Modern O-ring chains last on average 20k miles or more with just a little maintenance(clean and oil every 500-700 miles or so, a 5-10 minute job usually), with the added advantage of easy gearing ratio changes, if you desire such. Can't do that with a shaft, ya know. And the carbs? No problem either.
Yes, both of these items are sort'a "low tech" nowdays, but they're both easy to maintain items also.
My suggestion, Ward? Make sure you're healed up(both physically and mentally) from your unfortunate accident, and then go buy the Triumph. The Americas and Speedmasters ARE the best handling cruisers on the market, in my book, with plenty of ground clearance so you have some fun in the twisties with 'em.
I can almost guarantee you will not be sorry you bought it, unless you are the sort who may not like getting constantly complimented by perfect strangers who will then bend your ear about their old "lost-loves"...their old Triumphs they had back in the day, and then all the usual questions which are sure to follow such as, "When did they start making Triumphs again?".
(Oh and BTW, say hello to June for me....your wife is HOT, dude!!!)
