| Author | Message | ||
     Apeman426 |
I have read about some problems with the 03 XB belt drive. Is this really a problem? How much does it cost to change it over to the 04 system? Are there any other problems with the 03 XB9S? I just bought an 03 XB9S and want to make sure everything is ok. How much is a shop manual for this bike? Thanks. | ||
| Kowpow225 |
Shop manual is around $60. An 04 changeover requires a lot of parts and is in the $300-400 ballpark if I remember correctly. Dave might be able to answer with an exact total. There is a replacement belt that was stamped with a special number on the back of the belt identifying it. I don't recall the numbers offhand but I've got one on my 03. | ||
| Kowpow225 |
Try this link for the numbers. http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/32777/112050.html?1114912452 | ||
| Daves |
service manual is 52.20 No need to change to the 04 setup. Get the latest version, part # ends with R belt and just ride New belt is 136.80 | ||
| Apeman426 |
thanks so much | ||
| Al_lighton |
Dave is right in that there is "no NEED" to change to the 04 setup. However, there are some good reasons to do so. Erik told me last homecoming that they had problems with the 03 Gates belt being to sensitive to twist and nick damage. They asked Gates to do better, and Gates DID improve the 03 belt. But they didn't do enough, and due to patent issues with the 11mm tooth pitch used, kinda had 'em by the gonads. So Buell got Goodyear to do the 04 14mm tooth pitch belt. It was tough enough that Buell felt they could remove the extensive guard system used on the 03 bikes. The 03 bike rear wheel removal procedure is, if I recall correctly, like 1.5 pages in the service manual. ALL the guards, AND the swingarm brace, MUST be removed to remove the rear wheel without twisting the belt. Belt twist as a result of NOT removing those guards is what caused the rash of early belt failures in the 4-5000 mile range on the 03 Buells. If you keep the 03 system, follow the Service Manual procedures to the letter. The 04 rear wheel removal procedure is like 1/2 page. None of the guards, nor the swingarm brace, needs to be removed. Couldn't be much easier. So, my recommendation has been: Don't change to the 03 system just because. But, when it is time to change the 03 belt, convert to the 04 system if the finances can support it. The peace of mind on the belt toughness, plus the ease of rear wheel changing, makes it worthwhile proposition. See here Al | ||
| Nevar |
I don't have my svc manual here at work so I'll have to ask this dumb question... Al, If I just want to replace the belt on my 03 XB9S with version 3 (one with the "R" at the end of the number), does it require the entire rear wheel removal routine you mentioned here? Tim | ||
| Scitz |
I don't think you have to remove the wheel but you will need to loosen the rear axle I think 15 turns to put slack on the belt to remove the idle pully. Then with the swing arm brace removed you can pull the belt off. I've only done it once and it was a few months ago. | ||
| Hanses25 |
I think it would help also to remove the right side foot peg assembly. Three bolts hold it on its cake. | ||
| Daves |
You need to remove the wheel and swingarm brace no matter what year belt system you have. The belt runs thru the swingarm brace so it would be pretty hard to get it on or off without removing the brace. | ||
| M1combat |
Just use the Force Dave... | ||
| Apeman426 |
can you visually see the difference in the '03 and '04 belt drives systems? thanks | ||
| Kowpow225 |
Oh yeah, the belt is much bigger looking. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
The 04 belt has MEAT! The 03 looks kinda dinky, but it's hauled my 230 lb fat arse around for 14K! I havn't had a problem and I removed my guards to make tire removal easier. I went with the polished guard. (No it's not a perfect fit to the 03 sprocket but some modification will help) | ||
| Captainplanet |
Charles, Do you have a picture of the polished guard on your 03? I would like to see how it fits. | ||
| Charlieboy6649 |
Uno Mommento Por Favor... Ah, not a close up, best I have right now...   My plan is to cut flames out weld em in place so that the coverage extends rearward over the pulley and polish the buggers to match. I've got about 7k mi without guards completely and about 5k with this one in place. Belt looks great. No damage... | ||
| Ingemar |
In addition to what others have said ... If your belt fails within the warranty period, and if you have the original belt guards installed, and your bike has been serviced at the regular intervals, you should get the belt replaced under warranty. Mine failed at ~7500 miles and was replaced under warranty. I now have the newer '03 belt. If this one fails prematurely, I will upgrade to the '04 stuff, but for now it looks good. Logged like 2000 miles with it so far and it looks like new. The old one started showing very small cracks very early (within 1000 miles). |
