| Author | Message | ||
     Rydin_d_cyclone |
I love my used '00 M2 (thusfar), lol, but I learned what a pain in the rear and exorbitant associated co$t a belt replacement was when I owned a belt driven V-twin whose manufacturer I will not name. How many of you tuber pilots have had chain conversions and never looked back, or have done so and regretted the act? How is the market for slightly used kits? I'm curious, but fully understand the weight and noise aspects of running a belt. It's just if and when they break, it's Dismantle City and $$$$, lol. Peace and best wishes to you all. Rydin. | ||
| Anonymous |
The random experiences of others,when seeking pecuniary savings,is likely to be of little use in time of need.Seek and you shall find.What is less costly?Time,effort,expense-eliminate the less-needy commodity,weigh the other two with caution and proceed from there,until then-pay retail. | ||
| Blake |
With the right tool and procedure, belt replacement on an M2 is not such a big deal. | ||
| Mikej |
On the side of a road it is, in a camp ground it is, in a dealership parking lot 10 minutes before the service department closes but you got there just in time to buy the last belt in stock from the parts department - it is. Granted, they infrequently break, but when they do it is not as simple as changing a chain nor as simple as changing a belt on an S2 or X1. But then, granted, I just read a comments in the latest HogTails about the owner of an early 1990's FLT who's final drive belt lasted over 200,000 miles before it broke close to his home. But then even our own Daves had a belt break, but granted it was possibly mishandled at the previous belt change which was not done by Daves, but - still - it broke. Can you change a belt on a stock M2 in less than 30 minutes? Granted, it's not such a big deal, but it's not such a small deal either. I dread the day I have to change the belt on the FLT, just a bit more involved than changing the one on the M2, but I'm not about to convert the FLT over to chain drive. Rydin, run it 'till you break it, then decide. In the mean time start collecting info and data and change procedures and put them in a folder next to your service manual. | ||
| Jayvee |
Isn't it comparable to a timing belt in an otherwise reliable and cheap foreign car? You know it's there, time ticking on it's life, and it will eventually wear out, but you want to get the most use out of it before you replace it, but you know if you go too long and it breaks, it will be expensive, and can you do it yourself, etc. All of the maintenance energy is on just worrying about it, since you don't really have to do much physically in real life. Don't even need to adjust mine, don't need to lube it, don't hardly even think about it, from a routine maintenance point of view. Very much unlike my old exposed-chain bikes, where you lube it and/or clean it about every 3 to 5 days. Nowadays they have O-ring chains though, I never ran one. | ||
| Buellboyblue |
Like everything in life, first times a charm (or b*tch!) and easier after that. You shoulda seen my Isolator oreo after I chewed it up with slip-joints trying to "... 9. Loosen isolator bolt(1) until isolator is able to be rotated. Do not remove bolt." "10. Slide drive belt from the sprockets between the frame and rubber isolator" *frm '99 Svc manual...Does this even work without removing bolt and isolator? Me and what gorilla to spread my tubes ??? after 7 years on the bike it was stuck in there good! ...of course I didn't have new isolators (I do now) while the bike was hanging under my deck, so I squashed it back into shape (sorta) and bolted it back on (greased and rotating carefully around pin to correct, albeit 'chewed up' alignment). Kinda bumpy ride right now  , but will replace both soon and swingarm bearings too, I guess. I don't notice any problem there, but w/44k mi I'm told I should. My old belt (approx 30k mi?) was missing 2 teeth when I first noticed it (right before big ride, of course) and missing 3 by the time I replaced it 3,000-(easy on the gas!; no wheelies, DARN!)-miles later. Anybody ever try re-attaching a (carefully cut and drilled)) belt as emergency spare ? ... I figger 2 little bolts (upside down) might do it!? I'll let you know if I ever need another one. I've got the new '04 goodyear belt (?) and a Uly guy told me his was lifetime warrantied?! I wonder if mine is? IMO, belt over chain anyday unless racing/hi-perf needs (?) Always a pleasure reading yue guys thoughts/threads! |
