**2003 belt problems**

[backwoods_buellxb9r]

i have a 2003 buell firebolt xb9r and as everyone knows the 2003 has problems with wimpy belt designs and im tired of my belt not lasting more than 2000-7000 miles. so my question is...where could i find a chain drive kit that will fit my buell??? i priced an upgraded front and rear sprocket with a belt for a 2005 model xb9 but i dont wanna drop $496.75 on another BELT even if it is the "upgraded" package!!

 

[GAXB9R]

You can find them cheaper if you look around for bikes that have been damaged and those parts are still ok. As far as the chain set up goes you can buy a 520 or 530 chain, I would recommend x-ring. Would need to know that before you buy anything else, because you would need to by the rear sprocket (Vortex) and front sprocket (PBI i believe, but i may be wrong) accordingly. EBR idler pulley or a free spirits idler pulley. EBR idler wheel if you go with their idler pulley with the spacer. A press of some sort to install the spacer into the idler wheel. I know some sites have kits you can buy and that makes it easier rather than piecing it together. cant remember off the top of my head though who has them. Buying the kit would save you a lot of trouble.

 

[backwoods_buellxb9r]

thanks GAXB9R ive heard some buzz about an upgraded belt being made for the 03 xb9r but i cant find any solid reviews on the so called upgraded belts...

 

[GAXB9R]

Belt check it out, but still not much info.

 

[backwoods_buellxb9r]

thanks ill give it a gander haha

 

[thrstrmech]

read the last thread you posted on, have a few Q's for ya and a little info too

 

[backwoods_buellxb9r]

so if i went to the 14 mm pitch I'd have to change pullies to right?

 

[GAXB9R]

Yeah they are completely different.

 

[thrstrmech]

everything that touches the belt will have to be replaced...give Al a call at ASB and he can give you the skinney on the conversion, he's also got some info on the '03 belt which was made by Gates exclusively for that year model, since then it's been upgraded, hence the "R" at the end of the part number...the original ended with "F"

 

[GAXB9R]

ASB 04+ kit

 

[backwoods_buellxb9r]

has anyone on here tried the new belt for th 03 buell xb's ???

 

[thrstrmech]

not yet, but I will when it's time for it...knock on wood

 

[backwoods_buellxb9r]

oh god lol here it goes i hope its alot more realiable than the 2600 mile gates belt -_-[down]

 

[thrstrmech]

did you get the .02A8R belt?

 

[backwoods_buellxb9r]

i got the oem belt i figured out the problem fellas the guy who put my belt on at a local shop had the tension way way to tight and said my pulley was fine when in fact it was not! the teeth were like razors and now that i am familiar with the belts and pulleys i know what to expect and how to set them up. this guy said the belt needed to be tight so it wouldnt slip...well i was like makes sense to me i was used to a chain so i didnt know. now i know you have to have an inch and a quarter of slack minimum -_-

 

[Bolty]

I have the 03 improved belt from ASB, it seems good so far.

 

[backwoods_buellxb9r]

how many miles on it???

 

[Hooker]

I put 4,700 hundred miles on my between last april and this recent last november. Bought my bike from a dealer used, so i have no clue when they put the upgraded belt on, but it's been 4,700+ miles then without a single problem, and i don't exactly go easy on the bike. I don't do wheelies and stuff, but i've raced the bike a couple times and even with being stored outside during our harsh Illinois winter (in a shed), there is no cracking, fraying, or splitting of any kind. I plan to switch to the upgraded belt system this summer, but i'm probably going to ride at least until the end of spring on this belt.

 

[thrstrmech]

63k here on the original Gates belt

 

[Hooker]

you must not do many wheelies either