Anyone down a chain conversion?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 566
Likes: 7
From: Seattle, WA
Agreed.
But as I mentioned earlier, it seems the quality of the newer OEM belts is going down those last years.
I use this bike daily to commute to my work, however the weather is, living here in Europe above the rust belt, 80 % of the time on highways at 75 MPH, this may also be a reason why my belt went south at such a "low" mileage...
Besides the longevity of a chain vs a belt, I still trust a chain for its toughness, I rode chain bikes for years, and I never lost a chain on the way, while it seems to happen that belts snap sometimes, without earlier warning.
I also have to say that I put oil on the chain once a week, after having done for about 500 miles there in between. Overkill, I know...
But as I mentioned earlier, it seems the quality of the newer OEM belts is going down those last years.
I use this bike daily to commute to my work, however the weather is, living here in Europe above the rust belt, 80 % of the time on highways at 75 MPH, this may also be a reason why my belt went south at such a "low" mileage...
Besides the longevity of a chain vs a belt, I still trust a chain for its toughness, I rode chain bikes for years, and I never lost a chain on the way, while it seems to happen that belts snap sometimes, without earlier warning.
I also have to say that I put oil on the chain once a week, after having done for about 500 miles there in between. Overkill, I know...
I just wanted to point out that crazy things can happen regardless).Honestly, most of the issues with belts failing early seems to be issues with slight misalignment of the rear wheel or with a rock being ingested. Chains handle small misalignments better than belts.
I'm not really "down" on chains, I just think that belts are generally an improvement under most circumstances and that there are good reasons for using them instead of chains, including expected durability.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Chain Vs Belt
Lot of good qualities in both chain and belt. Me after going through two belts on my sport decided to go with a chain. Last belt left me stranded between Big Springs and Abilene wife had to come with the truck and trailer from Dallas. Side note only one person on a bike stopped to ask if I needed help had at least ten cars stop? Any way got home put a chain on it and have not looked back. Just now looking at replacing the system with new chain and sprocket 30K+ miles. I ride to work almost every day no snow or rain if I can help it. Any ways wear dress pants even light color ones no chain lube splatter. Use Belray or Honda spray it on wait an hour usually doing other maintenance/cleaning then wipe everything down. Next morning off to work ( I do not have a chain guard). With the chain never stranded, choice of gear ratios for the way I ride. Only difference is replacement and cost one 30 min max the other (belt) dismantle the rear end. Guys that have switch what are you running gear ratio wise?Me 49/24.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 725
Likes: 3
From: Hagerstown, MD
belts seem better to me, I don't understand why anyone would prefer a chain, I guess it's preference, but what about shaft drives? obviously this is the most expensive to manufacture, and probably why Harleys don't have them. but the shaft drive appears to be superior to everything, no maintenance, lasts forever and best for performance..
I don't know if belt quality has gone down but they are definalty making them smaller now, the latest ones are almost 1/2 the width of the old ones.
I don't know if belt quality has gone down but they are definalty making them smaller now, the latest ones are almost 1/2 the width of the old ones.
Last edited by 06Sporty75; Sep 6, 2014 at 01:02 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 566
Likes: 7
From: Seattle, WA
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 11
From: Belgium
About driveshafts, to me, they only are efficient and useful when the engine's crankshaft is lined with it, like on an Airhead or a Guzzi
Last edited by Proteus; Sep 7, 2014 at 07:18 AM.
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 90
Likes: 2
From: san diego
Chains are for ease of gear changes, which can be accomplished by a regular garage monkey. Belts to, but you have to buy the right size, vs using a chain breaker. Belts are good for the average rider who doesn't go past 4000 rpms normally. 100 hp buells snap belts. But those are easy to replace, Dynas are a lot more work to reinstall a belt
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 45
From: Florida
Saw the damage done to a GSXR 1000 by a broken chain at high RPM and it wasn't a pretty sight. Completely destroyed the rear plastic body parts, put a good slice onto the lower part of the frame. The rider was very fortunate that it did not catch his leg. My take is if you can use the belt drive, stick to it.