| Author | Message | ||
     Luv2spd |
I'm getting up to 15,000mi now on my '03 XB9R and it is time to change the belt. In the owner's manual it says to replace the idler pulley as well with the belt. Is this necessary? I buy all my parts from americansprotbike.com, but they don't offer any older version idler pulleys, just the newer ones 2004-2010 which doesn't fit my bike. I know you can buy the upgraded conversion kit, but it is a lot of money. If I upgrade to the better belt set up, will the plastic belt guards that I have to buy along with the kit fit my older style swing arm? Any help is appreciated. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Inspect the idler and it's bearings. Both can wear out but if neither is worn, don't fix it if it aint broke. In fact, I wouldn't even change the belt if it passed a close inspection. If you decide to do it anyway (I don't blame you one bit) the upgraded setup is the way to go and American Sportbike will help you with your questions. Al can and will help you get the right parts and advise you on the installation. | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
if you change to the upgraded system you will have to change to the 04-05 belt guards. American Sport Bike has those on there site and they will fit the 03 swing arm. In 06 they changed the swing arm so those belt guards will not fit. | ||
| Andymnelson |
IMO, if you have not abused the belt then keep running it. The majority of '03 belt failures are from the belt being mishandled. There are 3 forces that they do not like: 1) being bent backwards 2) being bent sideways 3) being bent too tightly in it's proper direction for example: a mechanic who is not aware, will simply bend the belt off to the side when removing the rear wheel, therefore causing a stress that can cause failure. if you can be reasonably sure that it has not been mis-handled, then why replace a non-broken part. Better yet, why spend $500-600 on the "upgrade" parts?? | ||
| Iman501 |
what parts are needed to convert from the 03 system to the newer system? (i want to collect them all over time so its not to big of a hit on the wallet) | ||
| Froggy |
Ian, you need both front and rear pulley, new belt guards, new idler pulley, and most importantly, the belt.  If you keep an eye on ebay, you shouldn't have a hard time finding most of the parts pulled off wrecked bikes, then go and get yourself a shiny new belt. | ||
| Iman501 |
do i need the belt guards?...i just took mine off my bike like three days ago when i changed my back tire, and sweet, doesnt sound like a bad list at all, thanks froggy!!! | ||
| Firebolt020283 |
you don't need them but they are good to have (this coming from a man who took his 03 guards off and could not get them back on so they stayed off) | ||
| Froggy |
There is a belt guard discussion going on in the 1125R board, one member here almost lost his hand in a wreck when it got caught between the belt and swingarm. Never would of happened if he left the guards on. Granted, thats a freak accident, and the more likely scenario is your sprockets and belt will take damage from rocks and other debris. I posted a photo of my unguarded sprocket in the thread. Funny, I recently cut the rear hugger off my Blast, due to the fasteners welding themselves on and I needed to put on a new belt. | ||
| Boliver |
I have 30,000 miles on my original belt. I don't ride my bike hard and I NEVER leave it out in the weather. Just an FYI. Best of luck. Oh yeah my belt guards are long gone too. | ||
| Captcaz |
I've been gathering all the parts/pieces for the upgrade over the past year or so, and if my 03 belt blows - I'm ready. Well almost ... anyone have a front pulley they are looking to part with? So here's a thread with a pic and some info ... http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/21/ 480994.html | ||
| Chainsaw |
..In the owner's manual it says to replace the idler pulley as well with the belt. Is this necessary? IIRC, some guys just replace the bearings in the idler pulley instead of replacing the whole shebang. | ||
| Datsaxman |
+1 on bearings only... | ||
| Damnut |
for example: a mechanic who is not aware, will simply bend the belt off to the side when removing the rear wheel, therefore causing a stress that can cause failure. I think it's more luck of the draw. I have over 27K on my original belt and have had it off/on countless times. I have bent that belt every which way and I haven't had a problem with it yet. | ||
| Froggy |
Damnut, your XB has the newer style belt, not the 03 belt which many have deemed fragile. | ||
| Luv2spd |
Thanks for the tips. | ||
| Briz31 |
They have 03 Belts in Australia for $265 AUD. Got one fitted last month.. "stone cut" at 18,500km.. | ||
| Damnut |
Yes the 03 belts are weaker but I've heard that claim with newer belts as well. |
