| Author |
Message |
    
Froggy
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 11:14 pm: | 
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You could buy a chain conversion kit if the belt bothers you that much, but it costs quite a bit more than a new belt and a days pay. Also it is good practice to keep a spare belt on hand for emergencies, especially in Australia due to the longer times to get parts. I used to have a spare chain and parts in case I ever needed them for my chain bikes. |
Fresnobuell
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 11:19 pm: |
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Taz, you rarely hear of any belt failures here. What are you talking about "sub standard part?" Maybe its the user. And if you thinks its really the belt's fault, then like Froggy wrote--get a chain. |
Tasmaniac
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 11:48 pm: |
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Dunno Fres, I've Been riding daily for the best part of 37 years i'm a very smooth rider and while i do ride spirited occasionally i never abuse my bike as it has to be reliable.
Have a look through the archives there have been plenty of broken belts.
as for carrying a spare they are nearly $500 down here
and yes i would much rather have a chain at least i could maintain it and carry a joiner just in case
Regards Brett |
Froggy
| | Posted on Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 11:57 pm: |
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See about importing a belt from a US dealer. It is $160 US new, so after exchange rates and shipping you should still come out ahead. |
Slypiranna
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 12:01 am: |
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13K miles of brutal drama on this 08 11R...countless dynos, no belt guards, five teardowns/eng in out, higher power/tq loads, ect...even rocks on the railroad tracks! LOL!
Stock belt.
+8 on the rest of 11's that have been under testing in the last two years that I've personally witnessed.
Makes one wonder if user "error"/"abuse" might attribute to failure.
If it isn't broke, don't fix it. If it is visually worn or has failed, replace it and identify the problem that caused it.
Fact;
DON'T question the design and/or the belt. It works as advertised and then some. |
Zac4mac
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 12:10 am: |
|
I'll get you a belt, pay by paypal.
parts@highcountryharley.com
Don't have any on hand now, should soon.
Special order is prepay.
We are sticking it out here for Buell.
Zack |
Zac4mac
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 12:17 am: |
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BTW - Taz,
I have 22+k miles on Loretta.
OEM belt got cooked when a bolt backed out and locked the idler. Replaced
Early this year, Court sent me a new belt, I coiled it up tight and stuck it under my seat for 2 months, ~2k miles.
THAT belt has 6k miles on it now.
Getting ready to put another 2-3k miles on it next week.
Gotta spare under the seat tho.
Z |
Pizzaboy
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 03:12 am: |
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13K miles of brutal drama on this 08 11R...countless dynos, no belt guards, five teardowns/eng in out, higher power/tq loads, ect...even rocks on the railroad tracks! LOL!
Stock belt.
+8 on the rest of 11's that have been under testing in the last two years that I've personally witnessed.
Makes one wonder if user "error"/"abuse" might attribute to failure.
If it isn't broke, don't fix it. If it is visually worn or has failed, replace it and identify the problem that caused it.
Fact;
DON'T question the design and/or the belt. It works as advertised and then some.
sly, you just jinxed yourself.
i broke my 1st belt last weekend at the track... with 13400 miles. as i look at the broken belt, there appears to be nothing more than normal wear and tear.. and im not THAT abusive to my bike... but i can definitely say that it sees its fair share of track abuse and power wheelies.
(Message edited by pizzaboy on October 18, 2009) |
Tasmaniac
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 06:11 am: |
|
Thanks for the offer Zac but i've already approached the dealer here and they have ordered it.
Sly the user error / abuse comment don't cut the mustard here Mate, go back a year or so and have a look at how these bikes were advertised doing power stands out of corners and stuff.
My use is 80% commuting the odd track day and the occasional sunday ride, it's washed and looked over once a week, serviced properly by the dealer.
from 1972 to 1979 i rode motocross bikes and never broke a chain.
from 1979 to 1984 i rode several high performance Jap bikes and never broke a chain.
from 1984 to 1999 i rode my rigid shovel and never broke a chain.
from 1999 to 2006 i rode an S3T Buell i think it went through seven belts in 80,000 kilometres
from 2006 to 2008 i rode a Night Rod it broke one belt in 30,000 kilometres
from 2008 to now the 1125R has broken two belts in 29,000 kilometres.
belt drive systems are not reliable,
I was employed as the spare parts and warranty manager at the local dealer ship for several years an wore the ire of dozens of unhappy owners that had their belts break too
it's fact that they are a second rate drive system, the only benefit is to H-D with spare parts sales
Regards Brett |
Chadhargis
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 10:16 am: |
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The other benefits are:
No lubing
No adjusting
No kinking
No noise
Lighter weight
No driveline slop
Yes, there are disadvantages, but the advantages outweigh them. Buy a spare belt and keep it handy. It's cheaper than new sprockets and a chain and a lot less headache to replace.
I've ridden chain bikes, shaft bikes, and belt driven bikes. All have their advantages and disadvantages.
In 4 years of riding a belt driven bike, I've never broken a belt. Track days, wheelies, etc.....never even seen the thing crack. In fact, I just sold the stock best form my Ulysses...kept it as a spare when I put a new one on after 2 years. |
Ccryder
| | Posted on Monday, October 19, 2009 - 10:33 am: |
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My Buell experience:
99' S3T 26,000 miles
00' X1 34,000 miles
96' S2T 38,000 miles
04' 12r 8,000 miles
08' 1125r 29,000 miles
135,000 miles and no broken belts. How can you call that unreliable?
Will I change the belt on my 1125 soon? Probably since it is my daily rider and my commute is 150 miles. I don't like to tempt fate.
There are MANY variables that influence belt life. It seems that in your neck of the woods, there are some that do reduce belt life.
Later
Neil S. |
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