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Cheesebeast
| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 09:37 am: |
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Howdy All, I have a 2003 XB9R with 6k on it. It has the original belt, and thanks to this board I actually examined it last night. There are small 1/8" cracks on the outer edge (not against the sprocket) of the belt in several places. They appear to be only in the outermost rubber layer. I do have the service manual, but the diagram showing different belt condition scenarios didn't illustrate the small "checks" or cracks in the edge of the belt. Will I soon be getting blisters from pushing my bike? Thanks, Cheese |
Skyguy
| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 12:54 pm: |
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I have the same cracks on my third 03 belt. The previous two snapped with no warning or visible signs of wear/abuse. My latest belt is showing the same kind of cracks along the outer edges and I am patiently waiting for American Sport Bike to get the rear pulley in on upgrade kit. Meanwhile I have ridden about 500 miles with the belt in the current condition. Not sure exactly what this means but to be safe I carry my walking shoes................ |
Sgthigg
| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 01:46 pm: |
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Yep we go over this one about once a week too. Cheese...Dont do like others on here refuse to do. UPGRADE YOU BELT!! I have over 9K on mine. No problems so far! good luck |
Skully
| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 02:00 pm: |
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I upgraded my 2003 XB to the 2004 spec belt and have been very happy. I even race mine with no problems what so ever. In 2006, Buell introduced a supposedly even better belt with the Uly that fits all bikes that have the 2004 or newer belt. The new belt has no scheduled replacement schedule. Keith |
Ds_tiger
| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 02:25 pm: |
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Rhetorical question: I'd be curious to know how many folks with belt problems are running without or with modified belt guards- modified from stock. - I had a '01 X1 with 20K miles on it when I sold it with never a belt problem...maybe I got lucky |
Skyguy
| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 02:31 pm: |
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I had full belt guards on the first two belts and none on the third. While a belt guard may stop large debris from getting in there there is no way it can stop the grit and debris of everyday all weather riding. I have noticed now two different stances with a couple of the different sponsors here. Some say guards are not really all that important, another says very important.
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Glitch
| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 02:37 pm: |
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I've not refused to change, just haven't had the change to do it. When I do change, I'll get the new Uly belt as well. I've gone through four belts in 44,000+ miles. The first one was my fault while changing a tire. The second was one of the "old" style belts. The third was killed on a dyno-drag, but I didn't notice the teeth missing until a tire change. This on seems good enough. I'll probably switch when this one breaks. |
Cheesebeast
| Posted on Wednesday, June 07, 2006 - 04:30 pm: |
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I am honestly sorry that this topic has been done to death. I plan on upgrading the belt to the '06 version. The cost is pretty high, though, considering I will have to buy all the belt covers as well as the different "moving" parts. I am going to guess it will cost about $600.00 (with me doing the work!). I do have the belt covers/guards on mine, incidentally. I also have a gravel/dirt driveway and the bike gets pretty gritty from daily use. Thanks for the responses, Cheese |
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