Poll
Question:
Would you like to see the chain replaced with a belt ?
Option 1: Yes
votes: 21
Option 2: No
votes: 81
Option 3: Magna drive when perfected
votes: 8
was just curious what the masses felt. [coffee]
belts are for buells
My biggest issue with belts is that they are ugly. They can’t make as tight of a turn as a chain so the front pulley has to be bigger, which in turn means the rear pulley has to be huge. Not very pleasing.
the reduction in maintenance is not enough to make me want to change.
Quote from: aaronb on June 03, 2008, 11:20:04 AM
My biggest issue with belts is that they are ugly. They can’t make as tight of a turn as a chain so the front pulley has to be bigger, which in turn means the rear pulley has to be huge. Not very pleasing.
the reduction in maintenance is not enough to make me want to change.
+1 gazillion...
"Technology + reliability" doesn't always translate into "Pretty + desirable"... This is one of those times...
A belt drive ala Buell would stick out like a sore make the beast with two backsing thumb on a Monster.. :(
Providing that the drive-ratio can be adjusted as easily (availability of different tooth belt-sprockets) then I think yes...it would be desirable to replace the chain w/a belt.
The chains are dirty, need adjusting, and noisy.
Belts are getting much more powerful and thinner and lighter than a chain. Time will tell...but I think belts are coming Ducati's way....
Quote from: Duck-Stew on June 03, 2008, 12:09:44 PM
Belts are getting much more powerful and thinner and lighter than a chain. Time will tell...but I think belts are coming Ducati's way....
and there could be some really kewl carbon pulleys and sh1t!! [evil]
If there was some ultra-flex, high-strength belt that wouldn't require a big honking pulley in the back, and the belt was relatively inconspicuous, then maybe....I'd have to see it in place to really decide...Not saying it's not good food for thought, but just not my cup-o-tea...
I don't know, maybe I'm just throwback (If that's possible @ age 29 :P ), but chains are just so "Motorcycle", and I like that...
Hydrostatic drive.
i voted for the magna drive, whatever that is [thumbsup]
Quote from: herm on June 03, 2008, 07:26:49 PM
i voted for the magna drive, whatever that is [thumbsup]
So did I, but I would've voted for "Boobies" if that was an option. :)
(http://emoticons4u.com/obscene/eck02.gif)
Quote from: krolik on June 03, 2008, 07:39:40 PM
So did I, but I would've voted for "Boobies" if that was an option. :)
(http://emoticons4u.com/obscene/eck02.gif)
Some people never change [roll]
My experience of belts on HDs and Buell has been very positive and the technology is developing , the benefits of belts are obvious ,cleaner quieter smoother etc and less maintainance ...
They may not handle higher HP just yet but Buells give out over 100hp and HDs develop monster torque. replacing belts on Buells and Sportsters is quick but on HD bigtwins its a 5 hour job due to the driveline layout . If Ducati used a belt it would requir changes to the crankcase for gearbox sprocket area to be enlarged for a pulley .but changing belts would be really easy job.
Having worked for an HD dealer bhere in THailand I have seen few faliures and some huge mileages racked up on belts.
Anyone who puts a *lot* of miles on their bike would probably want a belt.
I know I would.
I read that belt vs chain article thingie, and came away thinking "whatever".
I'm a "form following function" kinda guy. If belts are better, hit it, if not, don't.
Until then, Magnadrive please...
Magnadrive are the way to go,..........................
.................................Warp speed here we come!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [thumbsup]
Belt ??
Should I buy a Buell or what ? why not a BMW directly....buuuahhh
Chain is gain !
I prefer a chain. I just think they look meaner. ???
The time spent cleaning/lubing/adjusting a chain would be better spent riding imo. Guess that doesn't exactly mesh well with the whole Ducati owner experience when you think about it.
I mentioned this the other day in a thread.
Chains are so reliable now and with the concentric adjustment and no alignment needed with the SSS chassis why go to a belt.
I get over 15,000 mi. out of a DID chain and maybe a tiny adjustment one time during its' lifetime. I'm going to clean my chain when I get the bike back from it service in a few days, but I have never cleaned a chain before and never had the slightest problem with one.
No belts for me - thank you.
LA
I have to say yes, only because I ride in the rain and my bike sits out overnight while I am at work. Chain maint. is a beast and new ones are expensive. Belts wouldn"t look that bad with a nice carbon guard. There goes another $300.
Maybe after Ducati 'proves' the belt drive in MotoGP and WSBK racing. Until that happens put it on the 696.
Quote from: Bill in OKC on June 21, 2008, 08:17:57 AM
Maybe after Ducati 'proves' the belt drive in MotoGP and WSBK racing. Until that happens put it on the 696.
nothing will help that bike
You can't gold-plate a belt.
Why would you change somthing that works so well ???
Quote from: aaronb on June 03, 2008, 11:20:04 AM
My biggest issue with belts is that they are ugly. They can’t make as tight of a turn as a chain so the front pulley has to be bigger, which in turn means the rear pulley has to be huge. Not very pleasing.
the reduction in maintenance is not enough to make me want to change.
+1 no way!!!!
I work with machinery that has a boat load of belts. I also own three chain driven motorcycles. Stick with chains.