Drive belts

Right now, at 82, my Kymco XTown 300i is parked until it is sold, I am taking old man's break from riding, enjoying the A/C in my car.


Looking back at over 400,000 rubber band scooter miles,since 1990, I think I have purchased 25-30 new drive belts, changing at about 15,000 intervals, always OEM belts. Only one broken/chewed up on trip, Helix. Great point for Helix....belt can be changed without removal of front pulley---had 4 new Helix, over 175,000 miles with them. I always carry spare belt---dealers in middle of nowhere probably do not have them in stock.

Next bike....probably Honda C-125 cub----air cooled, nice enclosed chain, big wheels---they do not break. Over the years have had C-70 (too slow), CS-90 (Japan, with chain case), C-90 (Japan) really worked .well and never broke and could carry a lot of stuff-----Cub I can get wheels off with no plastic removal....and get it up on my lift alone.

Only one more long ride I want to do again---Hyder AK to get beer and hamburger, if the bar is still open----Europe, maybe North Cap in Norway again---Rally, I like Stella Alpina in Italy, mud/dirt/maybe snow----don't think GoldWing trike could make it.

Replaced first belt on 2008 Silverwing at 25,000 miles. Belt had very little wear on the width and seemed to be in good condition, AT 56,000miles and 31,000 miles on this belt. I may run it a little longer, Questions., Most miles on belts be for failure? What are the advantages of sliders? Do they increase or decrease rpm's at starting off and cruising?

I change them at maker's recommended miles------I hate walking and getting run over when one lets go= dangerous!