| Author | Message | ||
     Dirtridr |
I was wondering how big of a project would it be to change an XB12R from a belt to a chain, for holeshot purposes? }}-How much money. -Time -difficulty -Is it worth it? | ||
| Fullpower  |
seems like i have about $250 or so in it. it is worth doing if you are tired of breakin kevlar. | ||
| Dirtridr |
IS it a pain in the a** or not to bad? | ||
| Fullpower |
it was a bunch of fun for me, but i'm strange that way. | ||
| Fullpower |
its easier to pack a spare master link than a spare belt. | ||
| Dirtridr  |
I like everything about the Buell's, V-twin, american sportbike, but Im not feeling that whole belt thing. They cant be good for dragging. | ||
| Fullpower |
you can check the archives. perform a search topic "my xb is chain drive" its all there. welcome to the xboard. | ||
| Hkwan |
Correct me if I'm wrong - the belt breaking issue only comes up on '03 models and not the '04? Is that the reason '04 model have different version belt system and some people are actually doing the '04 belt upgrade on their '03's? | ||
| Dirtridr |
I was readin the archives and alot of people complain about a chain messing up your rear end. They said lash and lub all over. Whats your experiences with that? | ||
| Dirtridr |
Whats so different about the 04's? | ||
| Hkwan |
Dirtridr, I do have to lube the F4i that I have now. If you use the correct chain wax, the fling isn't "that" bad. I do have some after a freeway ride the day after chain service. The proper way is to do it every 500miles (or more often if you live in a very sandy/dusty area or very wet climate). The proper technique is first you have to clean it using WD-40 or Kerosene (brush, rags, etc). Then you have to ride it for just a bit to get it warm up before applying the wax (spray on)so that it stays on and get into the o-ring better. BTW, some chain now are X-rings. After that, wipe off the excess and wait an hour or two before riding. The process usually takes me 1/2 hr to 45 min. But I usually end up cleaning up the wheels so it takes me just a little over an hour. It is something I don't enjoy doing though even though it is not difficult. The bike just got to be on a rear stand, that's all. I'm sure you can find the difference between the '04 and 'o3 belts. Thicker, maybe? I've read that the pitch is different as well. | ||
| Dirtridr |
. | ||
| Trenchtractor  |
My 12 is an 04. I broke a belt. I now have chain drive. It's not hard if you are willing to do the research. The maintenance once a week is fine with me, better than being stranded on the way to work and having your boss off side over you being 2 hours late to work... That part of it was rather embarassing... You know, explaining to your boss why your new 6,200k old bike broke down because a belt snapped... | ||
| Trenchtractor |
Oh, and I'm running 21/48 set of sprockets. That makes for a 5% taller final drive than the stock belt/pulley set-up. Even though it's taller it still mono's better than when it was belt driven...  | ||
| 1320  |
Here is a little trick that I learned from riding chain driven bikes...when you install the retaining clip on the master link make sure the closed end of the clip is on the side of the link for forward rotation..the chain will stretch as it gets broken in. If the clip is installed with the open end toward forward rotation the chain is wanting to pull the pin out of the open end of the clip. After installation I also clean the master link real well and then put a dab of silicone around the pins and retaining clip as additional insurance of it not coming apart... | ||
| Hkwan |
How hard do you ride on the belt? Is it really THAT easy to snap that belt. I'm a little worry. | ||
| Lovematt  |
That "trick" with the master link is really required...consider a normal chain drive bike and the plastic guides it must go through...the master link can catch on something if pointing the wrong way which can pop the master link clip right off...seen it happen several times. I also second the practice of using silicon after cleaning it really good. Good idea to put it on the plate, put the clip on, and then fill in the clip like Bondo to hold it in there. Usually let it dry for a good 12 hours or so before riding it on my dirt bikes in the past and never had a problem. | ||
| Trenchtractor |
I use a GXW 530 ($260AUD) with a rivet style link... I'm not expecting that bad boy to fail, and I don't think the link will 'let go' since you have the grind it off. That's ok on the Buell, since you have to be able to install the belt, they are designed with an 'endless' belt/chain in mind. Word from the manufacturer of the sprockets is that the steel sprockets and GXW chain combination should be good for 50,000k's if looked after correctly... I proly won't have the bike that long. |
