Triumphrat

conchscooter

I am interested in buying a Bonneville and converting it to a QPD belt drive. I've searched in the forum database with inconclusive results. Mostly I found people denigrating belts for not being pebble proof. I used to own a Suzuki Savage and rode it on pea rock roads in the Everglades with no deleterious effects. Anything is I suppose possible, though chain maintenance is not possible- its inevitable.
I was converted to belt drive through experience and am reluctant to return to the muss and fuss of chain drive- even though what to some is a labor of love, to this rider kerosene and grease is a gruesome chore, especially as I usually ride over 1,000 miles a month year-round.
I am interested in getting confirmation that QPD belts work; after extensive conversations with Mr Oswald I am convinced, but would like confirmation that his one-person operation is the real thing. Any takers?

NewOldSkool

There is one company (cannot remember the name but Google it) that made belt drives from Bonnies. But if I recall correctly, its alot of money and work time. Might be more cost effective to just replace (yes replace) the chain every couple of thousand miles or so if it bothers you that much. Even then you got like 15-20k before it evens out. But just my opinion.
Mondo

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conchscooter

I have done my homework and I spoke with the owner/operator of that company,QPD, in Pennsylvania and he sounds like a straight shooter. At $900 it's not a matter of being a financial advantage. Only if a chain lasts 20,000 miles and if the QPD does, say 100,000- its a wash by the time you've ridden that far.Until then the belt costs far more than the chain.
Its the lack of maintenance that appeals to me.
I am in the unfortunate position of wanting to ride a standard but not wanting a chain. Only BMW fits that bill. All shaft/belt drive Japanese motorcyles are cruisers, a seating position I cannot abide. Besides I actually was quite thrilled by the Bonneville when I went for an all-too-brief test ride.
Again, if you ride a thousand miles a year its one thing, if you ride a thousand miles a month entirely another. I'm looking to hear from someone, anyone who has actually installed the QPD and dares to treast his or her Bonneville as more than a toy- perhaps as a daily rider?

jojje1963

Do as you like but IMO an O-ring (X-ring) chain last the longest if you just leave it alone, don't clean it and don't lube it. That's lack of maintenance if you ask me.
And I really don't think you will get many answers to your questions here, you will have to buy a Bonnie and a belt and let us know how it works out.

KingOfFleece

I take about 10 minutes to clean/lube a chain with the Ketten-max system. Get a Bonnie, be cool and have a blast, and at chain time crack a cold one and done!

McQueen

alloy mags...EFI...and now belt drive?

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CAPTDON

The cost is too much!! These chains last 30000 mi+ w/ monthly maitenance. Its not like the old days when you had t oreplace a chain every 7-8000 mi. With a jack, the maintenance isnt that much time. A little messy maybe? I always thought belt was more efficent as well. Got TOLD different Chain, belt & then shaft. Shaft is nice till something breaks! Also there is a non traditional torque UP instead of down. Not a problem- just wierd?
I clean & lube (wax) my chain every 900 mi. Havent had to adjust it but twice since new!
I dont look FWD to replacing it, buts thats a ways away- got 7000 mi so far. If belt was cheaper- I would deffinately look into doing it. Good luck!

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CAPT D

JP06t100

The last motorcycle I had before the T-100 was a ZX-11. Put 25,000 miles on it had zero issues with the chain & sproket, and never changed either one. I've had the T-100 for 18 months and have over 10,000 miles on it. Again no issues with the chain. I've also had bikes with belts, while they work well & last a long time, on this type of bike I don't think it would fly. If you made that type of conversion I doubt you would have much luck selling it in the future.

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J.P.



Frank: "Ughh, I bet you'll never guess what I had to do!"
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Beereakfast

Gotta go with Jojjie on this. I've seen it. Modern chains are cheap and do last a really long time with NO maintenance.
Even the best, most meticulous maintenance, wont help if you always launch hard off the line, and use a lot of engine braking.

Beavis Christ

my dealer told me to quick squirt some chain lube on the exposed parts of hte chain when i got done riding and forget about it.

am i missing something on this?

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