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
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
Randakk approved Carb Rebuilder
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.
77 Wing. black
83 Wing, in pieces
"Continuing education is important even if the subject matter is fairly useless (as in this case)."---Greg Foresi
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.
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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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.
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
