Has anyone tried building a belt drive XS650?

[rangerider45]

My son and I just finished a 1978 XS650 build. Now that we've had some time to put miles on it I've discovered our bright & shiny rear chrome wheel is always covered in chain oil.

Without going into much detail I'm thinking about trying to make it a belt drive and how to do it. Has anyone seen or heard of making an XS into a belt drive? If so I would appreciate you pointing me in that direction. I was thinking a snowmobile belt drive clutch might be adapted somehow? No laughs please as I'm very sensitive ;-)

 

[angus67]

There are lubes out there that don't fling off so much. Having a good chain(not agr.) Helps hold in the lube. Once it flings whatever its going to, your rim will stay cleaner . Chain guard helps contain the spray, too.
Im sure some one has converted to belt. Don't they have to be pretty wide for traction on the pulley? If a rock gets in there, bye bye belt. Keep the chain.

 

[weekendrider]

Search the old 650Rider and the AU's 650 Society sites.
It has been done by several.

 

[650Skull]

Scroll down to "Terry Glidons tracker"
http://www.xs650.org.au/Garage%20Scene/garage%20scene%20I.htm

Dave Rainers Tracker/Cafe. Scroll down and you will find it.
http://www.xs650.org.au/Garage%20Scene/Garage%20Scene%20IV.htm

 

[rangerider45]

Scroll down to "Terry Glidons tracker"
http://www.xs650.org.au/Garage%20Scene/garage%20scene%20I.htm

Dave Rainers Tracker/Cafe. Scroll down and you will find it.
http://www.xs650.org.au/Garage%20Scene/Garage%20Scene%20IV.htm

Thanks to all of you.

I'm trying a new chain lube Angus. Dupont "Chain Saver." If you let it dry 60 minutes it's supposed to have minimal fling and it's clear colored.

Wow, both remarkable stories Skull. LOL, I got a kick out of Dave Raynor's remark about why he went to a belt drive "I suppose when it's all said and done, I did this for the same reason as a dog licks his nuts. "

Thanks again...Charlie