Re: Chain maintainance

Posted by sgtslag on
URL: http://vintage-and-classic-hondas.81.s1.nabble.com/Chain-maintainance-tp3651250p3653756.html

I looked for a belt conversion kit, several years ago.  I found a company that sold such kits, but not specifically for my '79.  The cost, back around 2007, would have been over $400.  I gave up on it.

My '83 Kawasaki 440 LTD was belt drive.  I would take a belt drive over shaft, or chain, every day of the year!  They're smooth, quiet, and extremely low maintenance (aside from adjusting the tension very infrequently, there is nothing to do but inspect it once in a while -- no lubricating, or cleaning, period).  They last 20,000 miles, at least (current replacement cost for that bike, is around $200-$300).

H-D has been using belt drive for many years.  The belt can handle a lot of torque, without breaking, obviously.  The only downside I found, was gravel roads may kick a stone into the teeth on the pulleys, and that will chew a brand new belt to pieces in short order.  Belt drive is the best system, overall.  I wish more manufacturers would use them as their main choice for final drive design.  Cheers!