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.
But I have to admit, I had a slightly different idea of what a shaft-driven motorcycle would be like — that it would be completely silent and you'd just enjoy the purr of the engine. I don’t know if I’ve just had bad luck and ended up with another worn-out bike, because I can still hear the noise in this second one too, although it’s definitely quieter than in the first. Or maybe the ST1300 just has this trait by design.
Although I wouldn’t bet even the smallest thing that I didn’t hear any such noise in the very first unit I test rode — I’m pretty sure it was completely silent.
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.
But I have to admit, I had a slightly different idea of what a shaft-driven motorcycle would be like — that it would be completely silent and you'd just enjoy the purr of the engine. I don’t know if I’ve just had bad luck and ended up with another worn-out bike, because I can still hear the noise in this second one too, although it’s definitely quieter than in the first. Or maybe the ST1300 just has this trait by design.
Although I wouldn’t bet even the smallest thing that I didn’t hear any such noise in the very first unit I test rode — I’m pretty sure it was completely silent.
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