Let's talk about Belts.......................

[Srxspec]

When you go buy a new belt be sure to take a seamstress tape & caliper along and make sure it's the same length and width as your first new belt.

 

[Frostbite]

Good point! BUT I bought it over the phone so I guess I'll have to HOPE like heck Yamaha's quality control is a cut above the rest!

Before each ride I put a wire wheel in my Dewalt and knock the glazing off all my belts. Is this still recommended, or is there a better method?

Frosty

 

[welterracer]

I always heard to use soapy water and a scotch brite pad to clean belts and clutches!

 

[Srxspec]

soapy water and a stainless steel brush works excellent to take the glaze off of a belt and brings down the break-in time as well (scrub a few times all the way around on each side then wash in hot soapy water). A scotch brite pad on the sheaves does wonders and then wipe down with acetone.

 

[Frostbite]

Great! I have used brake cleaner, acetone and rubbing alcohol to clean my clutches. I tried spray carb cleaner to but I think it has some type of lubricant in it.

I hadn't used a scotch brite pad on my belts before but I use it on the sheaves quite often.

What's the best way for proper break in and how long should it take?

Frosty

 

[Srxspec]

I honestly can't tell you exactly how to break in a new belt. Just how I go about it.

I scrub each side with the wire brush 10 times around and do this 4 or 5 times then wash it in hot soapy water and run it. On our race sleds we just do this, no break in at all. It goes right from being washed to WFO down the track.

Otherwise I'd say 10 or so 1/4 mile "laps" (1/4 mile up and a 1/4 mile back) start out slow (stay under 6000 rpm) and progressively get faster. The 7th & 8th runs do a rolling start and then hold WFO and on the last two runs do it from a dead stop. Scrub and wash the belt again after you run it. I actually scrub and wash the belt after every ride.

Allen