Belt/Tire clearance

Bocephus05

Member
Hi,

I was cleaning my bike up the other day and noticed the belt runs awfully close to the rear tire.It doesnt look like its ever rubbed and it tracks straight when I let go of the bars.Everything looks good and I jacked it up and everything is tight.But clearance is clearance and I guess its normal.I just wanted to get yalls opinions...Thanks
 

chopsteak

Active Member
When I decided to put a Metzler300 on I had no clearance. The tire actually tilted the belt while touching. A metzler tire when it comes out of the mold leaves a slight ridge lip around the edge of the tire. I had to put the bike on a lift, strap it down, start it up and put it in first gear. I just let it idle in first and took an electric grinder and held it slightly on the tire ridge and took about 3mm off. It was a bit nerve racking to see a 680lb bike dance on the lift while running. Needless to say it didn't take me long to make this modification. It also left rubber giblets all over the place and made a mess. All in all I would do it again with a Metzler. To me, it rides much better than the Avon. Plus, from behind it keeps everyone thinking it's an IronHorse.
 

Whistler

Active Member
From an engineering standpoint, the closer the belt is to the tire the more efficient the drive operation and the less stress on the drive components. Just make sure the belt doesn't rub against the tire.
 

chopsteak

Active Member
I don't want to be a poser for Iron Horse, I really don't like the tank design. I was just saying that I get riders pulling up beside me at lights saying they thought I was on an Iron Horse before they saw the tank. You usually don't see Dogs with Metzlers on the back. I can't figure out why at the dealership where they sell both Ih and BD, the IH bikes sell for a couple of thousand more.
 
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