A crazy idea... belt drive?

[Lost_Coast_Paso]

Before I ask about my crazy idea, I should explain.

I've been riding motorcycles since 1978. I have deep, deep psychological and emotional scars which were caused by motorcycle drive chains. 10 years ago I decided that I'd never own another bike with chain drive, except for one... a Paso, of course.

I have my Paso now and I wonder if I could replace the chain and sprockets with a belt and pulleys. There are other bikes that are more powerful that use belt drive. I think it could work. It only requires finding pullys that can be fitted to the countershaft and the rear wheel.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this idea?

Thanks.

[ducbertus]

Your not alone.
This idea crossed my mind already several times.
the reason which avoids my executing this are the following reasons.
The frontpulley will be wider and bigger. Is there enough space between the casings and the framework? how does the outgoing bearing coop with the changed load. (center of the pulley-force is more outside, increasing the momentum on the bearing)
The rear Pulley will be bigger also. Load of the pulley-carrier bearings is not an issue, I think.

But if you try, please let me know. the outcome will be interesting.

ducbertus

[Lost_Coast_Paso]

The frontpulley will be wider and bigger. Is there enough space between the casings and the framework? how does the outgoing bearing coop with the changed load. (center of the pulley-force is more outside, increasing the momentum on the bearing)
The rear Pulley will be bigger also. Load of the pulley-carrier bearings is not an issue, I think.

But if you try, please let me know. the outcome will be interesting.

ducbertus

Thanks for the reply. I work with an engineer, who studied physics in college. Maybe he can help me determine if the loads will be tolerable.

I think I will look at the pullys and belts on Buell's to get an idea of the sizes required. Hopefully one of them produces a similar amount of horsepower as the 907.

Unfortunately, I will not have the money to attempt the project anytime soon, but at least I can do the research.

[ducbertus]

I know a guy who owns a Buel, making the same or more power as a 907.
he stated he had some trouble with the belt life and early worn pulleys.
When I looked at the size of the pulleys and the with of the belt, I'm not so sure it will work. Small pulleys mean a lot of force and a lot of deformation during bending a round the pulleys. not the best combination to get sufficient belt life.

But maybe I'm just to pessimistic.

Ducbertus