I was looking at an SP-1 Honda today and looked at the chain wondering why anyone would ever want one...

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08 Specialized Langster

I believe it stresses the transmisson as there is no cush drive on the rear wheel .Probably more to it but that`s enough for me and besides,the clean rear wheel and not having to adjust the chain so frequently is also a bonus.

and also I understand that a chain will gouge the swinger... you can't get a big enough front sprocket in there to get the clearance... it's simply not designed to run a chain...

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'98 M2 Razorback, it's a keeper.

If I recall correctly the belt tightens up as the pulley centres increase when the suspension compresses, because of way the swinging arm pivots. That is why Tuber belt look so slack when parked.

Not a good look for a chain though

It's a bad idea don't do it.

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Keep calm and call Batman

After getting used to riding a bike with a belt, you'll be surprised how noisy a well adjusted and lubed chain is. This noise, is wasted power

If I could find a belt drive for my Duc, I'd fit it without a second thought

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

When I raced LSR and circuit, I converted the X1 to chain but the caveat was using the older rectangular tubed swingarm. I was able to fit a maximum 26T sprocket before the chain contacts the case. Many of us tried a chain with the cast swingarm and a chain slider from a dirt bike. With the suspension hunkered down for only an inch of travel the top was ok but not the lower. Put it out of our minds then.

On the road, the belt in just lovely. Quiet, need no attention and absorbs power pulses and the USA ratio just seems right for Buell's sweet spot at steady speeds and gives pretty good acceleration. For roadside issues, H-D makes a belt that splices together. Still have one in my garage. Don't carry it around locally or short trips but did pack it for epic adventures of more than 3000 miles to places where the definition of a road was very loose. ie. Took the X1 to Alaska when the Alaska highway was still 80% dirt and gravel...on the FX too even earlier. Never had to use the spare belt. The guards did the job.

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Bob Krzeszkiewicz
2012 XR1200X - 2011 Kawasaki Z1000SX - 1999 Buell X1

Willy can make you something. You may have to polish it yerself.

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Bob Krzeszkiewicz
2012 XR1200X - 2011 Kawasaki Z1000SX - 1999 Buell X1

Thanks all...I think I am getting the drift of this re the chain. The main reason I had the idea was due to the rear pulley not being in serviceable condition to re-fit. Will check ebay as Twin are about £270 for a replacement.

The pulley is hard anodised and can go to look very scabby and flakey. It still doesn't damage the belt. Post up a photo of the pulley teeth.

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

Crusty s/arm with lugs

When you've blasted and polished that , drill a small (2-3mm) hole between the shock mount to allow water to drain away

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

Cleaned up a bit. Even more when I can get the pivot off.

Good idea Adam...thanks

Hi Adam...re the rear pulley, the problem is not so much cosmetic.....its the inner wall has separated away from the teeth. Like the belt has been out of line and pushed the wall away from the teeth.

Those of a nervous disposition...look away now.

Really looks like shit. Yep, fee-bay time.

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Bob Krzeszkiewicz
2012 XR1200X - 2011 Kawasaki Z1000SX - 1999 Buell X1