Sell Me on Belts!

[JackoftheGreen]

One of the things I really appreciate about the Boulevard on the Cool Wall right now is that it uses a shaft final drive. My first road bike, the Magna V65, used a shaft final drive, and I found I preferred it for it's smooth power delivery (no small consideration given the sheer power of that 1100 V4) and low maintenance. Lately though, it seems most new bikes -- even the snorty, raunchy muscle cruisers -- are coming equipped with a belt final drive. I've heard all the arguments for the belt drive, but none of it has managed to get through my petty little bias that whispers "You know what else uses a belt? Vacuum cleaners, buddy. Vacuum cleaners use belts." And every time a vacuum cleaner has quit working on me, it's been a failed belt.

Obviously though, the belt drive is popular and here to stay, and when I eventually replace my Vulcan with something newer and nicer I'm sure some of the options I'll be looking at will come with belt final drives. So if you've got the time, and the inclination, I'd like to hear some testimonials either for or against the belt final drive. What are your thoughts?

[BRUMBEAR]

My Buells have all been belt and they are great!!! No problems for a total of 7 + years now. And they take a pounding my machine is rated at 146bhp but I have a tune and a can on it she is at 129 to the wheel.
This is a Buell ride back in 09 I still had my xb back then and the bike in front of the camera guy is a Duc but you will get the idea.

[totalmotorcycle]

Well, I've ridden some bikes with belts but owned a couple shafties and many chain drives. I can sit and talk for an hour about the pros and cons of each but that would bore you to tears I'm sure! haha. So here is a little version:

Chain: Pro - Cheap to buy/replace. Less "HP robbing" of all drives. Lightest drive option. Con: You have to oil it on a regular basis. Can be the least lasting option.
Belt: Pro - Can be stronger than chain and lighter. Can have kevlar built in. Con: Can be expensive to replace. Can frey on the edges. Do not handle high torque as well as shaft or chain.
Shaft: Pro: Lowest mainentance, longest lasting. Con: Most robbing HP (about 1-2%), most expensive to replace if ever needed. Heavist drive option.

With belt and chain drive on hard acceleration the bike will "jump up in the rear" and thus lighten the rear on take off. With Shaft the bike "hunches down" bringing weight to the rear tire.

Belt and Shaft are the "smoothest" drive options. Shaft edging out belt by a nudge if the belt is well maintained.

Belt technology is so-so overall, it's been around for a very, very long time. Harley-Davidson is the biggest user of this type of drive and like anything H-D gets copied (for good and bad reasons). Kawasaki even tried a belt drive sportbike (GPz305), which I almost bought as my first bike eons ago.

It all comes down to what look you like and what drive the bike would work best in. I am a big fan of Shaft myself and am willing to deal with the little less HP and extra weight of it for ease of maintenance and longevity.

Mike

[Grey Thumper]

Interesting topic! I've had bikes with belt and shaft-drive, and generally prefer those drive systems. Belts are great! They're pretty tough, need a lot less maintenance, are far less messy than chains, and you worry less about "belt tension". The only time I'd rather have chain drive on my bike is if it was a sportbike (for less weight, better power transfer) or a dirtbike (paranoid about gravel).

[BRUMBEAR]

The street sport rider the belt is really pretty good but competitive racing yes chain all the way!!!

[Wrider]

The belt is good for sure. Definitely can last longer than a chain and like Mike said, very smooth power delivery compared to a chain.
If it's just for street use, I'd definitely do a belt or shaft over a chain.
If you're mainly on the track, definitely chain.

IMO, it's not the best of either world, nor is it the least of either, so I'd go with the belt.

That said, I do have to say that unless you have a single sided swingarm shaft drive, chain is the easiest to deal with while taking off the rear wheel.

[BRUMBEAR]

You know on my machine the rear brake is more a PITA than the belt but that's only the 1125 model as you have to go through the rear disc with an allen socket for the caliper bolts.
But you do or should be very careful not to kink it and follow the torque procedures so you don't create to much stress on the belt. On the Buell there is no adjustment on the XB or 1125 models but the tubers have an adjustment capability.
Dave

[HYPERR]

Chains rule...

[Wrider]

Chains rule...

Well yeah, but we're not talking JUST the bedroom here!

[HYPERR]

Chains rule...

Well yeah, but we're not talking JUST the bedroom here!