V-Belt suppliers

I'm getting a funny noise on acceleration and a burning smell. Never tore into anything drastic yet, but I think I'm going to pull the covers, inspect the belt, clean where it needs it and flush the rear drive oil.

In case I need it (2003 w/6400 miles), I want to get a belt lined up. I checked with Bikebandit and it looks like about $130. It may not need this, because the original owner was a lady, so I'm suspecting the glazed condition, I've read about here. I'm only tearing it apart for my own satisfaction and see how it ticks. Old engineers seem to think like that.

Where do you guys get your belts and what is a fair price? Should I consider getting the pins at the same time?

Thanks, guys
Mike

Having done well over 200,000 miles on rubber band scooters----OEM only.

Walking sucks. I had one broken belt on Helix, near end of belt's service life, came off Freeway after a day of wide open in WV and VA----Gave gas and no go.

In those days Honda would come get you free----had them take to me friend's garage and we put my spare on.

03 I would change when convenient=age.

I bought one here recently.

http://hondaparts-direct.com/fiche_select2.asp?category=SCOOTERS&make=HONDA&year=2003&fveh=3418

Genuine Honda part, not aftermarket supplier.

Ron Ayers Honda has the same belt for 105 and change.
And microfiche of almost every bike created.

I agree with what John Grinsel has to say. If you do any research into belt life on virtually any forum you'll find that OEM is the way to go. Belts advertised as 'high performance' or that are bargain priced generally turn out to be neither. Don't be tricked into thinking that only 'special' belts have kevlar, the OEM ones do too.


JC

Thanks for the answers, guys. I would have thought someone used Gates or NAPA. Honda recommends the OEM for timing belting on my Goldwing, but I use NAPA. $40 compared to $100+. Someone has to be Honda's supplier. I understand that the drive belt takes a heck more abuse than the timing belts, but the worst thing that could happen if a drive belt broke is no power; as opposed to damaging an engine. This bike is used primarily around town, so I may consider using from another fore mentioned supplier, if they are available. Easy enough to monitor belt condition.

It does pay to shop around however. I wonder why a difference of $25 between the Bike Bandit, and the Ron Ayers belt? Same part #, looks like they even use the same microfiche program!

I do wish that there were more of a selection of "stuff" for the silverwing. i would be in heaven if Yoshimura, Brembo, Galfer, ETC: and especially the tire Manufacturers would step up.

I have the Mitsubishi belt and I haven't had any trouble with this one or the one before. But I change my belts a bit early just because I don't want one to break. I change my tires a bit early too just to avoid any trouble. I buy my belt from www.scootertrap.com and they sell many things for the SWing and other scooters. And Matt is a good guy to deal with too.

I know some say not to use anything but OEM but I have no problems with mine even though I don't quite make it to 16,000 miles, But when I measured them they still had a lot of life left. I would go with what you are comfortable with. If you think the kevlar belts will give you trouble you probably wouldn't want one just for peace of mind.

JeffR wrote:

I have the Mitsubishi belt and I haven't had any trouble with this one or the one before.

If you look closely you will see that it is actually a Mitsuboshi belt. They make drive belts for many of the scooter manufacturers including Piaggio/Vespa. I wouldn't doubt that they make belts for Honda and Suzuki as well.


JC

I contacted Scootertrap and they said they don't carry the belts. Off to some parts houses....

Pulled things apart and everything was fairly clean. The belt measured 1.001" at it's widest part. Cogs look good. There is a rubbing on the top of the inside of the aluminum cover; probably where my noise is coming from at low acceleration. Oil in the rear gear was low....very low.

Acceleration is strong and no slippage. All in all, the belt seemed to be ok, just a bit worn, if I'm interpreting the spec properly. I'll order a new belt, but until I get some slipping going, I'm not inclined to change anything. Only 6500 miles an I hate to think that's the norm.

I have a new, still-in-the-wrapper, genuine Honda belt in the garage that I bought about two months ago in anticipation of replacing the original in another 2000 miles.

It measures 1.05" wide at the widest part. Honda's measuring process is not the same (please see the manual for an explanation, it's too hard to describe), so the numbers cannot be directly compared.

It has the Honda wrapper on it, but the belt has Mitsuboshi printed on it.

Just in case anyone needs the information, now or in the future.

That's good information Philip. I'll have to check that out, because like I said, the measurement didn't seem right.

Cheapest price I've found so far, is here.

http://www.hondaparts-direct.com/fiche_section_detail.asp

That is where I got my belt, oil and air filters. Seemed to get the parts to me quick enough for a reasonable price.