Belt Drive Retrofit for an ST: Possible? No?

[Patience]

I'm curious about y'alls thoughts on this, since it seems like you could get many more miles, with no service necessary, and little if any sacrifice of power/torque.

My thoughts?

Not this one again!

[dolson]

I second snowdog.

Hi Adam, Not dissing you at all and it has been awhile since this has been around. Maybe it's time to have another go at this as we have new members since it's been around.

Don

I too do not understand the fascination with the belt drive system. I have known many more H-D riders (or belt riders in general) that have had more trouble with belts breaking than I have with chain problems, and shaft drives aren't the end all- be all of drive systems either. They all have their advantages and drawbacks.

I have no complaints with mine, I give it a spray every once in awhile after I get home. My Sprint is at 19,000 miles and it looks like I have many more miles on the chain/sprocket combination. I do not know if it was changed at anytime before I bought the bike with 16,000 miles on it.

Chain drive is relatively cheap and a proven technology, belts are fine also. I just don't see a need to blow money (i.e: I am cheap) for what is percieved to be of very minimal benefit. But, whatever floats your boat.

[frizbee_dog]

Unscrew gas-cap, roll bike out of way, roll Buell under cap, screw in gas cap.

Don't waste your money or time by trying it.

The chain longetivty is pretty reasonable when all is said and done.

Also, it pays to consider that the bike was engineered with chain drive for technical reasons i.e. to properly cope with engine power characteristics - messing with drive technique could have unforseen (negative) consequences.

[Patience]

Hehe. Didn't realize we've been down this road. Just figured I'd toss it out there and see what type of responses came up. I've enjoyed the belt drive on my current bike, and having not owned a chain driven bike before, I was curious. Based on your reponses however, I think I'll let that idea die peacefully.

[Andrew1965]

I too have a bike with belt drive. I see the attraction. But on the Sprint we have SSSA and centre stand. Adjustment and lube is piss easy - if it ain't broke....yada yada yada.
I love my Road King as well and I'm sure glad it doesn't have a chain to look after.
Enjoy the ride.

[REGULATOR]

plus your overlooking the obvious.

With chain drive, you can carry a splitter and master link for emergencies.

Plus just about any dealer in any country (including non motorcycle repair shops)
can get you some sort of chain that you could use in apinch or repair yours.
can't repair belts, and they still require some sort of "dressing" occaisionally

Simple and cheap, can't go wrong.

Belt drive is also wider than a chain, wider sprockets and wider belt so might not work to well as a retro fit.