What's everyone's highly scientific method of new belt break in? I usually just try to take it easy for 50, well more like 25 miles and ride at a variety of speeds.
Thanks

like you said, take it easy for 50 miles (or try too at least...) Avoid hard acceleration and avoid running at same RPM's for long periods of time.

Yep, as previously mentioned, slower speeds and varying throttle positions for 25 or so miles. Also to help prolong the life of a belt and reduce heat, I keep the clutch pulley faces clean. I use Acetone or Brake Cleaner on them after most rides. It's amazing the amount of black residue type crap that comes off of them. Maybe I'm being too fussy?

Originally posted by FlyingDutchman@Dec 6 2004, 10:19 PM
I use Acetone or Brake Cleaner on them after most rides. It's amazing the amount of black residue type crap that comes off of them.* Maybe I'm being too fussy?
372101


No such thing as being too fussy when dealing with machinery...I might even try this maintenence technique....

Typically how long have you seen belts last before they are breaking? My experiences have been that the belt needed to be replaced long before they would brake due to loss of power.

That is normally how it is with belts...if you are running them till they break, you are running them too long. I had one break on me once, and man was that hard to untangle from the clutches... :bash: Check them frequently to make sure they are still good to avoid a headache...

I Just take it easy for a bit.

I've heard of people washing them and sanding them.

I had a belt grenade at around 85 MPH and it scared the sh_t out of me. Machine just costed to a stop and I instinctively hit the kill switch when the sled stopped.

There was piece that looked like it was made of the same material as pantyhose that was intact and had the original shape of the belt. The longest cogged piece of belt was maybe 3" long and it was all over the place. Blew the belt cover off. It was a Dayco belt with approx 2000 miles on it so it was more than do. Put back-up belt on and away we go.

I am still finding pieces of that belt.

Originally posted by SNOWTOBOGANNER@Dec 7 2004, 07:06 PM
I Just take it easy for a bit.

I've heard of people washing them and sanding them.

I had a belt grenade at around 85 MPH and it scared the sh_t out of me.* Machine just costed to a stop and I instinctively hit the kill switch when the sled stopped.

There was piece that looked like it was made of the same material as pantyhose that was intact and had the original shape of the belt.* The longest cogged piece of belt was maybe 3" long and it was all over the place.* Blew the belt cover off.* It was a Dayco belt with approx 2000 miles on it so it was more than do.* Put back-up belt on and away we go.

I am still finding pieces of that belt.
372406


I have also washed new OEM belts in hot dishwater. Then scuff the sides of the belt with a Scothbrite pad in a vertical motion. Hey, it can't hurt. I usually can get a couple of seasons or 5000 kms out of a OEM belt.