| Author | Message | ||
     Ejkokko |
I found out that my 2003 XB9R has a different belt than the 2004 xb9r... i found that its a stronger belt... could i put the 2004 belt on my 2003 without changing anything else? and should i be thinking about chain conversion so i will not have to deal with this belt breaking any more... Found out you have to change the belt on the XB every 15,000 miles!!!! | ||
| Diablobrian |
There have been a series of upgraded belts for the 03. Those can be used without changing hard parts. To use the 04 style you need to change sprockets and idler. Al at american sportbike has it as does daves at Appleton and probably about any REAL Buell dealer. I have the chain conversion, came on the bike. It may be overkill for the average street rider, or it may not. Trojan sells a good inexpensive (relatively) version. Hal's sells a pricey one that includes mods to the swingarm. Hope this helps. (Message edited by diablobrian on June 25, 2005) | ||
| Gjmcmanus |
Here is the link to the previous post regarding belt upgrades.. Hope this helps... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/cgibin/discus/show.cgi?tpc=32777&post=335740#POS T335740 | ||
| Ejkokko |
I would love to switch to chain... but $900 for the whole kit from Trojan... and I won't even get the chain!!! I would rather have the chain driven so i wouldnt have to change my belt every 15,000 miles... Is there anyone else that sells a CC kit? | ||
| 99buellx1 |
20,000 on the '04 belt. Only really need to change them when needed, this is just a recomendation. How many miles does the average chain last? | ||
| Exupmonkey |
A lot longer than my belt I should think..it went at 6000 miles!!  | ||
| Fran_dog |
Who wants the maintenance that comes with a chain? Stay with the belt. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I'd stick with the belt. Make sure you have the latest version, and you won't unless you have changed your original belt. Part number, written on the outside edge of the belt is:G0500.02ABR Changing to the stronger 2004 belt doesn't seem to be necessary any more, and cost almost as much as converting to chain: you need new belt, front and rear sprockets, idler wheel and one or two other little bits. The belt is lighter, therefore faster accelerating, smoother, less snatch, less maintenance and cleaner than chain. Chain allows easy change of ratios, is much more resistant to damage from small stones. So if you race or live where there are a lot of unpaved roads, chain is the drive modality of choice: if not, not. Just my .02¢ | ||
| Diablobrian |
with modern chain wax chain maint isn't the hassle it used to be, assuming you don't overlube, and you clean it your bike occasionally. I remember how nasty chain maint. was on my first street bike, 0-ring chains and modern cemicals make a world of difference. | ||
| Ejkokko |
I thought all i would have to change is the rear sprocket on my 03 if i wanted to use the 04 belt... I didn't know i had to change the front and the tensioner... Would i just go the the buell/HD store and tell them to give me all that stuff? or is there a conversion kit somewhere for 03 to 04 | ||
| Diablobrian |
The dealer should be able to get you the kit, or American Sport bike has it here http://www.americansportbike.com/shop/cgi-bin/cp-app.cgi?pg=store&sub_pg=splash (Message edited by diablobrian on June 26, 2005) | ||
| M2nc |
Chains can fail and stretch too. I had to replace the chain on my Honda @ 20,000 miles. The only reason I can see to change from a belt to a chain is if you have modified you bike to the point that a belt will no longer hold up to the duty you are putting it through. | ||
| Johnk3 |
there's a letter in cycle world july 05 page 131 that addresses the chain vs belt. "drivebelts also cannot tolerate much variation in tension, lest they skip, break or shear teeth. And the longer the rear suspension travel, the more difficult is the task of maintaining relatively constant belt tension. This is why Erik Buell spent so much time working out the geometry of the rear suspension and drivebelt tensioner on his namesake XB9 and XB12." The article also mentions that chains are more suited to repli-racer bikes that put a lot of stress on the driveline with high HP and fast accelleration/deccelleration. If you don't race the bike I can't see a good reason to change to a chain. Hey if Erik spent so much time working this detail out, who am I to argue? | ||
| Daves |
Just get the latest belt for it and forget about it. 152.00 is list price 136.80 Badweb price I have them in stock. I can also set you up with the stuff you need to convert it to 04 belt system or to chain drive if you must. | ||
| Buellin_ri |
The biggest advantage to changing to a chain (in my opinion) would be quick gear ratio changes. The adjustments, the mess, no thanks I'll replace the belt every 15k (its not that hard). | ||
| Diablobrian |
Like I said, daves can hook you up! | ||
| Buelltroll |
I have 9600 miles on my ORIGINAL 03 belt,on my 3rd rear tire. | ||
| Kowpow225 |
Also if you were to change to the 04 system, the primary gears must be swapped to make your speedo correct again. | ||
| Whodom |
You know, I think Cycle World is full of it in that letter response. The ultimate thing that limits how much power can be transmitted is the rear tire. The tire will break traction long before the belt will fail under load. While ultimately a chain is stronger, the belt is better at absorbing shock loads. (Message edited by whodom on June 30, 2005) |
