what side by sides are shaft driven

I went with a 2022 Polaris RZR XP 4 1000, which uses a shaft drive. In my experience the shaft is virtually maintenance‑free—no chain tensioning or lubrication. You do have to watch the CV joints; they can wear if you run heavy loads often, but overall I’ve saved time and money on upkeep. The trade‑off is a slight dip in power delivery compared to a chain, but I haven’t felt it on the trails I ride.

I tried a shaft‑driven Can-Am Maverick X3 and loved the smooth power transfer, but the initial price was a sting. The joint seals can leak if you neglect the periodic fluid change, which is easy to forget. Also, if you ever need to do a DIY repair, parts are pricier and harder to find than chain‑driven equivalents. If you’re okay paying a bit more for convenience, it works well for me.

Honestly, I think the shaft drive is overrated for off‑road work. My 2020 Yamaha YXZ1000R with a chain drive has never given me trouble, and I can swap the chain quickly if it snaps. The shaft models I've seen tend to feel a bit heavier and less responsive in tight woods. If you prioritize agility and don’t mind regular chain lubrication, stick with a chain drive.

Safety note: shaft drives can hide issues longer because you don’t hear the chain slap. I once had a CV joint start to make a grinding noise, but it was already close to failure. I recommend regular visual inspections of the joint boots and listening for any hum changes. Also, keep the shaft lubricated according to the manual; neglect can lead to costly repairs down the line.

From a trade‑off perspective, think about the terrain you ride. On rocky, high‑torque trails, a shaft drive can actually protect the drivetrain from debris and reduce breakage. However, on sand or mud you might lose a bit of traction because the shaft can be less tolerant of slip. I’ve found a mixed approach works: a shaft‑driven model for family rides and a chain‑driven one for competition events.