Open belts

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byrd900sp
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Open belts

#1

Post by byrd900sp »

I know it's probably a bad idea, but I'm curious if anyone here has ever run their GL motor with open, or windowed, belt covers like a Ducati?
I run open belts on my Ducati, even though I once had a tree branch come up from the road and make a belt skip. Lucky there was no damage, but I was riding through a major wind storm on a mountain pass when it happened, so I guess I didn't really learn my lesson.
Now I just try not to ride during windstorms crossy.gif
My current bikes
2008 KTM 530 EXC-R
1998 Honda GL1500C
1997 Ducati 900SS SP
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1984 Honda XR500R
1980 Honda GL1100 Standard
1975 Honda GL1000 Scrambler
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robin1731
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Re: Open belts

#2

Post by robin1731 »

Scroll down a little. First thread talks about open belts.

There are some here that have done it.
1976 Goldwing Super Sport
1985 Honda Elite
1976 KZ900 Dragbike
1992 ZX7 Dragbike (KZ900 style motor w/NOS)
and a rotation of various purchases
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ericheath
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Re: Open belts

#3

Post by ericheath »

I worry more about grandkids or toddlers or the neighbors cat. It has its other risks. I’m running mine open right now and have done it off and on for years. I don’t find it visually appealing.
Whatever I suggest here should be given ample time for a moderator to delicately correct. I apologize in advance.
77 WING, 1200 engine with 77 heads, cams, gl1100 foot pegs, Magna V65 front end, 764A carbs, [-gone Suzuki M109 monoshock--, replaced with gl1100 shocks] gl 1200 swing arm, gl1500 final drive, wheel and rear brakes Valkyrie seat, Meanstreak tank, Sportster pipes, Power Arc ignition off crank.
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83 Wing, in pieces
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low-side
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Re: Open belts

#4

Post by low-side »

A Duc's belts are on the side of the engine and have some basic guards so it's pretty safe from road debris. With the belts on the GL facing forward, they're pretty exposed to road debris, even with windowed guards. If you do mostly urban riding it will probably be OK, but if you ever ride in areas with gravel and such you might have a bad day eventually.
GW Hobo
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Re: Open belts

#5

Post by GW Hobo »

Agree with the wiser ones on this thread; I'd be second guessing myself for safety's sake. But I love the look, especially on a few bobbers I've seen on the web like this one:
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1982 GL1100 Cafe - Born Naked
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Wangthang
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Re: Open belts

#6

Post by Wangthang »

I worry that a meteorite doesn't hit me i the head...
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1977 Gl 1000
1976 F1 750 SS
1973 Ironhead chopper
2007 Road King
1974 dohc 450 chopper project
1976 Gl 1000 parts bike
600rr parts bike
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Fred Camper
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Re: Open belts

#7

Post by Fred Camper »

I do like that solution, much less risk of the belt jumping a tooth.
Proud member of the NGW Cartel (Rochester MI)
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'

You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
75wingowner
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Re: Open belts

#8

Post by 75wingowner »

Screenshot_20200127-121456_Photos.jpg
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Screenshot_20200127-121456_Photos.jpg
Screenshot_20200127-121456_Photos.jpg (67.73 KiB) Viewed 423 times
I ran open belts on my 75 all last season. No issues, but I only rode in nice weather. I figure the radiator guard would stop most of the rode debris. I will try and post a picture later.
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Last edited by 75wingowner on Mon Jan 27, 2020 1:15 pm, edited 8 times in total.
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CYBORG
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Re: Open belts

#9

Post by CYBORG »

I like the steam punk look. But I think it is better enjoyed in the living room, while you sit on the couch with a cold brew, and a good biker movie. Anyone who does 15 or 20 thousand miles a year would eventually find them selves along side the road, hundreds of miles from home, in the rain, and wind,.....wishing they were sitting on the couch at home. Just my opinion.
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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BikeMaine
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Re: Open belts

#10

Post by BikeMaine »

You could make some see-through covers from plexy-glass or Lucite....
Kevin
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Fred Camper
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Re: Open belts

#11

Post by Fred Camper »

This is an easier situation to keep clean.
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Proud member of the NGW Cartel (Rochester MI)
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'

You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
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230Rocket
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Re: Open belts

#12

Post by 230Rocket »

Anybody ever painted a snail whirl on their cam wheels with these open belts like the one on the nose of the jet turbines?
1982 GL1100 Fat Turtle
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Fred Camper
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Re: Open belts

#13

Post by Fred Camper »

Your turn to try that.
Proud member of the NGW Cartel (Rochester MI)
1977 GL1000 BADDOG (April 2012 BOTM)
1976 LTD - '993 LTD...and so it begins'

You should remember that it's peace of mind you're after and not just fixing the machine. R.Pirsig
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