HOME 1.17 REAR BELT AND SPROCKETS GENERAL When a drive belt is replaced for any reason other than stone damage, it is recommended that the transmission and rear sprockets also be replaced to increase the longevity of the new drive belt. In the case of stone damage, inspect sprockets for damage and replace as required. sm02222 1 2 Never bend belt forward into a loop smaller than the drive sprocket diameter. Never bend belt into a reverse loop. Over bending can damage belt resulting in premature failure, which could cause loss of control and death or serious injury. (00339a) CLEANING Keep dirt, grease, oil, and debris off the belt and sprockets.
Clean the belt with a rag slightly dampened with a light cleaning agent. 1. Tooth 2. Groove INSPECTION Figure 1-44. Rear Sprocket Sprockets NOTE Rear Belt See Figure 1-45 . Inspect drive belt for: If chrome chips or gouges to rear sprocket are large enough to be harmful, they will leave a pattern on the belt face. • Cuts or unusual wear patterns. • Outside edge bevelling (8). Some bevelling is common, but it indicates that sprockets are misaligned. 1. See Figure 1-44 . Inspect each tooth (1) of rear sprocket for: • Outside ribbed surface for signs of stone puncture (7). If cracks/damage exists near edge of belt, replace belt immediately.
Damage to center of belt will require belt replacement eventually, but when cracks extend to edge of belt, belt failure is imminent. a. Major tooth damage. b. Large chrome chips with sharp edges. c. Gouges caused by hard objects. d. Excessive loss of chrome plating (see next step). 2. To check if chrome plating has worn off, drag a scribe or sharp knife point across the bottom of a groove (2) (between two teeth) with medium pressure. • Inside (toothed portion) of belt for exposed tensile cords (normally covered by nylon layer and polyethylene layer). This condition will result in belt failure and indicates worn transmission sprocket teeth. Replace belt and transmission sprocket. a.
If scribe or knife point slides across groove without digging in or leaving a visible mark, chrome plating is still good. • Signs of puncture or cracking at the base of the belt teeth. Replace belt if either condition exists. b. If scribe or knife points digs in and leaves a visible mark, it is cutting the bare aluminum. A knife point will not penetrate the chrome plating. • Replace belt if conditions 2, 3, 6 or 7 (on edge of belt) exist. 3. Replace rear sprocket if major tooth damage or loss of chrome exists. Condition 1 may develop into 2 or 3 over time.
Condition 1 is not grounds for replacing the belt, but it should be watched closely before condition 2 develops which will require belt replacement. NOTE 2009 VRSC Service: Maintenance 1-39