Need some dimensions...

[KB02]

Hey All,
While my search for my own Buell continues, I am wondering if I may be able to make my Ducati better with some Buell parts. Specifically, I am considering a drive chain to drive belt conversion. There is enough crap on the Duc that needs constant maintenance, I figure a belt would help reduce one of the daily chores (and be a hell of a lot cleaner, too).

Is there anyone who could give me the dimensions off of the belt & pulleys? What is the width of the belt? For the front I need overall diameter and width of the pulley (and if any of the belt protrudes once it is wrapped around). And for the rear I am trying to find the overall width, offset and bolt pattern dimensions. Also, if I could get a general center to center measurement from the pulleys to see how close it is to my Ducati's, that would be awesome.

I snagged this pic off of eBay.
http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7hwAAOSwmrlU0UIl/s-l1600.jpg

[djs2k2]

The buell has a fixed wheel base I'm not familiar with the Ducati?

[user_deleted]

not sure if this thread is a joke or not but here's all you need to know to scrub this absurd potential project:
1- no motorcycle in the world has a "fixed wheel-base" unless you consider a bicycle with a clip-on motor to be a motorcycle.
2-there is no feasible way to attach a buell XB output shaft belt pulley to the output shaft of a ducati transmission.
3-"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" idler pulley assembly to a ducati motor.

[Cooter]

I think DJS2k2 means no provision for belt 'adjustment' like a chain drive has.

And sorry but it's a terrible idea.

[KB02]

not sure if this thread is a joke or not but here's all you need to know to scrub this absurd potential project:
1- no motorcycle in the world has a "fixed wheel-base" unless you consider a bicycle with a clip-on motor to be a motorcycle.
2-there is no feasible way to attach a buell XB output shaft belt pulley to the output shaft of a ducati transmission.
3-"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""" idler pulley assembly to a ducati motor.

No, It's not a joke. No, It's not absurd. Yes, there is a feasible way to attach to the pulley to the Duc's output shaft. It only takes ingenuity and intelligence.



I think DJS2k2 means no provision for belt 'adjustment' like a chain drive has.

And sorry but it's a terrible idea.

Why would this be a terrible idea? Belts are quieter, cleaner and last longer. If it's such a bad idea, why did Erik Buell put belts on any of his bikes? There are Chain to belt conversions for many bikes on the market. Why not a Ducati?

http://www.ducati-upnorth.com/forum/photopost/data/513/mosterbelt.jpg

[user_deleted]

^^^^^ can't decide if you're a keyboard brawler, word twister or just the argumentative type though i know your response will be none of the above. neither i nor shaughn said or inferred that a belt is a sub-standard method to transfer engine power to the rear wheel of a motorcycle. on the contrary it is an excellent method to perform such a demanding task. aftermarket kits exist in the cycle world to both convert chain drive to belt....and belt drive to chain.......ergo the pic you posted up. all the due diligence, intelligence and ingenuity in the world, in all likelihood, will not allow the conversion of a buell XB series rear drive pulley to the cush drive assembly of a ducati nor the front drive pulley to be adapted to the ducati output shaft. the pic you posted is completely irrelevant to your original question. that kit consists of "made from scratch" specific components for ducati chain-to-belt conversions. a keen eye such as mine also can quickly deduce from said pic that dimensionally the depicted drive pulley ratios and belt length are far different than XB series components, which in and amongst itself makes your consideration academic and pointless.

[mrlogix]

the question is not 'can I?' but is 'should I?' Anything will fit anything with enough money and resources. If I wanted to change that bad, I would sell the Duc and buy a Buell. There are enough good deals out there on XB's and 1125's that you can get a good bike for about $4k. Sell the Duc and buy a Buell. What you will end up with will be a bastard that you can't sell anywhere near what you will have in it. (Ask me how I know this, lol). If someone would buy it after conversion they will not have any support for parts. Can you imagine someone walking into a Ducati dealer asking for parts? All the staff would walk outside, look at it and laugh and wish you luck. Not hating, just stating the facts.

[djs2k2]

Yes thanks cooter...

[KB02]

neither i nor shaughn said or inferred that a belt is a sub-standard method to transfer engine power to the rear wheel of a motorcycle.

No, you simply called it an "absurd potential project" and Cooter said it was "a terrible idea." Did I, perhaps, misunderstand what you meant? My bad?

-----------------------------------

Okay, let's start over. I look to the Buells as starting point due to the fact that they produce similar amounts of torque and horsepower and are a similmar style bike. Despite Lunaticfringe's "Keen Eye," let's really hit this at the VERY BASICS. Will the front pulley even fit into the available space on the Ducati motor? If the answer is no, then it's all for not. BUT, I need the dimensions in order to find out. Next would be: Would a rear pulley fit inside stock Ducati swing arm and allow the belt to clear the tire? Once again, I simply look to the Buells as they are the best analog on the market to pull a comparison from. Will the parts swap directly over? No, obviously not. I'm not that stupid. but it took me all of about 5 seconds to look at the Buell drive pulley and think of a way to machine the parts to make it fit the Duc's engine. Its really simple engineering. But why bother wasting the money buying one unless I know the potential of fitting is there?

buell248 - I found that pic on a web search when I started researching this project. As best I can tell, they was simply a prototype that never went into production (Pic was taken at a convention). I found the company that made it, though, and they currently offer belt conversions for the Triumph Bonneville. Pretty slick looking work, too. I have had no response to my inquires to them, but as far as I can tell, it was never a production item. It does give me hope, though. I haven't been able to find any other Duacti's with a drive belt other than the new Diavel, but those on the Duacti forums seem to be interested in what I found out in my quest.

mrlogix - You make a valid point on the Can I/Should I argument along with resale value. However, if I can do this along the lines that I am thinking about, it would be totally reversible as it would be a matter of "bolting-on" parts (which could be unbolted and swapped out for stock).

So... Could anyone give me the dimensions on the pulleys and the belt width???

[Cooter]

So...
You are still willing to spend way more than sensible on this project. Ok, cool. I get that. Then Buy the Buell parts and see if they fit. No one here has the CAD dimensions you would need to actually do this. It takes a LOT more info than circumference and width...

Since you still haven't provided the info of WHAT Ducati you have (I'll guess '97-'03 Monster, but a very small one...) no one can give you info on that bike either.

Can you? Sure! Any things possible:)

Should you? I'm SURE we are saying the same thing that your Ducati forum is. No.

It's really for your own good. I've watched very nice people spent lots and lots of money on silly things and it doesn't affect my life at all. I'm just using my experience and knowledge to help you avoid an obvious pitfall.

Good luck buddy, I'll watch this project closely (if it actually ever happens).

[mrlogix]

Search for BadWeb. Its a buell forum with a lot more tech guys. Tell them buellxb sent you

[Chicknstripn]

I think you nailed it when you responded that having to modify the rear swing arm would stop this project dead in its tracks.
The swing arm in a Buell is quite wide. Some member have converted to a chain drive and have been able to run a 240 tire without any modifications to the swing arm.
I THINK a Buell belt is about 1" wide. Dementions for such can usually be found on eBay auctions selling replacement belts.
I'll post actual numbers for you on belt/pulley widths, front/rear pulley inner diameters and what not when I get a chance to measure stuff in the garage. I'm no CNC machinist or engineer so don't expect anything too fancy.

Think about what I said regarding the rear swing arm because it will most definitely need to be widened.

I'm all about a project, especially one that cost a lot and takes up a bunch of my time, as long as the out come is something unique that makes me happy. Have you given thought to using an XB swingarm and rear wheel setup on your Ducati? If I'm thinking right most Ducati monsters are air cooled twins right? You could be real crazy and use the swing arm as your oil tank. You'd also shorten your wheelbase considerably and turn your bike into a wheelie monster(pun intended)!

Anyway, those are my random thoughts.

I agree with Mrlogix. Badweb is the place for all the technical info. I think a protractor, dial calipers and a slide rule are prerequisites for joining those guys.

Good luck

[mrlogix]

I agree with Mrlogix. Badweb is the place for all the technical info.
I think a protractor, dial calipers and a slide rule are prerequisites for joining those guys.

I don't know if I would go that far, maybe just a ruler. I think this is an example of their latest project
5099

[Chicknstripn]

I agree with Mrlogix. Badweb is the place for all the technical info.
I think a protractor, dial calipers and a slide rule are prerequisites for joining those guys.

I don't know if I would go that far, maybe just a ruler. I think this is an example of their latest project
5099

Wow!
I bet that thing hauls ASS!

[KB02]

Wow!
I bet that thing hauls ASS!

Ha, ha!!! Love it!! :)


I think you nailed it when you responded that having to modify the rear swing arm would stop this project dead in its tracks.
The swing arm in a Buell is quite wide. Some member have converted to a chain drive and have been able to run a 240 tire without any modifications to the swing arm.
I THINK a Buell belt is about 1" wide. Dementions for such can usually be found on eBay auctions selling replacement belts.
I'll post actual numbers for you on belt/pulley widths, front/rear pulley inner diameters and what not when I get a chance to measure stuff in the garage. I'm no CNC machinist or engineer so don't expect anything too fancy.


Thanks. Yeah, I don't need to have exact, down to the .0001", measurements. Basics will at least give me an idea if I have enough room to play with. Then I can source something up on ebay to get exacts. But if there is no way with the basics, then why bother.

By the way, my bike is the ST2. I would love... LOVE to pick up a Buell as a second bike. Just can't afford a second bike right now. I have been drooling over the whole Buell line since Eric's first mass production incarnation (I even have a couple of friends who know him personally). I did come across an 1125R on craigslist a few weeks ago right near me for only $3k and ridiculously low miles. It REALLY got me thinking about what I could sell to afford it. Really want an XB9S. Such a great hooligan bike. :D

[Chicknstripn]

Here are my crude measurements.
Inner swing arm width 10 7/8"
Width from outter pulley surface to outter brake disc surface 9 3/16"
Area from outter pulley surface to inner swing arm(right side rear wheel) 1 3/16"
Area from outter brake disc surface to inner swing arm(left side rear wheel) 1 1/2"
Rear pulley width 1 3/8" -I will assume the front it is the same.
Rear pulley OD 11 5/16"
Front pulley OD 5"
OD of splines/mounting hole in front pulley 1 7/8"
Drive belt width 1 1/8"
Approximate Length from center of rear pulley to center of front pulley 22 1/4"

Not sure how much that helps, or if it makes much sense, but at least it's some info for you to digest.

[KB02]

Perfect! That's exactly what I needed, Chicknstripn. Thank you.

And, as it turns out, after measuring just the drive sprocket area on my bike, I would say there is not enough room to hold a pulley. I knew that pulleys were bigger than sprockets, but I was honestly a little shocked at a 5" OD. I MIGHT be able to squeeze one in, but the clutch slave would have to be extensively modified too, and even then I would only have a millimeter or two to spare, if that.

Oh well. It would have been nice. Guess I should have gone with that laser measured and mechanically calibrated keen eye, huh? ;P

Thanks again. I guess it will be a chain on the Duc and my search for a Buell will continue.

[Chicknstripn]

I usually follow Lunatic's suggestions. The man rarely throws BS around and is usually looking out for riders/members better interests.
The man has probably forgotten more about Buells than you or I will ever know.

Sell the Duc or find someone that wants to trade if you really want a Buell.

Ride safe and Good luck fella

[user_deleted]

I usually follow Lunatic's suggestions. The man rarely throws BS around and is usually looking out for riders/members better interests.
The man has probably forgotten more about Buells than you or I will ever know.

Sell the Duc or find someone that wants to trade if you really want a Buell.

Ride safe and Good luck fella


thanks for the very kind words carlos. appreciate that my friend. when this post surfaced it took me back to the summer of 72 which was just a few months after kawasaki unleashed the terrifying H2-750 Triple on an unsuspecting and shocked riding public. cycle mags flooded that summer and fall with reader submissions such as "God Almighty....will this lump fit into my RD250?"........"Checking right now at local dealer for motor dimensions. this thing is going into my 67 sportster. wonder how tight it will be?" uhmmmmm.......uhhhhhhh.......throat-clear.......sure. why not? anything can be made to "fit".

[Chicknstripn]

You weren't one of those optimistic young bucks that knew better than the old salty dogs of the time were you?