| Author | Message | ||
     Exploredasurf |
Just had a question about the belt, just wondering why none of the race bikes keep them. I like mine, is there something I dont know like high speed effects, etc. Out of assumption, Im guessing some where there's a guy with thick glasses and a pocket protector making rule's "chains only GUY'S!" | ||
| Ft_bstrd |
Chains provide the ability to tune the gearing from track to track. Tom Bumpus runs the same fuel map and race exhaust as Barnes running 150RWHP AND a belt without issue. | ||
| Diablobrian |
The belts are fine for the 1125r so the higher hp argument is pretty well dead and buried, assuming you are not riding an 03 model. The stock belts on the 03 models is notorious for failing after a short time. Some have done incredibly well with them, but that is not the norm. Predominantly the people that convert to chain either want to change the final drive ratio, they (like me) cannot afford to be stranded by a failed belt, or they find the chain conversion kit to be cheaper than the replacement belt or 04+ conversion kit. I'm sure there are other reasons people have switched, but those are for reasons that are more niche related, like putting a ducati swingarm on etc. | ||
| Andymnelson |
The stock belts on the 03 models is notorious for failing not the norm if they have been mishandled. There, fixed that for you.  | ||
| Midknyte |
Some have done incredibly well with them Some still are  | ||
| Blake |
Yep, the race bikes switch to chain for ease of drive ratio changes. There was also an incident at Daytona where the little bits of rubber shed from the ultra gummy racing slicks had stuck to and accumulated on the rear sprocket causing the belt to become way to tight and break. You'd probably only ever run into that in an endurance race though. A proper guard could probably remedy that issue as well. But the correct answer to your question is as Jeremy stated, to provide final drive ratio adjustability. | ||
| Punkrider99 |
Sorry to hi-jack but I have a late '02 XB9S with almost 22k miles on the original belt. I check it every time I ride and it looks fine but I'd rather change it to be safe. I thought I might have seen somewhere that if you want to upgrade to the newer style belt you have to change the rear sprocket? Or can I use the original style belt and just keep changing it when I need to? According to my local HD/Buell stealership a new belt is $175. That's a little rich my for tastes. Any place to find one a bit cheaper? Any other options I might have for changing out the belt? Thanks! | ||
| Midknyte |
There was an updated belt (around '04 to '05) that does not require new sprockets. | ||
| Punkrider99 |
Do you happen to have a PN for this updated belt? Anyone know why the other belt required a different sprocket? | ||
| Froggy |
G0500.02A8R is a direct bolt on upgrade for your 03 belt. This came out a few years ago. Buell switched to a totally different and stronger belt system on the 04 model year, and all bikes since then including the 2010's use it too. This newer system requires you change sprockets, belt guards and idler pulley. The price on that belt is about the same, but then you need to factor in the the extra dough for the other pieces. | ||
| Midknyte |
The newer belt is sourced from a different maker and hence has a different [patented?] tooth spacing, pitch, etc. requiring the new sprockets. | ||
| Punkrider99 |
Awesome, thanks for the info guys! |
