| Author | Message | ||
     1324 |
I just did the 04+ conversion to my 03 and am in the process of acquiring the proper belt guards. I have all I need except the rear upper. I'll be using the latest and greatest 06 Belt, so I'm wondering how many people have experienced belt failures they are attributing to removal of the UPPER guard. Based on my thinking, that guard is mainly there to reduce spray when the belt is wet/dirty. The lower guard appears to be the most critical. Thoughts? I'll pick up the upper as soon as I can find a used one because I'm cheap...but in the meantime, I'd like to ride without risking it. | ||
| Barker |
My 2003 original "bad" gates belt: 25k miles, wheelies, track days. I has two 1/4 inch holes (bullets?) it it still runs fine. I just hung it in the garage as a spare. No belt guards. Other badwebbers I have talked to, not so blessed. | ||
| Cycleaddict |
small rocks etc. will stick to the tire and be thrown onto swingarm in various places ... eventually landing onto the belt and then being "processed" by the belt & pulleys to a hole in the belt, which "will" weaken the belt !! it all depends on "lucky" you feel ! i don't like "pushing" my bike so i have all of the belt guards in place ! | ||
| 1324 |
Yeah, I understand that. Maybe it's just me, but what I fail to understand is how the upper guard is going to prevent that. As far as I can tell, the most important guard is the lower rear followed by the sprocket cover on the engine... | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I think you are probably right about the upper belt guard not protecting the belt from road debris. That is not it's only purpose. It also is there to protect YOU in case the belt breaks. Not a very big risk, but something to consider. | ||
| Pwnzor |
I run without the upper guard, no problems. 30,000+ miles without it so far. |
