Chain drive to belt drive conversion

A splittable belt holds the secrets

Published: April 22, 2018 at 12:35 pm

Have you ever wanted to add a belt drive to your bike then realized that you would have to chop your frame to do it? Now a group of creative engineers has a solution. Instead of splitting the bicycle’s frame to slip a drive belt through the rear triangle, the Veer belt drive does the splitting, then reconnects with rivets.  

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Chain drive to belt drive conversion

The first in a four-part series on converting to chain drive.

Words and Photos: John Zamora

If your riding primarily involves going from point A to point B without much concern for how fast you get there, belt drives make the perfect method for harnessing the motor’s power and transferring it to the rear wheel. They are clean, quiet, and require very little adjustment. But if you have some serious power behind your punch or you need that instant response, a chain conversion might be necessary. Our resident test rider, Troy Hoff, was building a purpose-built stunt 1998 Dyna and needed a more snappy response to help with his drifting, wheelies, and burnouts. The conversion itself is relatively straightforward, using PBI offset front and rear sprockets along with a sturdy chain from RK Excel. For the wrenching, we took Troy’s bike to one of the best mechanics we know, T-Rod of T-Rod’s Speed Shop in Anaheim, California. Please note, this is intended to be an overview only. Always consult a manual for step-by-step directions.

Find even more tech ideas and how-to’s here.

Chain drive to belt drive conversion

Here’s the stock belt system complete with lots of unnecessary chrome pieces that have no functional purpose.

Words and Photos: John Zamora

Chain drive to belt drive conversion

In order to get to the axle easier, remove the lower shock mounts on both sides after placing the motorcycle on a jack.

Words and Photos: John Zamora

Chain drive to belt drive conversion

Remove the rear axle pins, the chrome cover, and chain guard.

Words and Photos: John Zamora

Chain drive to belt drive conversion

After making sure there is nothing obstructing the axle, gently tap out the axle and set aside.

Words and Photos: John Zamora

Chain drive to belt drive conversion

Raise the bike on the jack and take off the belt and rear tire.

Words and Photos: John Zamora

Chain drive to belt drive conversion

Remove the stock pulley and place it in the eBay pile. Stocks parts are still worth money, so don’t throw them away.

Words and Photos: John Zamora

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Can you convert chain drive to belt?

With the help of a skilled professional, you can switch from a chain drive to a belt drive motor if you need to keep the noise down. Alternatively, you can install a chain drive if your garage door is wider and heavier than the standard sizes.

Can I convert my bike from chain to belt drive?

Generally no, for the simple reason that unlike chains belts are continuous and can't be split, so belt drive bikes need a split chain or seat stay, or a removable dropout.

Which is better chain driven or belt driven?

Belt-drive garage door openers are generally more expensive than chain-drive systems. But with a belt-drive system, you get a smoother, quieter, and more durable operation. Many homeowners find that the extra expense is worth it, provided that the belt-drive system is able to lift the door.

Is chain drive more efficient than belt drive?

But is it more efficient than a conventional chain drive? According to Jason Smith at Friction Facts, the answer is no. By his measurements, a conventional chain drive consumes 2.92 watts on average, while the belt eats up 3.93 watts.