Converting a bike to belt-drive

[Crankitup]

In another thread (I think one discussing the BMW F800), someone mentioned converting a chain-driven bike to belt-drive.

(1) Is this really possible?

(2) If possible, is it in the realm of the practical (i.e. not too difficult or costly)?

[Busy_Shittle_Lop]

Hang on my twin will be here soon
replete with pictures and long
winded diatribes about how it can
be done.
 
You have no idea the can of poison
you have released upon the masses.
 
Mercy!

[PhilBiker]

If the pieces fit.  That's the problem.

My buddy converted his H-D sportster.  All he needed to do was get a new "belt" and sprockets instead of a chain and sprockets.

I remember it used to be very popular for Kawasaki Vulcan 800 riders to do the conversion using the belt parts from the Vulcan 500 model.

If you can find a belt and sprockets that will fit it's no different than replacing the chain and sprockets.

The key is finding a belt and sprockets that will fit.

[Dichotomous]

yup that was me posting, and its very doable.  the peices you change are the same ones you change to put on a new chain.  I guess it would depend on the bike though, how much clearance there is to run a belt through, belts are wider, so if you have the room, its almost perfectly likely that you could run a belt on your bike.  the problems are that there are not a ton of ready to install kits available, so you have to do a little work to get it on and lined up right.  after that you sometimes have problems with slack, but this can be fixed with buell's idea of a roller tensioner, or proper initial setup

[Crankitup]

Thanks guys.

Do you think a Sprint ST would handle the conversion?

[PhilBiker]

Thanks guys.

Do you think a Sprint ST would handle the conversion?

Again, it's not the bike, it's the parts.  If you can find a set of sprockets and a belt that will fit the bike, the conversion will work.  You'll need a damn stout belt (see Buell belts for an example), and don't go racing with it.

I doubt you will find the parts available at a reasonable price, but who knows.

[Crankitup]

Again, it's not the bike, it's the parts. If you can find a set of sprockets and a belt that will fit the bike, the conversion will work. You'll need a damn stout belt (see Buell belts for an example), and don't go racing with it.

I doubt you will find the parts available at a reasonable price, but who knows.

It was just that dichotomous mentioned that clearance on some bikes might be an issue.  Are you saying that there is enough clearance on the Sprint to fit a belt?

[Dichotomous]

well look at where the chain runs, if you could fit another chain on either side of the one there and still have a little room left over, you will probably be fine.  for a sprint st you might be looking at a 2" belt so see if you have that kind of room available.

[shah269]

There is a Belt-O-Ceptor running around the web.
Check it out!

[Busy Little Whiner]

It was just that dichotomous mentioned that clearance on some bikes might be an issue. Are you saying that there is enough clearance on the Sprint to fit a belt?

I start my belt conversions with a clearance test... I fashion some modeling
clay on each side of the chain so the over all width equals 29mm or 1.141 of an
inch... next I run the chain around one revolution and note any clearance
issues...

[Crankitup]

well look at where the chain runs, if you could fit another chain on either side of the one there and still have a little room left over, you will probably be fine. for a sprint st you might be looking at a 2" belt so see if you have that kind of room available.

I don't have one yet. I am considering one. Also considering a BMW F800 ST (where this issue doesn't arise), a used R1150RT (ditto), an ER-6F (Ninja 650) and about 5 other bikes.

The cruiser is getting old hat.

[Busy Little Whiner]

There is a Belt-O-Ceptor running around the web.
Check it out!

The Belt-0-ceptor was my 86 VF500F Honda Interceptor that I converted back in 1990...

[Crankitup]

Looks like the Sprint would be OK for a belt drive => http://www.quietpowerdrive.com/index_files/Page346.htm

The Belt-0-ceptor was my 86 VF500F Honda Interceptor that I converted back in 1990...
 
 

 How many have you done?

[pashnit]

(1) Is this really possible?

(2) If possible, is it in the realm of the practical (i.e. not too difficult or costly)?

1) Yes.
2) He thought it was.

Done to an SV650. Based from San Luis Obispo, CA





This is Zak who joined me on a Pashnit Tour. He's one of the founders/owners of Rifle fairings. I suppose you could track him down that way possibly if ya wanted.

[Busy Little Whiner]

How many have you done?

I've done one VF500F and Mr.RC45's belt drive conversion is in progress...