GuitarMan

Hi guys!

I know my bike might not be exactly what you have, but they share many features.

So, I have a Honda CM250C equipped with a belt drive. From what I've red, it can be converted to chain drive.

I sometimes wonder if it would be a positive change.

I'd like to know your opinion on that matter.

Thank you!

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flitecontrol

I've contemplated the reverse, if it was a fairly inexpensive option. Never had a belt drive, but not needing to lubricate a belt sounds good to me! I've heard replacement belts can be more expensive than chains though, and I have no idea how long a belt lasts.

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I'm keepin' all the left over parts. I'm gonna use 'em to build another bike!

2001 Rebel 250, 1989 Vulcan 750
Putting your bike info in your signature helps others help you!

dleighty

Keep the belt drive system ,it gives a smoother ride and the belt last a long time .
my rebel is chain drive my V-rod is belt drive .

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Guba

I'm not a motorcycle belt expert per say, but in general belts will give a smooth transmission of power to the wheel. The main drawback is lower fuel economy. Belts have a tendency to slip just a tad, not enough to notice though. Unless it's timing/cog belt. But those are more expensive.

There have been people that wanted to change the Rebel to a belt drive. I remember reading a post of using a belt sheave from your type of bike.

switching to chain-

positive: better gas mileage, more power available

negative: lube maintenance, grease/grime, louder from chain whine, more vibration

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Some days beer tastes good...other days beer tastes better!

'07 Rebel 250 26,000 miles

GuitarMan

Thank you guys!

There is pros and cons on each sides. The two main reasons I'm considering the change to chain is that I'll be able to customize the sprocket ratio (which I can't do with the belt assembly) and the fact that a belt could break without any warning sign. New belts are really expensive (if you're lucky enough to find one) because the have been discontinued.

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bB2NER

I wanted to convert one of mine to a belt but found out the swingarms are different.

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Current Rides: Drive less Ride more!!!
09' Rebel 250 Bobber (General Lee Tribute)
86' Rebel 250 Limited (black/gold)
79' Hawk CB400T (black)
92' Shadow 1100C (red/silver panels and frame)

GuitarMan

It's longer on the rebel, right?

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fastpakr

I've never heard of any reduction in efficiency from a belt - if anything, I'd have expected a very slight edge the opposite direction.

There are certainly drawbacks, though. Belts are often shockingly expensive and have few if any options for gearing changes, depending on the bike. As mentioned above, virtually no warning signs of impending doom, unlike a chain. Personally, I don't find chain maintenance to be a big deal, especially with the newer lubes. Perhaps it would bother me on a heavy touring bike, but in that case I'd want shaft drive. A good o-ring chain should easily last 20k miles or more with basic maintenance.

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'99 Vulcan 500 - current DD, 27k miles and counting
'83 Honda Silverwing GL650i - future DD, still in pieces

bB2NER

I think the belt has been discontinued also.

I think the rebel arm is longer too but don't quote me on that. Which means you'd have to find a custom length belt to fit thos sprockets.

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Current Rides: Drive less Ride more!!!
09' Rebel 250 Bobber (General Lee Tribute)
86' Rebel 250 Limited (black/gold)
79' Hawk CB400T (black)
92' Shadow 1100C (red/silver panels and frame)

Fridgitator

Do you have pix of your belt set-up? I'm particularly curious about the different swingarm.

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'09 Rebel 250

Loud ties save lives.