Chain to belt switch, can it be done?

[STUFF2C]

I have an 02 BMW 650 dakar and want to know if you can switch the chain and sprockets over to the belt system on the CS model. I put street tires, 19" front wheel and will never ride it in the DIRT, Just asphalt,gravel and hard pack. Just a thought. I think the belt may last longer. I could also be wrong in this way of thinking. Any help?

[Gummee!]

Without knowing for sure, I'd say you could do it, BUT you'd probably run into cost issues.

Better to sell the bike you have and buy the bike you want...

M

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by SDMike

...Better to sell the bike you have and buy the bike you want...

Agreed.

Note also that belts generally have some suspension-travel limitations.

[Frank Warner]

Originally Posted by Stephen

Note also that belts generally have some suspension-travel limitations.

Chains have the same problem. If the swing arm pivot axis and the front sprocket axis are the same than there is no limit (same for chains and belts). The further the axis are displaced the greater the problem.

Think you'l find the running costs are not that much different. And the conversion costs will be large. The main advantages of the belt are - no lube, should be quite operation.

Dirve shats have different problems - same effect to limit suspension travel.

[STUFF2C]

Originally Posted by SDMike

Without knowing for sure, I'd say you could do it, BUT you'd probably run into cost issues.
Better to sell the bike you have and buy the bike you want...M

What cost could be incurred other than a belt and sprockets?

[Possu]

Different wheels possibly as the sprockets will probably differ in size & mounting fitment. There is also the possibility of a clearance issue with the wider belt around the swingarm pivot.

[Nailhead]

Also, belt drives & gravel DO NOT mix; a rock WILL eventually find its way between the belt & the rear pulley. This happened to a friend of mine whose Harley doesn't see gravel roads & he was lucky the rock only punched a hole through the belt & didn't break it. Something to think about before making the switch.
- Chris

[Desert Dave]

Another thing to think about is if your belt fails it would be a pain in the ass to change on the side of the trail (or road). Major operation. And the bulk of a spare belt to carry compared to a master link for a chain is huge. I know there are some belt repair kits out there for emergency use, but most accounts I've heard of these are unreliable at best. Finding a spare belt while on the road could prove to be a challenge as well.

Don't forget that a belt still needs to be kept in adjustment like a chain. The only real advantage is that you don't have to lube it, is that worth all of the extra cost and possible headaches?

[bmwblake]

take a look at some pics of both bikes. basically everything from the footpegs back is different - swingarm included.

you'd be better off selling the gs and buying a cs if that's what you really want. i'm not sure the belt chain difference is worth it, but that's your call.

[Frank Warner]

Originally Posted by STUFF2C

What cost could be incurred other than a belt and sprockets?

You cannot use the same physical size of belt to replace a chain. Th eblet for the same size will not survive the same amount of power that the chain will. So you need a different size. And Different sprocket sizes. And heaps of stuff you'll find out about if you do some research. Google? Machine design http://www.machinedesign.com/ ?