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Buell Forum » XBoard » Buell XBoard Archives » Archive through August 08, 2004 » What's involved in changing the belt on the road? « Previous Next »

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Tbs_stunta
Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 07:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Lets say your belt goes while out riding and you carry a spare, is it a road-side repair?
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Darthane
Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 07:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You really need a way to lift the rear wheel off the ground, so unless you happen to have someone following you with a swingarm stand, good luck.

Changing the belt itself is relatively simple and can be accomplished with just a few tools. However, you cannot bend them in any way to make it smaller without damaging the belt, so it's very impractical to carry a spare, even if there was some way to get the bike up and steady roadside to change it.
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Dasxb9s
Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 07:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Unless you have a chase vehicle or a cool sport bike trailer (the kind with one wheel that fixes firmly to the bike) I am not seeing a way to take a spare belt on an XB.

You would need a way to jack up the back of the XB high enough to lower the wheel to lower the rear pulley enough to without twisting the belt put it on the pulley. (assuming it is the first generation belt). Allen for the axle locking bolt, axle removal tool (it is in the tool kit),socket to remove the rear caliper, torx for belt guard, front pulley cover and lower fairing so the front pulley cover can come off, and the socket for the idler pulley and a torque wrench. The new belt is gonna take up the most space, then the torque wrench and means to jack up the back. Can be done road side... but not able to carry all needed on an XB.

Someone would most likely have to have the stuff in a chase car or bring it to you. Assuming it was not very cold or very rainy... not a big deal.
IMHO

DasBuell
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Unibear12r
Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 07:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I think I remember seeing a HD belt "repair kit" they were selling. Don't know for what models or if they still do. It would be nice if you could pin the belt together and limp 25 mph to home or dealer.
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Chainsaw
Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 09:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The "belt repair" kit is $109! It's on HD's web site.
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Smitty
Posted on Friday, July 30, 2004 - 09:22 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I did it once on my cousins FLH. It worked great rode 90 miles home no tools or adjustment needed. Rode it at highway speeds (with gentle throttle and clutch shifts).
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Unibear12r
Posted on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 02:52 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Be nice if it works on Buell belts. Some peace of mind for sure.
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Geofg
Posted on Saturday, July 31, 2004 - 02:37 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

That's a damn good idea. I wonder if the temporary belt could take the extra tension.

-Geof
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Captainplanet
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 11:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

The belt repair kit is actually a full belt with a seam of sorts that is pinned together to make it able to be put on without taking anything apart. It does not repair your actual broken belt. It would certainly be nice if one where made for the xb, but in all my searching thus far, I've had no luck finding one.
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Mikep
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 12:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

I would think that you could change an XB drive belt with the above listed tools on the road by laying the bike on its side (carefully), and doing the deed.

To carry it on an XB, you might try mounting it (un-kinked of course) over the front fairing and air-box cover.

mikeyp
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Flick
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 03:00 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

...roadside belt change too difficult...how about just using your Roadside Assistance? They can tow you to a dealership and you can change the belt there.
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Tbs_stunta
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 03:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Here's a scenario, which was the main reason why I started customizing my Thunderbird Sport. Stock it had spoked wheel with innertubes.

Monday, 1.15am somewhere between Macon and Atlanta, GA on a two-lane road, no cell reception. Pick up a nail and since I have innertubes Fix-a-flat won't keep and you usually can't plug innertubes. I ride all over the place at all hours. Luckily the screw held enough air to limp 15miles to Jackson GA. Grab a motel and have it fixed the next day.

Roadside assistance won't always do you.

Can you roll up the belt without damaging it, along the same plane that it goes around the rotors, and keep it in your tankbag? Hell I'd devote a tankbag to just that and roadside tools.
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Glitch
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 04:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Tbs, I don't think you could do that. The belts on the new bikes are toughernell. The first XBs had the life span issue. Buell has addressed that with a better replacement. If you're thinking of getting an XB12 you won't have a problem with the belt at all as long as you change it when the book says to. This is the first bike I've ever had that uses a belt, so I know what you are worried about.
Go here for a discussion about what it might take to repair a broken belt. We usually come up with some pretty good ideas between all of us. Some of them even work ; )
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Tbs_stunta
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 04:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Didn't someone on here say their newer-and-tougher-XB12 belt break on them?

Besides, if I didn't prepare for the worst I wouldn't keep a multi-tool, zipties and a plug kit in my tankbag. Really this belt issue is the main thing keeping me from getting a 12.
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Glitch
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 05:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

You could swap it over to chain drive.
It's been done.
I hate that this is what's keeping you from getting one.
But, I do understand, I'm a worrier too.
I've only heard of two XB12 belts breaking prematurely.
Pete sure puts his belt through the ol' torture test!
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Tbs_stunta
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 06:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Well its not the only thing, gotsa sell my Beemer first, but the XB is in my short list for a replacement.
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Stealthxb
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 06:31 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

Tbs_stunta...

Good luck selling the Beemer, I think you will love an XB!
I can't wait to see some new pics on your site featuring us 3%ers!
Are you going to make it to the Vortex on Thursday? I have not gotten a chance to meet you yet, but I am looking forward to it.

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Stealthxb
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 06:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

And I personally don't think the belts on the 12s are an issue. I run my Lightning sans belt guards daily on roads with a lot of construction and have not had any problems.

Knockin on wood!

(Message edited by stealthxb on August 02, 2004)
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Fullpower
Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 06:47 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only)

tbs: belt swap on side of road is no problem.very easy to pick rear of bike up with one hand (while leaned on side stand) and put an approximately six inch block or stick under rear of muffler. this is how i change tires in my garage. works front or rear.for tools this is what i carry: 8 inch adjustable wrench (fits axle nut, and belt tensioner arm fasteners), 3/8 allen for axle pinch bolt, 5/16 allen for swingarm brace screws, and of course you will need the T-27 torx that came in your bikes tool bag to remove the sprocket cover. pretty straight forward procedure, just remember to relieve belt tension by loosening (counterclockwise) the rear axle 15 full turns BEFORE removing swingarm brace. took me about half an hour. dont think i left out any big steps, will give it some more consideration when i get home and look at the bike. i am riding wifes new ducati monster today. fun little bike.
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