Two-wheelers with belt drives

As we all know that motor cycles make use of chain drives as means of transmitting power from engine to rear wheel.

Now i was wondering what would happen if this chain-sprocket thing was to be replaced by belt and pulley system.

it will have its own advantages : it will be lighter, noise levels will be reduced, and it will make the vehicle designer's job easier.

Does it have any advantages though ? is this feasible ?

No, belts can't be used due to following reasons:

- Belts have much less strength than chains
- Susceptible to slip, speed ratio doesn't remains constant
- Periodic retensioning is required
- Upper limit on power and speed
- Belts deteriorate on exposure to lubricants
- Limited life and need periodic replacement

mechky

No, belts can't be used due to following reasons:

- Upper limit on power and speed
-

can you elaborate on this ?

Belt drives depend on friction. Things may happen to reduce this at a critical moment leading to accidents. mechky's elaboration is explicit.

zaveri

can you elaborate on this ?

speed limit is about 2000m/min and power limit is about 60kW

Some cars use timing belts. Some motorcycles also use belts. And there seems to be no problem.
Please correct me if I am wrong. 😕

zm-i

Some cars use timing belts. Some motorcycles also use belts. And there seems to be no problem.
Please correct me if I am wrong. 😕

Which are those bikes

Aren't those belts?😕

zm-i

Aren't those belts?😕

Yes those are belts. those are ribbed belts. they are basically used for timing. they seem to make good substitutes for chain drives in those harley davidsons .

Yes those are belts. those are ribbed belts. they are basically used for timing. they seem to make good substitutes for chain drives in those harley davidsons .

So belts can be used, right?

zm-i

So belts can be used, right?

ofcourse. as you can see that they are already being used.

Yes. I do recognize that zaveri. 😀 However, the first respond to your topic is a "no". So, I wonder if what mechky says is true.

No, belts can't be used due to following reasons:

- Belts have much less strength than chains
- Susceptible to slip, speed ratio doesn't remains constant
- Periodic retensioning is required
- Upper limit on power and speed
- Belts deteriorate on exposure to lubricants
- Limited life and need periodic replacement

I never really know the reason why, but I know that many have substituted chains with belts (...and of course they change the sprocket too).

zm-i

Yes. I do recognize that zaveri. 😀 However, the first respond to your topic is a "no". So, I wonder if what mechky says is true.



I never really know the reason why, but I know that many have substituted chains with belts (...and of course they change the sprocket too).

i first said no, because mechky gave strong reasons. But now since belt drives are implemented and the bikes are running normally, then there is no point in disagreeing

zm-i

Yes. I do recognize that zaveri. 😀 However, the first respond to your topic is a "no". So, I wonder if what mechky says is true.



I never really know the reason why, but I know that many have substituted chains with belts (...and of course they change the sprocket too).

Yes, toothed belts similar to timing belts are appropriate.