| Author | Message | ||
     Armypunk |
Does anyone know if the rear sprocket from an 05 CityX is larger than an 03 xb9sl? I was looking at one and it appeared larger but it could have been the new style belt. | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
The front and rear sprockets of the all '04 and later Buells are bigger than the '03's because in '04 Buell switched from a belt made by Gates, to one made by Goodyear which has a different number of teeth. In '06 they increased the thickness of the belt, making it stronger and more impervious to road debris, primarily to benefit Ulysses owners who are more likely to use the bike off road. The '06 belt will fit on all non '03 machines, but some members have reported that it seems to fit rather tighter, especially at first install. | ||
| Armypunk |
Thanks for the response. Do you know of a belt that will fit on the 03 that is stronger or do I need to change both sprockets? If I do need to change sprockets then I will probably convert to a chain drive. Do you think this would be a bad idea? | ||
| Gentleman_jon |
I would recommend simply replacing the original belt with the current, upgraded 2003 belt. Gates improved the strength of the belt in its third version, and many of the hard riding brothers, like Glitch, are reporting very good mileage out of them. The current part number is: G0500.02.A8R. You can order one any time from one of our sponsors, Daves at Appleton HD, (920) 757-1651. I think they are around $140. This belt has a couple advantages over the chain and the '06 belt options. Aside from being rather cheaper than doing a conversion, it it lighter than the other alternatives, and I think the smaller rear sprocket looks nicer. Another brother, Saintly, did a very nice and economical chain conversion, but he is a professional mechanic, and a chain will always require some maintenance. Here is my bicycle with the black paint removed from the original sprocket.  | ||
| Armypunk |
Thanks for the advise and the part #. I would post a pic of my bike but my digital camera is not working. | ||
| Fullpower |
yes, there is a very much STRONGER segmented steel drive "belt" available, it does require an inexpensive exchange of sprockets.  | ||
| Armypunk |
Fullpower, how do you like your chain drive in comparison to the belt? What company and how much could I expect to spend? | ||
| Buelltroll |
Daaaaamn man u gotta little leak goin on there. You need a front sprocket cover or SOMETHIN in my OPINION that just looks ghetto. The chain and rear sprocket look pretty slick tho. | ||
| Buell_892 |
yea, i wonder how well you like that chain drive... thought about one for myself, let us know how it works out? | ||
| Japbikeboy |
FULLPOWER, How did you get away with running no adjustments on your swingarm? How do you keep your chain tight? Where did you buy your sprockets from? What size chain are you running; 520, 525, 530, 535? I am really wanting to convert to chain drive, but am not wanting to spend the million dollars on the whole swingarm conversion. | ||
| Fullpower |
530 chain. no mods to swingarm. check the KV for details. have 9000 miles on the setup. the front sprocket cover fits, and is normally installed for road use. | ||
| Buelltroll |
You should tighten up those oil lines. Hot oil and warm rubber don't mix too well. | ||
| Firebolt428 |
www.racingmotorcycles.com To get a chain conversion swingarm. as Japbikeboy said it is a bit expensive. But you can adjust your chain. | ||
| Pwnzor |
I like my nice clean no-maintenance belt drive. I will concede that a chain is stronger, but my belt doesnt rust or throw grease all over my bike. Fullpower, if you wanna come over and borrow my steam cleaner you're welcome anytime bro. | ||
| Armypunk |
In the picture, I see what looks like an idler pulley, is this able to be adjusted in order to tighten or loosen the belt? | ||
| Fullpower |
yes, it is easily adjustable. if you use a good quality chain, you dont have to mess with it very often.note that you dont see many owners of 35,000 dollar Ducati 999R or 275 horsepower Hayabusas whining about how messy or fragile their drive chains are. you even see regular Oring drive chains on 200 mile per hour road race bikes at daytona. even see some 6 second drag bikes running the same Tsubaki Sigma x-ring chain as my sportster and Buell use. they have been around awhile, and have had some improvements over the last few decades. | ||
| Buelltroll |
Other than the "its cool I did it myself" factor, Whats the point? Not trying to start a whole bitching thing here I'm seriously wondering. | ||
| Firebolt428 |
Well I guess everyone has different needs. Mine would be that in order to race mine I really need the chain conversion kit for gearing and not braking belts all the time. It also adds a bit of snap to the bike too. You wouldn't think it would but you can tell the difference, atleast I did. But if I still rode it on the street I wouldn't spend the money on one. Especially since Goodyear has the new belt out for the new models. (Message edited by firebolt428 on November 29, 2005) | ||
| Buell_892 |
I just think it would be stronger.. however part of the reason i liked the buell was because of the soundless, clean, no maintience belt. I could go either way tho i guess | ||
| Armypunk |
Thanks for all the responses. I'm only asking because I like to know all my options. I have hopes of installing a big bore kit and possibly nitrous, but, unless I win the lottery, it won't happen anytime soon. For now I will just replace the belt with the new style. | ||
| Buell_892 |
Armypunk... dream big buddy.. what else are hope for? | ||
| Saintly |
"what else are hope for?" I hope for a subjective pronoun. | ||
| Saintly |
Sorry about the above post, I'm just in a wisea$$ kind of mood tonight, I think the rain today is killing my buzz. Anyway, heres a link to a more pertinent thread which compliments this one. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/3842/142058.html?1126944936 P.S What up GJ? | ||
| Pwnzor |
Well if you're racing it, I can understand it. But for every day riding, the belt is great. I actually like it better than chain or shaft drive. All a matter of preference and the steamcleaner offer is still open -hint -hint  |
