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Post by jtl on Aug 27, 2008 13:51:40 GMT -5
I there a way to tell when you need a new belt, other then the obvious? How long do these things last? John
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Post by 90GTVert on Aug 27, 2008 14:00:58 GMT -5
4000 miles is the check/replace time for belts. How long they will actually last can vary on conditions. Mine is a little cracked at just over 4000 miles. It may last another 1000, but I'd rather not chance it and be on the side of the road.
This is the obvious stuff, but if there is a lot of black dust in your CVT case your belt has been wearing. Of course look for cracks on either side of the belt as well as wear.
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Post by jtl on Aug 27, 2008 14:15:03 GMT -5
Thanks, Mine looks good but I am at almost 4k so it is time. I also read somewhere that as the belt wears, it affects performance. Any thoughts on that.
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Post by 90GTVert on Aug 27, 2008 15:01:24 GMT -5
It could slip if it is worn. That would definitely affect performance.
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Post by jtl on Aug 27, 2008 15:06:26 GMT -5
I even wonder if it loses width maybe it would not ride as high and affect top end. Sort of like having a washer in the variator.
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Post by 90GTVert on Aug 27, 2008 15:21:36 GMT -5
Yeah. I think they usually crack before they lose any significant width, but you're right. In 4000+ miles the difference in width in my old belt and new belt is not really discernable by the naked eye. You could see that the old one had worn on the edges though.
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Post by Karl on Aug 27, 2008 18:49:30 GMT -5
It's best to replace them before they break not only because it will leave you stranded but because belt particles get in the variator, rollers, clutch, etc. and a shredded belt can break off the variator fan blades.
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Post by jtl on Aug 28, 2008 9:01:15 GMT -5
Good points.
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Post by kb on Aug 28, 2008 9:07:06 GMT -5
The wifes 2003 Zuma has 6400 miles on it, had to replace the front rotor and pads but other than that NADA! original plug, belt, tires................... The thing still runs 42 mph with me on it going on a flat road.
I rode it when it had only 600 miles and I can say the performance is the same, still faster than the Ruckus ;D
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Post by jtl on Aug 28, 2008 13:30:35 GMT -5
I took the restrictor washer out of my Vino a couple of days ago and pulled the cover today to make sure everything is still bolted together. There is a noticeable amount of black dust from the belt. Not piles, just a thin coating in some areas. I am thinking that this is not unusual for a scoot with only 350 miles and one that has never had the variator clamp all the way down at the high end. Does that sound reasonable or is something else going on? John
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Post by 90GTVert on Aug 28, 2008 15:25:41 GMT -5
You are pretty much always going to see dust when you pull the CVT cover unless you are OCD and constantly clean in there.
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Post by jtl on Aug 28, 2008 15:57:57 GMT -5
That makes sense, but since I just had the cover off a few miles ago when I removed the restricter I didn't really notice anything. When I did my re-check it was more obvious. I think it must be from the belt rubbing more on the sides of the variatior after removing the washer. John
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Post by ireland2004 on Aug 28, 2008 22:40:19 GMT -5
As long as a belt shows no uneven wear, or cracks, or basic deterioration of any kind (outside simply wear) they can last quite a while, especially in a stock 50 cc scooter (even more especially in a top quality scoot). I've got over 9,000 miles on a stock E-Ton belt, and over 7,000 on my stock Yamaha Vino's belt, and a bigger testament to how some belts can last is that my CVT belt in my 2005 Kawasaki KFX-700 has 100 hours on it, and it looks perfect, even with a 700 V-Twin yanking on it.
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Post by lbo on Aug 29, 2008 15:20:08 GMT -5
I replaced my stock (BANDO) belt at about 7000km. The new one, while reputable, wasn't quite the same.... it put off a strange vibration. I put the stock one back on and it's at 8200km so far. No noticable wear, cracks, or drying evident. It looks the same as it always does. I am sure it will eventually go but other S9 owners have mentioned how the Bando lasts better then most replacements with Kevlar.
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Post by Karl on Aug 30, 2008 21:17:52 GMT -5
lbo, what brand was the belt that you weren't impressed with?
Karl
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Post by lbo on Aug 31, 2008 7:05:40 GMT -5
lbo, what brand was the belt that you weren't impressed with? Karl I bought it from Moped Hospital in Florida, the belt is a "Ventigo" belt made in France. It's a non-Kevlar belt and around $30 or so..... they think it's a great alternative. It's not that I don't like the belt, I thought mine was slipping or about due for replacement. When I put it on I noticed no increased performace (must not have been slipping) and it put of a slight vibration. The vibe might go away though, maybe it just needed to be broken in or something ;D Seems like whenever I change up the CVT components it takes a few miles before it all settles down. I plan to get another Bando belt, they seem to wear better then the Kevlar belts out there with other S9 owners and I have been happy with it.
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Post by kb on Oct 9, 2008 15:52:17 GMT -5
The wifes 2003 Zuma just past the 7000 mile mark on the original belt, I might order one this winter, the Zuma is like the energizer bunny..................................................... ;D
Not sure how far the belt will go, time will tell.
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Post by nikolai on Nov 9, 2008 12:58:05 GMT -5
"Replace the belt when cracks start to appear, or when its width has worn down by 1mm, regardless of belt's age or mileage --- better sooner than later" is the sage advice of expert scooter tuners in my neck of the woods.
I refused to believe this at first, and I had to learn the hard way --- chewed up a belt (with 4400 kms. on it) going home in the middle of the night, in the middle of nowhere, in the pouring rain and no shelter in sight. Yup, I had a flashlight, tools and a spare belt, but it was definitely no fun.
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