 belt drive
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 76
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OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 76 |
anyone converted there america or speedmaster to belt drive yet, & if yes how do you find the ride diffrance, and what sort of space did you have left between the belt drive & tyre (tire to you chaps over there) as i known the rear wheel will take a mezt 200/80X 15 instead of the 170/80X 15, also was thinking of a 140 or 150/70X 18 for the front
any info would be a bounus, as would have to have it shiped over from the states as cant find anyone over here with any info....thanks
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,502 Likes: 7
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,502 Likes: 7 |
I know someone on here that use to have a belt drive, he'll chime in as soon as he is finished with his pie. Save me a piece!!! 
'04' Black America
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
I've had it for around 12k miles. I like it.
Did have the original belt break at 8k I think.
The one who no longer has it made me a nice
deal on his spare, after he gave up.
Some pics in member's rides.
Uncle Charlie
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Trouble with a belt is you have to take half the bike apart to fix it or change it. A chain can be fixed along the road and ridden the rest of the day, with a belt you have to go get a truck. If you live where there are a lot of gravel roads all it takes is one stone to destroy a belt and pulley.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
The dog is correct on all counts.
But, I still like it.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
If you like it that's the most important part.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 507
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 507 |
Think I'll stick with the chain...
2005 Speedmaster, Tornado Red, AI removed, Uni Pods, JCW 19" turnouts
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Hey, if it ain't broke, why fix it? 
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,525 |
Quote:
anyone converted there america or speedmaster to belt drive yet..................
any info would be a bounus thanks
http://www.dinqua.com/Triumph/Belt/belt1.html
Erwin
05 America
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 76
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OP
Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 76 |
oh well, it looks like il stick with the chain, belt drive is not worth the hassel as it alters the speed of the bike as the final drive is a bigger size then the standard sprocket, thanks for the info everyone
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Quote:
The dog is correct on all counts.
But, I still like it.
Yeah, it was awesome for a couple years. I'll stick with chain and Scottoiler.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,099 |
I understand. But, what the heck do you need that oiler for?
The Dog says you can get 25k on a chain w/3 lubes.
Happy New Year!
Uncle Charlie
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
Haven't lubed my new set at all yet.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 558
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 558 |
I lube whenever I remember to.. I try to do it every 300 miles or so, just a quick spray. I'm for sure not cleaning that thing however. Stupid chain.
2008 Speedy, AI removed, DIY airbox destruction with K&N filters, spectres, re-jetted and "custom" rattle can paint job.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Chains are great! Sure they're a little old school but that's part of what makes our bike what they are. Chains look great, and especially today with the x or o-ring chains there's very little maintenance. They're reliable, cost effective, simple and relatively efficient. If I had a big cruiser, I'd want drive shaft, but for the size and weight of our bikes, chains make a lot of sense.
Of course this thread is about belt drives. I like 'em too!
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 184
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 184 |
I got a brand new one sitting in the garage waiting to go on. I did my own survey and decided to go for it.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537
Check Pants
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Check Pants
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,537 |
You guys know what I always say about belts..... 
Al
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
 That is one nice lookin belt! 
Last edited by stevieB; 01/03/2011 8:25 PM.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Here we go......... 
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 507
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 507 |
There is a belt drive kit available from Scootworks: http://www.shopscootworks.com/ScootWorks...;catalogId=-799Back when I was considering a belt drive I asked if this would work on the America/Speedmaster models. This was the reply from Scootworks: "This is compatable with the America/Speedmaster, but requires a different belt length for those models. If you place an order, please measure th distance from the center of the rear axle to the center of the front drive sprocket. It doens' thave to be exact, but it will tell us what version you'll need. We have found variation in the swingarm length across various year models of these bikes." Their asking a lot less for this kit than the QPD. Just passing on to the group.
2005 Speedmaster, Tornado Red, AI removed, Uni Pods, JCW 19" turnouts
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Thanks for the update Dave. I've been checking the Scootworks website off and on looking for belt drive updates for the America. They state that the drive pulley compares to an 18 tooth sprocket. The rear pulley is compared to a 43 tooth. Probably will work and at $550 bucks....
Anybody try their belt drive?
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1
Second Wind
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Second Wind
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,393 Likes: 1 |
I wonder if it keeps the ratios the same
I have no faith in human perfectability. I think that human exertion will have no appreciable effect upon humanity. Man is now only more active - not more happy - nor more wise, than he was 6000 years ago.
Edgar Allan Poe
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 399
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 399 |
I was considering a belt conversion mainly because of the mess the chain lube spray makes on my back wheel and the hassel I have jacking the bike up to spin the wheel and apply the lube.
I live on a gravel road and have no choice but to travel one kilometre of dirt to go out for a ride and the same on return so I guess I might just investigate the other option and that is fiting a main stand to make the maintenance of the chain easier
Peace in the country when the sun goes down , the corn is gettin' high
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825
"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Somebody get one, put 50k on it and let us know how it goes... 
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738
Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,738 |
I use one of those Ezy Lifters, it is great and I dont have that ugly centre stand to hit me in the back of the leg taking off. I just have it hanging on the wall in the shed and it takes like two seconds with no effort.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 184
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 184 |
I had been in contact with Scootworks for over a year regarding their drive. They kept saying it is in testing and will be available in a month. After several months of this I got the reply "The America is now completing it's field testing, and the Speedmaster is in development." That was in August, still no drive available. I would have bought the pulleys off Scootworks and sourced my own belt but the rear sprocket on a Bonneville is different so I don't know how they say it is compatable. I don't know about swing arms being different lenghts between model years, seems odd to me.
Bought the QDP drive, it took 6 weeks to arrive.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 476
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 476 |
it looks like alot of money. they only give one ratio option. a new belt costs 190.00. as was stated earlier if it breaks you are done, you can't master link it and limp home.
but i do like the idea of a cleaner rear wheel.
If it isn't broke, I haven't messed with it.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 184
Adjunct
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Adjunct
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 184 |
The master link and your done sounds simple if you say it quick enough. You have to have chain breaker or tools to remove the broken link along with tools to loosen the rear wheel to install the master link and realign the rear wheel. Buddy blew a rear tire on his Softail Classic on a trip to the island last summer. We pulled the rear wheel in a parking lot, had minimal borrowed tools, used logs and wood to support the bike. A blown belt doesn't seem that bad after that. It's more about personalization of (read "screwing with") the bike than a preference to belts, gotta have a hobby.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
You need 1 adjustable wrench , chain breaker and a master link takes about 15 minutes to be back on the road.No wooden blocks, no borrowed tools, no swing arm or wheel removal.....
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Quote:
There is a belt drive kit available from Scootworks:
http://www.shopscootworks.com/ScootWorks...;catalogId=-799
Back when I was considering a belt drive I asked if this would work on the America/Speedmaster models. This was the reply from Scootworks:
"This is compatable with the America/Speedmaster, but requires a different
belt length for those models. If you place an order, please measure th
distance from the center of the rear axle to the center of the front drive
sprocket. It doens' thave to be exact, but it will tell us what version
you'll need. We have found variation in the swingarm length across various
year models of these bikes."
I got a similar response to my request for a kit. They wanted to know the distance between the drive and driven sprocket centers. I couldn't see what the issue with swingarm length differences was because if it was an issue, then everybody would have different lengths of chains (we all use 112 links of 525 chain, right?).
Here are some questions and comments I made to Scootworks;
"Should I leave the rear wheel in it's current location or should I move the
rear wheel forward to it's closest location in the adjustment slot?
Here is something to consider..... what might be causing the variation in
the different models could be due to the size of the drive sprocket. Every
size from 16 to 19 tooth is used on the America and Speedmaster but the
driven sprocket usually remains at 42 teeth. The number of links on the
chain remains the same at 112 (525 X-ring chain). The larger the front
sprocket, the closer the rear axle moves to the drive sprocket. The point
I'm making is that if the chain remains the same for all the bikes at 112
links.....shouldn't a belt with the same overall length as a 112 link chain
fit the bill?
Also, will the rear pulley on the Bonneville fit on the America/Speedmaster?"
When I get a response, I'll forward to the group.
BTW - Does anybody with an new chain/sprockets, and 18/42 drive/driven toothed sprocket set know what the measurment is from the center of the drive to the center of the driven sprocket?
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
"We have found variation in the swingarm length across various
year models of these bikes."
Sounds like a Wesley statement.
Blowing gravel off rural roads
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,248 Likes: 64 |
The way I see it if you are using a 525 (or any other given size chain) and know how many links you need and couple that with sprocket teeth (dia.) front and rear that should give you the distance regardless of swing arm length or any other variable. (I should have put a "U" in reguardless for Dwight  ) Just the chain size and links should give you the chain length but that wouldn't give you belt length alone you need the sprocket sizes so you can figure in the pully sizes but all the rest is just blowing smoke to me. If you have a given chain length and sprocket size the swing arm length means nothing.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Can someone take a measurment from the center of the drive sprocket to the center of the rear axle? If so, let me know what the front and rear sprocket sizes are in terms of teeth (18/42?). Much appreciated. Keith, isn't yours in your living room....? Mines locked up a few blocks away in cold storage 
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Finally got around to measuring the distance between the center of the my drive sprocket and rear axle. It is 25.75 inches. That is with an 18 tooth drive and 42 tooth driven.
Sent my info into Scootworks to see what's available.
I'm pretty sure that the Bonneville rear pulley they have should fit our America & Speedys. Front sprocket on the 270 engines should be in the same location as the 360 ones (same engine). That means that the placement of the rear should be the same between the two bikes.
Does the Bonnie rear hub have the same bolt pattern for the drive sprocket as an America?
12 Rocket Roadster
03 Bonneville America
69 BSA Firebird Scrambler
73 Yamaha TX 750
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
Quote:
Does the Bonnie rear hub have the same bolt pattern for the drive sprocket as an America?
NO !!!!
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964
Stickman Yogi
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Stickman Yogi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 12,964 |
Quote:
Can someone take a measurment from the center of the drive sprocket to the center of the rear axle? If so, let me know what the front and rear sprocket sizes are in terms of teeth (18/42?).
Geeze, sorry Greg (a month later). I just popped my head into this thread. Wasn't interested in a belt drive so I just didn't look here. Anyway, you got a measurement of 25.75" but I got 25". This is without pulling the sprocket cover so I just kinda stuck my tape measure in there with a flashlight but it's close. I'm running stock sprockets front and rear, whatever they are.
Live to love, love to live.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,063 Likes: 8 |
Quote:
Quote:
Does the Bonnie rear hub have the same bolt pattern for the drive sprocket as an America?
NO !!!!
That sucks.....How sure are you of that Greg??
And don't worry about the request Keith. I was going to take a look at the bike anyway.
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816
Freelance Jedi Knight
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Freelance Jedi Knight
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,816 |
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Re: belt drive
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10
Loquacious
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Loquacious
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,995 Likes: 10 |
Quote:
Cue Friar's belt drive blog post...
http://www.friarsride.com/belt-drive-debacle/
After reading the blog.I will stick to the chain too.Like Friar John the only thing I dislike about the bike is the chain maintainance.I will get a centre stand or an ezy lift.
Dinosaur.
"Oh Man I only ride 'em.I don't know what makes 'em work". Donald "Oddball" Sutherland
"Don't let the bastards get you down". Kris Kristofferson
"I am only paranoid because everyone is against me". Larry [Frank Burns] Linville
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