A week or so I mentioned ( or maybe read another post ) a belt drive for my 59 pan. I dont like the idea of oil splattered on my whitewall tire. I was informed that belt drives make a lot of noise, of coarse the chain does too, but its a Harley noise . I see several belt drives in the $275.00 range ,are any of these quiet? Or can you do something to quiet them down?
Thanks , Neil
belt drive noise ??
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Bigincher
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Re: belt drive noise ??
Are you asking about a rear belt drive for your '59? I've not ever seen that done. Not saying it's not possible, it's just something that I've not seen. Sounds like a pretty complex conversion--- not even sure it's possible.
And if you're talking about a belt primary drive, you're still going to have oil on the rear chain. A chain needs oil, anyway, or it won't last very long.
And if you're talking about a belt primary drive, you're still going to have oil on the rear chain. A chain needs oil, anyway, or it won't last very long.
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CaptMike
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Re: belt drive noise ??
With my Non-stock cam gear I can't hear any belt noise (just a loud "whine" from the gear case)!
I went with a belt for several reasons....
1. After 32 years of Rust and Being Moved Several Times I was missing some primary drive parts.
2. The Belt Was CHEEP'er (like me).
3. I've learned to Hate a Damn Chain after 40 years on different bikes.
Honestly, I can't say any of mine are noisy. (The Pan in a closed primary and a 3" BDL on a Evo Bob, open primary.)
Go ahead and throw a brick about can't repair a belt with a Repair Link.
I went with a belt for several reasons....
1. After 32 years of Rust and Being Moved Several Times I was missing some primary drive parts.
2. The Belt Was CHEEP'er (like me).
3. I've learned to Hate a Damn Chain after 40 years on different bikes.
Honestly, I can't say any of mine are noisy. (The Pan in a closed primary and a 3" BDL on a Evo Bob, open primary.)
Go ahead and throw a brick about can't repair a belt with a Repair Link.
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Bigincher
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Re: belt drive noise ??
I'm running an ancient Primo belt primary on my '41 pan (or is it a '59 knuck..?!), I installed it sometime around 1975. It's always been whisper quiet...! (And about due for replacement now...)
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RUBONE
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Re: belt drive noise ??
Open primaries are noisy, whether belt or chain. Enclosed belts are far quieter than any chain drive ever hoped to be. A 1-1/2 inch belt within tin primaries will make you notice all the other little noises your engine makes that the chain drive hid from you!
My belt drive Knuckle on top of 11530 ft Slumgullion Pass Colorado coming home from an AMCA National Road Run.
Robbie
My belt drive Knuckle on top of 11530 ft Slumgullion Pass Colorado coming home from an AMCA National Road Run.
Robbie
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51Hog
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Re: belt drive noise ??
I like the BDL 1 1/2 inch belt in my closed primary on my 51. A lot quieter than the chain, and a lot less work.
I have not had to adjust it since new 8000+ miles ago. Even had some oil on it from an over filled tranny.
I have not had to adjust it since new 8000+ miles ago. Even had some oil on it from an over filled tranny.
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caschnd1
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Re: belt drive noise ??
The only noise I ever noticed wasn't coming from the belt drive but from the chatter of the clutch plates inside the clutch shell. The belt moving over the pullies is WAY more quiet then a primary chain.
-Craig
-Craig
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JR JOHNSON
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Re: belt drive noise ??
hi,only thing i did when I'd put the belt on ,that i put a 26 tooth trans sprocket on,the 8mm belt change the gear ratio.it was a bit low geared for touring.............with respect.JR...................robbie,what a sweet knuckle,and touring with her,makes me prod to see that old iron running across country,thank you for the pic.....with respect.......JR
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108
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Re: belt drive noise ??
Robbie, Great Picture, and and probably the best looking Knuck bagger I've ever seen! Great to see an old bike that travels as good as it looks.
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PanJud
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Re: belt drive noise ??
Man...for long trips, the 'buddy' seat LOOKS a lot nicer than it feels on the lower back!108 wrote:Robbie, Great Picture, and and probably the best looking Knuck bagger I've ever seen! Great to see an old bike that travels as good as it looks.
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58flh
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Re: belt drive noise ??
Robbie nice sled,thats American ! What a nice time you must of had on that piece of machinery!----RICHIE 
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JR JOHNSON
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Re: belt drive noise ??
ROBBIE,just curious what tranny sprocket are your running?and how the knuckle likes highway speeds,loaded heavy ,just being snoopy ..................... with respect.JR.............
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RUBONE
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Re: belt drive noise ??
JR,
When I first built it I thought I might hang a sidecar on it which never happened. I built it with a 22 on the trans. It is a very smooth, quiet, and nice running bike. I live at 7000 ft and ride a lot in the mountains. It is quite happy at a constant 60-65 and will easily run 85-90 with no issues and little vibration loaded as in the picture. It has alloy pushrods and collars, an older Andrews cam, points ignition, 32E genny and solid state relay, belt primary, stock oil system, M74B carb.
Robbie
When I first built it I thought I might hang a sidecar on it which never happened. I built it with a 22 on the trans. It is a very smooth, quiet, and nice running bike. I live at 7000 ft and ride a lot in the mountains. It is quite happy at a constant 60-65 and will easily run 85-90 with no issues and little vibration loaded as in the picture. It has alloy pushrods and collars, an older Andrews cam, points ignition, 32E genny and solid state relay, belt primary, stock oil system, M74B carb.
Robbie