Pulley from Bakers Drivetrain

[SlickRidin]

I searched on here and a few people have used the aluminum pulley from baker drivetrain. However, I called them and they said they do not fit the XB so now I'm lost. Do they fit for those that supposedly used them? Also, what kind of life are you achieving from them?

Thanks
Kevin

 

[SlickRidin]

When I do get answers and proceed if in fact it's possible I WILL document as I plan to do it with a free spirits tensioner!

 

[BuddhaBuell]

if memory serves me correctly there is a thread pertaining to the Free Spirits tensioner's spring failing, I don't remember if it was a issue that was corrected or not but for the $$$$ they want I'd do some homework.

good luck with your mods

 

[thrstrmech]

there is a thread on the free spirits do hicky, whatchacallit, thingy darn search feature on the forum failed me again[down]

 

[BuddhaBuell]

here ya go

http://www.buellxb.com/Buell-XB-For...shooting/Free-spirits-belt-tensioner-failure.

[smirk]

 

[SlickRidin]

Humph! [confused] So the best option is a shorter belt. Will only need if I know the pulley from Bakers is good. I found a badweb thread from here that gives part numbers and belt teeth so that's awesome. Just unsure of the pulley. Anyone ever order free spirits pulley?

 

[xbtiger]

hi..............do not waste your time with the free spirits part.............. I have used two and both are ****..............the part looks after 3000 miles on the road like you have done a trip through the desert on a gravel track....................also its fits very badly.

Chris

 

[netty2424]

Or you can convert to chain and the rigid free spirits tensioner works fine. Better design maybe, not sure, but mines held up great.

Having said that, I'd rather have a belt! Ha!

 

[SlickRidin]

Netty^

Does anyone know whether or not the 91-03 pulley from a sportster is the same as ours? If so, Baker's would fit. Only issue then is the belt being too long or short.

Just looking for a little more from it. Can't be last everyday all day! Haha.

 

[loose1]

I know a tuber, which is the same as a sportster, fits a blast; and a blast half of a xb9. I'm pretty sure it will fit. I'll know for sure one I build a new rear pulley for my xb so I can go back to a belt.
Matt

 

[SlickRidin]

I'm thinking I might need to take one for the team and take the risk of trying out their return policy. Hahaha.

Says it'll fit up to an 03 Buell!

This outta stir up some controversy..... Will the free spirits tensioner compensate for the one tooth higher or one tooth lower that they only offer?

 

[loose1]

With all the problems people have been having with the free spirits and the cost, I would use a stock arm/pulley and slot the hole like people have been doing with chain conversions.

 

[SlickRidin]

Ill do a search and check that out. Only concern is they do that probably to release some tension on the belt with stock pulley.

My problem is one less tooth or one additional! I fear that is more to make up, or simply more slotting if it'll take it

 

[FIREFIGHT100]

Belts a plenty
http://www.beltdrives.com/reardrbelt2.html

 

[SlickRidin]

Nice link!

Stock belt is 128 teeth so if I went with 1 tooth smaller pulley a 126 tooth belt should do it?

 

[Bobby Buell]

I was concerned about the FreeSpirits tensioner, having only just purchased one when the debate started.(I posted my thoughts then)
For the next 3k miles I watched mine like a hawk.
I tore down the bike for winter season rebuild and remade the part, since it was showing ovality.
Out of courtesy, I sent photos to FS and an explanation of my findings and drawings of modifications.
This was in November 2012, to date have not had contact back.
An expensive way to arrive at where I now am, but convinced that a sprung tensioner the way to go.

 

[SlickRidin]

Well I'm in contact with Bakers Drivetrain. We are comparing some numbers and coming up with the answer.

As far as the tensioner goes, Bobby you claim a tensioner that can adjust the load on the belt is the best concept however, free spirits lack durability. How about some pictures of your modifications?

 

[SlickRidin]

So here is the scoop. With some measuring on the phone with Baker's and my local HD Dealer being a supplier of Baker's we have determined that they fit. However, I did not purchase one from them. Will some cleaver investigating, thanks to this Forum, Evolution Industries sells them even in the STOCK 27T. It was just shy of $200.00 shipped to my house in Michigan.

I did weigh both of them. Steel (stock) weighed in at 2lbs 14 ounces. Aluminum (Evolution's) weighed in at just 15 ounces. Full 2lbs lighter.

I have ridden it roughly 100 miles. It does RPM faster. In fact, first gear pulls up hard on a full throttle run. As far as life expediency........... We will see!

 

[BuckDWildass]

how did you get in touch with the people at baker? I have been attempting to research their XL6, the 6 spd that is supposedly able to fit directly into the case of an 03-04 xb (apparently those year models had sportster trannys...???) but have had no luck tracking down any phone numbers, just bs "ask us" chat windows that make a man wait for an email response...

 

[TheyCallMe]

so, how's the pulley working these days Slick? Can't seem to find a site for Evolution? do you have a link so I could check it out? Thanks