Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Performance Mods Belt drive conversion

Found a belt drive conversion kit at America/Speedmaster parts website: newspeedmaster.com, I'm not a math major or engineer so don’t know what the difference in gear ratio would mean to performance of TBA. "Gear Ration Gear ratio is 2.45:1 (compared to stock Speedmaster of 2.625:1) Gear ration for TBA final drive 2.47:1:
1. HOW WOULD THIS CHANGE EFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE TBA?
2. WOULD IT BE QUICKER OFF LINE, AND WOULD TAKE MORE RPM'S FOR HIGHWAY SPEED. OR OR WHAT?
3. HAS ANYONE MADE THIS CHANGE TO BELT DRIVE?
4. HOW DO YOU EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE?
5. IS IT WORTH THE EXPENCE, HOW MUCH QUIETER IS THE RIDE?
It must be nice not to have oil the chain every 500 miles.

QUICKER OFF LINE, AND WOULD TAKE MORE RPM'S FOR HIGHWAY SPEED. OR OR WHAT?
HAS ANYONE MADE THIS CHANGE TO BELT DRIVE? HOW DID YOU FIND THE DIFFERENCE?

I've not used the belt drive but I can tell you that Brent (the owner of newspeedmaster) has been on this site pretty much from the beginning and is probably the best source of quality aftermarket parts for our bikes. Several of our members have used this conversion and rave about it, and I'm sure you'll be besieged with positive comments about it. For my own part I'd jump on a belt drive if I could afford it.

Another method of avoiding lubing your chain so often is to get yourself a Scottoiler automatic chain oiler. You'll still have to adjust the chain occasionally, but at least you won't have to lube it.

Matt

Looking at the ratio numbers it would appear the belt would be pretty much like haveing an 18t front sprocket.

It is just a ton of money for a few pulleys and a belt. Seems to me if we had any machinist on the site those things could be made for a fraction of that retail cost. Then again I am just rambling. I would think the rear and front sprokets could be a template for the interior of the pulley so it would be bolt and go operation.

/end of junkpost :-)

I have one and love it. It is a pretty easy and takes about an hour long process to swap it from chain to belt. Installation of QPD belt drive.
Excellent quality and durable. The speed is about what a 17 1/2 tooth front sprocket would be. No loss of power at all.
It rides smoother, quieter and way cleaner.