Suzuki Savage spotted...

"66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash" (66671)
06/14/2017 at 09:35 • Filed to: None

Anyone have experience with belt drives? Can this thing even change gears?

DISCUSSION (20)

McMike > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 09:39

What do belts have to do with shifting?

Hammerdown > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 09:41

Standard 5 speed. The belt replaces the chain. Less noise, less maintenance, and they last longer.

Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 09:41

The belt drives the rear wheel. The gear changing magic happens with your left foot, where the arrow is.

Kinja'd!!!

PS9 > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 09:41

Suzuki, that’s not savage. This right here. This is savage.

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever
06/14/2017 at 09:45

I know that, lol, but compared to chains I just thought that belts would be difficult to build a transmission around, considering how wide they are. But I guess not?

Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 09:49

I’m not really a motorcycle guy, but they’ve got chain, belt, and shaft drive on bikes pretty well dialed in for function/assembly at this point. I’d be willing to guess a belt drive only adds about a half inch of width compared to a chain drive.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 09:51

Harley uses belts on their normal production bikes exclusively I think. Not exactly engineering marvels but they’ve been doing things that way since the middle ages and they’re at least functional. The nice thing about belts is low maintenance; no need to clean and lubricate them every time you come to a stop. Saying a belt drive affects a transmission’s ability to shift is like saying is like saying the cup of coffee you had this morning is going to prevent you from having dinner tonight.

Tekamul > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 09:51

I own a belt drive (and 2 chain drives). Can confirm, it does not change gears. But that has more to do with the fact it’s a direct drive.

Belts work just fine. You can convert any chain final drive to a belt with a couple pieces of hardware.

jimz > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 10:03

it’s no different than a chain drive, the transmission output shaft just has a different style of sprocket. Motorcycle drive belts are basically the same as engine timing belts in cars.

Chain drive sprocket:

Kinja'd!!!

Belt drive sprocket:

Kinja'd!!!

jimz > McMike
06/14/2017 at 10:04

I think some people conflate belt final drives with the rubber belt CVTs in a lot of ATVs and other powersports vehicles.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 10:05

Bike transmissions are packaged very differently than a car transmission. The slight added width of the belt is not too significant. It is often used to help smooth out a drivetrain and reduces the need for maintenance compared to a chain. Shaft drive requires even less maintenance and checking, but they can be a bit harsh when coming on/off power. CHains are the strongest power delivery method and by changing the sprockets at either end of the chain you can effectively modify the “gearing” a bit. But they get dirty and need very regular maintenance.

TheRealBicycleBuck > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 10:11

Belt drives are standard for Harley Davidsons. They’ve been around forever.

McMike > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 10:13

Harley has been using belts since the early 80s. Victory, Indian, and I think some of the big Yamaha cruisers use them too.

Belts not new or unusual.

McMike > jimz
06/14/2017 at 10:33

I find it weird that someone with an understanding of how CVT works would make that assumption.

Gone > McMike
06/14/2017 at 10:35

You forgot Buell (just like the motorcycle industry itself did).

jimz > McMike
06/14/2017 at 10:38

or confusing it with bicycle chain drives with derailleurs.

66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash > jimz
06/14/2017 at 11:09

That’s what it was, I don’t (didn’t-after now I suppose) know how a motorcycle trans worked but I thought the belt would shift or move within the transmission but yeah nvm.

jimz > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 11:12

a motorcycle transmission is usually just like the manual transmission in a car, except with a different style of gear selector mechanism to enable a sequential shifter instead of a gated one.

McMike > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 12:01

Thanks for following up. Your question makes much more sense now.

Nisman > 66671 - 200 [METRIC] my dash
06/14/2017 at 12:35

Lol virtually all Harleys have belt drives. Always have.