From: behanna@phoenix.syl.nj.nec.com (Chris BeHanna)
Subject: Belt Drives Summary (long-ish)
Followup-To: rec.motorcycles.harley
Organization: NEC Systems Laboratory, Inc.
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 92 16:58:01 GMT

	As promised, here's my summary of belt primary drive responses.

Brian.Zavatsky@Corp.Sun.COM replied:
>>So:  What belt drive system do you use (if any)?
>
>stock Harley parts --- FXB twin belt low-rider(Sturgis) '80 '81 '82
>
>>How tough  was the installation?
>
>there was a recent thread in this news group about this, 3hrs shop time
>i think.
>
>>What is involved in the upkeep? 
>none
>
>>What are the advantages?
>quieter, smoother, my brake side of the rear wheel gets dirtier than
>the drive side :@)
>
>>is it possible to use electric start with your setup?
>mine is electric start w/kick start

stafford@msus1.msus.edu replied:
>behanna@phoenix.syl.nj.nec.com
>        ^^^^^^^
>Behanna, your machine is unknown to the Internet.  Even your primary
>server (143.101.112.2) doesn't table your address.  So, NO EMAIL.

	This is annoying.  I have to set the "sender" and "Reply-To" fields by
hand all the time.  Correct address is syl.nj.nec.com, like my .sig says.

>> ... I want to know pros/cons of using wide/narrow primary belt setups.
>
>Wide belt cons: alignment is difficult
>                if not aligned properly, bearings wear out fast
>                unnecessary with engine < 150HP
>                won't fit under primary cover
>Wide belt pro:  looks tough
>
>> ...What belt drive system do you use (if any)?  
>
>Karata.  One on a 1978 Superglide
>         One on a 1956 custom
>Never had a belt break and both ran without primary cover and the '56
>is a gravel scratcher and has passed lots of rocks between belt and
>pulleys.
>
>> How tough was the installation?  
>
>Absolutely elementary.  You will need a clutch-hub puller (HD part)
>and an impact wrench (air or electric.) You must move the primary vent to
>the atmosphere: I use a K&N filter at the end of hose routed under
>frame and tied down in front of the transmission.
>
>> What is involved in the upkeep?
>
>Check adjustment every 10,000 miles.  Don't waste money on brand
>with self adjuster; they cause extra wear and merely add parts which
>try to make up for unfortunate original engineering.  Go with Karata.
>
>> What are the caveats?
>
>You gain a distinctive clutch rattle when clutch is pulled.  You have
>heard this sound at the road races.  People will ask if something is
>wrong with your transmission.
>
>> What are the advantages?  
>
>You will loose several pounds of rotating weight and gain power and
>response.  Quieter.  Cleaner.  Less maintenance.  
>
>> And, very importantly, is it possible to use electric start with your setup?
>
>Karata.  Yes.  Just ask for the starter ring.

dehahn@strokr.shr.dec.com replied:
>I had a Primo new style 11mm for 5 years on my '79 FX custom. It was
>great when the motor was stock or close to it. Now that it's a gas guzzling
>Ninja burning 98ci mill it ate the belt after the first good holeshot after
>breakin. 
>
>I originally got the belt in preparation for stroking the motor, with the
>mistaken belief it would hold up better than a chain and make my primary
>leak free. I now run a chain and my primary doesn't leak a drop.
>
>Think about what you want to accomplish. If you want big performance
>eventually you'll have to scrap the belt drive, or give up the electric starter
>and run a larger belt. The biggest belt you can run closed is a 1 1/2" which
>is what I broke. Unless you want to drop the electric start, and fit a 2".
>Even the 3" belts break at the strip.
>
>The Primo is a top quality belt drive kit.

	Summary:  belt drives are good if you don't make big HP.  If you do
make big HP, you have to choose between a big belt or an electric starter.
You can't have both.

	What will I do?  Since I'm planning to build a big stroker in a year or
two (depends on $$$), I'll be sticking with a primary chain so that I can use
an electric foot.  Oh damn, but the trick look of the 3" belt is so appealing!
I hate making such decisions (electric start vs. big belt).

Later,
-- 
Chris BeHanna	DoD# 114  KotHLF    1983 H-D FXWG Wide Glide (She lives!)
behanna@syl.nj.nec.com	            (I need another bike for this space!)

Disclaimer:  Now why would NEC agree with any of this anyway?