Ironhead Belt drive for E84 XLX

[Dr_ransom]

Greetings:

I am going to convert my early (has generator) 84 xlx to a rear belt drive.
I know I'll need to special order a front pulley (from supermax or hillside), unless someone here
has one they want to sell, and I'll use a rear pulley 40258-89.
Also, I will use a 128 tooth, by 1 1/8” wide belt.

From what I read, I should use a front pulley with 27 teeth & a rear pulley
with 61 teeth. (This is from the 1986 XL chain to belt conversion kit info, 40110-89)

My questions are:

1. Will the rear pulley 40258-89 fit on the wheel (stock wheel)?
2. Given the 27 teeth front pulley & 61 tooth rear pulley, will the 128 tooth
belt be the right size?
3. Do I need to modify the swing-arm?

Thanx in advance

DR

[rokytnji]

Gonna be a bit hard to answer.

Not a bunch of XLX owners here. Me being one. Mines a year newer. Alternator version.
I have no future plans of converting mine to belt.

Maybe look through search box below this thread. Then Sportspedia. I can't think of what else to contribute but buy the parts and make them fit since a one off. Wheels are pretty standard but not sure really when it comes to XLX, swingarms, wheels, position and spacers.

[PoodlePunche]

For my own morbid curiosity... why do you want to go to a belt?

Most people want to swap from belt to chain...

[Dr_ransom]

Hi
I have a 82 Sturges, and its belt drive, and after owning it for 1.5 years,
I like not having the oily mess and the added maintenance.

Also, my friend is a old time bike builder & he will help me out, and
money is not a problem.
And add to that; I'm little crazy anyway...

I've been looking, and it has been done before.

Thanks for your reply

DR

[1Scooter]

Ya gotta consider, the Ironhead Sportsters were designed for chain drive. 530 chain is 3/4" wide and rides over the sprocket, giving it a very tight fit with a tire. Belt on a pulley is 1 1/2" wide. A belt pulley is not going to fit under the sprocket cover, AND you have concerns about modifing the swingarm. Better think this through before ya waste money on a pipe dream.

[ericfreeman]

I use a high quality X-ring chain and Amsoil Metal Protectant as a lube. It dries so there's no mess to deal with. I figure the once a year cleaning I give the chain it's well worth it for the strength.

Eric

[PoodlePunche]

Originally Posted by ericfreeman

I use a high quality X-ring chain and Amsoil Metal Protectant as a lube. It dries so there's no mess to deal with. I figure the once a year cleaning I give the chain it's well worth it for the strength.

Eric

indeed...
I've ridden chain bikes for over 30 years, and have never had a mess, and the only failure was due to contact between my dirtbike and a stump...

clean/lube it once (maybe twice) a year, and make sure to wipe off the excess afterward...

If it's making a mess, you've got too much lube, and it's probably too loose.