I think its time to go the chain conversion. I know that some of ya have done it. my question is, what all is needed and roughly how much am I lookn at spendin up front. I like the look of the belt, but at this rate im thinking the conversion could have already been done.
Is a chain stronger?
any pics, and advice is surely appreciated.

Ekalb2000, I have always heard that belts were good for around 100 hp. Chains are supposed to be the way to go from there. I am curious as to how much power your scoot is putting out as well as your riding style.

Ekalb,

I've got 35k on the belt on my 883. I don't exactly baby my bike either. Lots of gravel roads, and I usually ride 20+mph over the limit. Somethin' ain't right. It could be your alignment, that's the only thing I could think of that would snap the belt like that.

I snapped a belt before because my rear bearings seized. You better check that out. Mine snapped in a turn when it locked up and spun the axel in the frame. You should not be breaking belts with an 883. It is something mechanical. Check those bearings. Mine got so hot the bearing welded itself to the axel and it was a great big pain in the ass cutting the axel free. You have to find the root cause before something really bad happens. Mine locked up a few times before It completely seized and almost sent me for a slide on the pavement. I was lucky the belt broke when it did but the axel chewed up the swingarm pretty good.

I have snapped belts alignment fine, bearings fine etc etc ...finally went to chain and no looking back - plus the bike looks much better :D

If you are going to switch to chain almost all the catalogs carry a sprocket and spacer kit you will also need rear a sprocket and possible a new transmission sprocket spacer. Go with a Tsubaki O-ring chain as well they are excellent.

Gordy

Ok , I am a sportster owner , Collector , Mechanic , I have a great collection from mild to wild , stock to Supercharged Nitrous eating .

One thing I have found , Belts break !!!! Chains wear , So whick is better ????
I have a 92 , 1200 for example , dynos at 93 hp , It has both new pulleys , It will break belts all day long !!!!!!!!!!! run them loose , tight , just right , does not matter , it will break them .

I have a 95 sporty 1200 , supercharged , nitrous , ridgid frame , 230 rear tire , Belt drive , built the bike in 97 , running the same belt , have put appx . 10,000 miles on the belt , and yes it has been some hard miles ..... Never broke belt

I also have a 69 sporty xlch 900 , chain drive , it does not matter new 150 dollar chain and sprockets , they get eaten up quick , like 2500 miles or so ?????
On my 79 1000cc sporty , bought the bike in 90 , put some paint on it , and have rode it 7, 000 miles on existing chain and it is still it good shape

I figure it is up to the owner , but , on my sporty set up for highway travel , I am running a chain , and I carry an extra in the saddle bag ,
chains are easier to come across on the road and cheaper to have and extra one on hand

Front sprockets are about $40, you'll need a spacer kit for $15-20 too. The rears are available on Ebay for $10-20. Chains can be cheap ($20) or expensive O-ring type ($100+) and almost anything in between. For a good deal on chains, look at Rockymountianatv.com.

But a belt should hold up well under most conditions. It's in your best interest to figure out why you're breaking them.