Hi all,

Posted a thread a couple of days ago reference v belt light on dashboard at 16000 miles.

Just done some digging in the service history supplied with my bike and noticed that the belt was changed in 2008.

Does this mean mine is ok ?

What is the mileage on you scoot? That light is programmed to come on at 16,000 mile intervals. There are other factors that you will read about here, like the variator weights and acceleration. BUT, if someone replaced the belt before 16,000 miles in 08 and you just reached that mileage, it would come on. Same thing happens at each 16,000 interval. Life of belt is not a drop dead number, just a suggested service interval. Best to change at that interval. Hope this helps

Probably a stupid question, but is your odometer in KM or Miles? You can do the conversion from miles to KM if that is the unit for UK scoots.

Hi,

Mileage is 16500 miles, are there other things that could cause it to come on or is it just saying it is due for a change?

Many thanks,

Jamie.

Jamie.. yes and yes. As I said, the 16000 value is just a recommended mileage. Do you know the mileage in 08 that the belt was changed on? I will let some of the real experts explain the clutching effect on belt with the non stock variator weights. Apparently that does cause some scoots to light up. But it seems that the 16,500 miles on your odometer triggered yours. But if yours had 14,000 miles or whatever less than 16,000 in 08, it would light up now at the programmed value.

Hi,

Thankyou for your information.

Mileage at belt change was just under 14000 miles.

I'll agree here with Gary and in your case you just need a "V" light reset. Ignition off, push both buttons in, turn on ignition, light will flash and go out.

Some of us have modified the CVT by replacing the "rollers" with sliders. Same physics involved, different weighted rollers/slider will enable quicker take-offs (higher rpms) or lower rpms at the higher speeds. One of the quirks is using sliders is they will cause the v light will come on after some sprited riding. For more info search for Dr Pulley sliders and or JCosta variator. Welcome to the forum!

Here's my take on the V light.

Obviously there is a direct relationship between the odometer and the light if the light is illuminated at exactly every 16k miles. The V light must be tied into the ECU, which in turn controls the digital odometer.

The next question is, what can trigger the light at less than 16k mile intervals if you're running a different variator, sliders, or non stock rollers? This one seems a little harder to explain. The ECU must have a routine that compares rear wheel speed to engine rpm at predetermined throttle openings. The rear wheel speed is picked up from the VSS sensor. The engine rpm is picked up from the CKP sensor which relies on a reluctor and the Hall effect. Throttle opening comes from the TPS, which uses a variable resistor. So, if you're cruising down the highway at say 60 mph, and the engine rpm is showing 5000 at 1/4 throttle opening, the engine is obviously revving higher than the preprogrammed map says it should be. On comes the V light, because the ECU thinks that the belt is worn and it's riding higher up between the variator faces causing an increase in engine rpm. Little does the ECU know that you've installed a J. Costa variator, or lighter rollers or sliders that also allow the engine to rev higher than stock.

I base this hypothesis on the fact that there is no physical means for the ECU to measure and display the actual wear on the belt directly. The indirect evidence gathered from the various sensors must be used. Of course the service manual says nothing about this so I'm totally speculating here, based on what sensors feed the ECU its data. Feel free to correct, adjust, or just plain kibosh my theory.

Hi, new to the forum but have been riding a Swing for a couple years now.
I may have issues with this pre-programmed timing of the V-light.
I bought mine with 25k miles on it. I now have 37k and the V-light never came on. I know the light works since it comes on briefly when I start up.
I, unfortunately, am horrible at maintenance schedules and such so I didn't really look into the things required for the Swing. So, of course, I had the belt snap this afternoon on the highway riding home. I eventually got home safe, so no harm there.
This is the first bike I've had with a belt, so I didn't think too much about it before. Well, now I know that I can't rely on that little light to help me at all.

Ken
Welcome to the best Silver Wing site on the web. Do you know if the belt was changed at 16,000 ? My S/Wing has over 22,000 on it and the light has never came on.Like yours my light comes on briefly when I start up.I to know that I can't rely on that light to help.If that is the worst thing that ever happens to my S/Wing I'll be happy. I think it's the best scooter out there,I know I like mine a lot.I've had a Burgman 400,a Q-Link Commuter-250 and I have a Yamaha- Morphous and the S/Wing is by far the best.

The dealer I bought it from did not have any service records from the original owner, so I don't know what was / was not done. If this is the worst I get, I'll be happy. I've got a few other minor bugs I'm looking into as well, but they don't seem critical.

My wife and I both enjoy the Silverwing immensely. Longer rides are much more comfortable for us (spent 4 hours on it just a couple weeks ago).

Ken,

I don't really keep records myself but keep it in my head for all the maintenance. But I generally do maintenance slightly before the manual says to do it. When I change my belt I know it could go another 5-6,000 miles but I just never gamble anymore. Same with the tires..I could get another 2,000 miles if I wanted.

But it sounds like all is well since you have 37,000 miles on it now. These things really don't go bad at all. They seem to run forever or get T-boned at intersections.