2016 Diavel goes belt drive

[GearheadGrrrl]

The devil is in the details... On most Harleys and the later tube frame Buells belt replacement is an ugly all day job involving pulling the whole rear suspension apart. The later "fuel in frame" Buells were redesigned so the belt can be changed in less than an hour. Same with the BMW F800S/ST/GT application- clearly designed for easy roadside belt replacement. Belt life is a total crapshoot- my Buell's broke on the middle lane of an urban freeway at 50k miles, my F800S is still on the original belt at 72k miles.

[kingoffleece]

A common mod for 1050 Tigers is to exchange the 18 tooth for a 19.

[oldbike54]

The devil is in the details... On most Harleys and the later tube frame Buells belt replacement is an ugly all day job involving pulling the whole rear suspension apart. The later "fuel in frame" Buells were redesigned so the belt can be changed in less than an hour. Same with the BMW F800S/ST/GT application- clearly designed for easy roadside belt replacement. Belt life is a total crapshoot- my Buell's broke on the middle lane of an urban freeway at 50k miles, my F800S is still on the original belt at 72k miles.

 Wouldn't that be "Diavel" 

  Dusty

[lucian]

It seems remarkable to me that these belts can withstand the type of loads and torque in these applications without more issues. I can't even find a belt that will hold my pants up properly. I find it interesting that a sophisticated machine like the Diaval has such a basic final drive. I know sometimes less is more but it seems odd somehow.

[Kev m]

But, are the pulleys and belts any more available to change ratios on the primary than on the final drive?
Not that the typical market for Sportsters are going to care to change the ratio.

There are a number of options for both just from OEM variances between 883 and 1200 and differences between domestic and export model gearing.

There is also at least one aftermarket source with rear sprockets of different sizes.


G-Girl. It's dead simple on the Sportster line (like parking lot simple if need be). Not so much on the BTs but 100k+ is not uncommon on them. Actually failures are rather uncommon on the BTs.

[Rough Edge racing]

The devil is in the details... On most Harleys and the later tube frame Buells belt replacement is an ugly all day job involving pulling the whole rear suspension apart. The later "fuel in frame" Buells were redesigned so the belt can be changed in less than an hour. Same with the BMW F800S/ST/GT application- clearly designed for easy roadside belt replacement. Belt life is a total crapshoot- my Buell's broke on the middle lane of an urban freeway at 50k miles, my F800S is still on the original belt at 72k miles.

 My tube frame Buell drive belt is old.....And yes replacing it a big job but a bit prying on stuff makes it a bit faster. ...For 50 bucks more than the cost of a new belt I did a chain conversion...I like the looks of a chain on the bike and riding it less than 1000 miles a year, the O ring chain is no problem..

[mjptexas]

The devil is in the details... On most Harleys and the later tube frame Buells belt replacement is an ugly all day job involving pulling the whole rear suspension apart.....

We're talking about a Ducati here. Do you really believe our Italian friends gave much thought to 'easy belt replacement?'  Hell, based on what the manual says replacing the battery on my 821 looks like about a 2 hour job - IF you have the 'special tool'.  Fortunately belt replacement wouldn't be an every year thing for most of us.

[kirb]

Arrrg....worst part is the feet forward pegs.
Exhaust- let's hope the termis look better
I like the radiator over the old twin rads
Swingarm looks better.

I have a G1 Diavel. I really like the power in a package that doesn't tie you up in knots. The GT seat transformed the bike for me.

[fatbob]

I would think that Duc has too much horsepower for a belt to handle. It would have to be some kind of magnum belt! 

[Kev m]

I would think that Duc has too much horsepower for a belt to handle. It would have to be some kind of magnum belt!

Answering that concern was why I mentioned the Polaris three-wheeler with the 2.something liter engine. I'd expect equal or better power and higher loads from mass.