acceleration due to torque reaction. The Vision has short, stiff rear suspension to counter this. BMW uses a complex rear linkeage for the same reason.

[dingleberry]

Ah so I might have to be careful with choosing a replacement rear shock unit. There wont be enough weight over back wheel to effectively soak up bumps I am thinking. Haven't actually ridden vision yet so no idea. My R1150GS does 'torque' when changing gear so I wasn't sure. Thats probably more to do with engine configuration than shaft?
Thanks for replies