| Author | Message | ||
     Blackhat |
The XBs have an awful lot of plastic surrounding their belts. I understand the importance of shielding the belt from debris getting between the belt and the sprocket, but, to the more educated, can any portion of this gawdy belt guard be removed or modified without sacrificing the serviceability or life of the belt? Looking at the Harleys, they leave much more exposed than the Buells. Any help is appreciated. | ||
| Fullpower |
itseemed to me that some of the guardage was excessive also. i removed the rear UPPER plastic, be cause that portion of the belt while running in the forward direction, is leaving the pulley, and thus would not be inserting debris to the sprocket.. the ugly chunk over the front sprocket also covers up some wiring connectors. and a hose i think. but it could probably be carved down a bit. i might have to carve up a piece of aluminum to go in its place. i am also not a big fan of extra plastic. | ||
| Blackhat |
Fullpower, So you removed the upper "BatWing" portion of the belt-guard? Have any problems with it? Blackhat | ||
| Easyflier |
The '04 guards are more minimalist than the old ones. I'm thinking an upgrade is in order the next time I change tires. | ||
| Fullpower |
removal was a bitch, tight quarters with a T27, but the screws came out, and bike looks better without it. really cant see it being a problem. looked like lawyer protection not belt protection. | ||
| Blackhat |
EasyFlier, I agree, the '04 guards look alot leaner and cleaner. Wonder what the cost of a swap would be. Fullpower brings up a good point though. Removing the return side of the beltguard should be OK minus the belt flinging water all up and down your right pant leg on a wet day. I just think it's a shame that Buell developed this good looking, fat, shiny wheel, then covered it all up with big chunks of black plastic. The wife's Blast is much worse. The belt guard and fender are all one piece, and huge. Looks like a cross between an early 70's cafe racer, and the Bat Mobile. | ||
| Buellicious |
I removed all the plastic wrap around my belt and it looks great. However, the belt broke at 2600 miles. Not sure if it was the lack of a belt guard or a hard shift. | ||
| Easyflier |
I think the cost of the new guards is just under $90 but I'm not certain. I figure that it would be a move for convenience and that much less to buy if I upgrade to the entire belt system one day. | ||
| Davegess |
The '04 guards are smaller becasue the '04 belt is tougher. Buell put all those guards on to maximise belt life. Even with them I don't think they last as long as the ones on a sportster do. Dave | ||
| Glitch |
The '04 guards are smaller becasue the '04 belt is tougher. Also, if ya wanna up grade to the '04 belt guard and belt, ya gotta upgrade the pulleys and the rear brake mount. Maybe something else as well, I don't remember, I just thought the cost of upgrade wasn't worth it to me, I'm just keeping it as it is. | ||
| Ara |
I wonder how long it'll be before the belts for the '03 XBs are not longer available? | ||
| Davegess |
Ara, you can still buy parts for a '91 RS. I suspect the belts will around for a long time. I am not sure about the XB but for the tubers the belt is the same as on a sporty so no worries there. | ||
| Blackhat |
Anyone know off hand how much these belts cost? | ||
| Easyflier |
Pretty sure they run about $150. | ||
| Bykergeek |
shame you can't fold the belt up. I'd be carrying a spare in the tank bag on long rides. | ||
| Raptorj |
I just bought and installed a brand new (07) belt on my 04 XB12R after my old (04) belt broke... I knew it was gonna eventually break as it had slight damage from a pebble... Anyways, after the easy, yet timely, replacement and installation of the new belt, I think it is wise to keep at least the lower belt guard on. It doesn't look too bad and who knows, it may just save you a $150 replacement in the future. |
