I visited the Honda authorized service center, where my diagnosis regarding the disturbing loud noise coming from the drivetrain was confirmed. Based on this expert opinion, the seller agreed to take back the motorcycle and refund my money.
In the meantime, I found a much better-maintained example with slightly lower mileage. I took it for a ride, and in this case, the characteristic drivetrain noise is noticeably quieter, although still audible. I assume that this is probably a feature of shaft drive systems — that they are a bit louder than chain-driven ones.
In the meantime, I found a much better-maintained example with slightly lower mileage. I took it for a ride, and in this case, the characteristic drivetrain noise is noticeably quieter, although still audible. I assume that this is probably a feature of shaft drive systems — that they are a bit louder than chain-driven ones.