Drive Belt - is there any preventative maintenance?

Hi there.

Still conducting my fact-finding and since 3 out of the 4 bikes I owned had a chain-drive (the other one being shaft-driven), I'm used to the regular maintenance such chains require; re-tensioning, cleaning & oiling/greasing.

Do the drive belts need any such cleaning?

Will the service-life be reduced if cleaning doesn't occur?

I'm not expecting to encounter desert conditions (not in Scotland!), but I was thinking more about road grime & salt.

I'll appreciate all your thoughts/comments & experience as always.

Thank you in advance,

Paul

Paul,

I have never cleaned my belt ever and have had no problems. I change my belt every 16,000 miles so that may be why (it is what Honda recommends too). You can take off the covers and measure it from time to time but I have never done that either. Some don't change their belt until they are well over 20,000 miles but I just don't take that chance myself. If it breaks then you are pushing it.

You do know that maxi scooter drive belts are fully enclosed and maintenance free, and are not the open drive belts like the ones used on Harley Davidson motorcycles. Removing the rear wheel doesn't affect the belt either.

Regular use is the best maintenance you can do on the Silverwing, There you now have a built in excuse to go for a ride.

Cheers,

Hi there,

Many thanks to you all.

Paul

The belt has two main enemies.

- Worn inner sides of the pulleys.
- Heat

So, when the drive box is open during the normal maintenance interval...

Check the pulleys and look for black dust in the box.
( a small amount of dust is ok )

Check and clean air filter in the cover of the drive box.
( Cooling )


Eddy

Thanks Eddy.

Paul

My belt just broke while driving on the freeway. I only have 7k miles, but its an 05 so maybe its just old. I have been noticing some green fuzz coming from that area, should have checked it ( haven't had a chance to make the leroy tool yet). will be changing the belt out today or tomrw.

There was just a post about someone buying an older SWing and asked if they should change the oil and belt, I think. I change the belt sooner than I probably need to but it is for my peace of mind. I never go over the 16,000 mile time frame and change it sooner really.

I know some here like to chance it but I hate to push anything. I think the belt is like the tires where it can weaken just with age. I could be wrong but if others have an older SWing it doesn't cost much to change oil and belts. sorry it happened to you but at least now you know you will have a new belt.

All useful info.

Thank you,

Paul