Is it true that new belts need to be broke in? If so, what do you guys do to break them in?
I've heard this aswell. I usually avoid WOT runs for the first 50 miles or so. I am not sure if it makes a difference or not but it makes me feel better!
hickey's got a yami
New member
i bought a cheap belt and rode 30 miles than decided its time to race.. i need a new belt now. i wont buy crap anymore!! 50 miles under 45-55 mph or so. thats the roumor
pipdviper
Member
hickey's got a yami said:i bought a cheap belt and rode 30 miles than decided its time to race.. i need a new belt now. i wont buy crap anymore!! 50 miles under 45-55 mph or so. thats the roumor
I agree totally. No more cheapo belts for me. I don't care what the parts guy tells you, there is a difference i nbelts. I use only Yamaha belts and have less trouble. And I agree also on the breaking in of a belt. Ride it pretty easy for a good 50 miles straight, by that I mean don't put on a new belt ride 10 miles, put it away, get it out ride 30 miles, stop, etc. Let it get some heat in it and the sheaves so the belt "cures" if that makes sense !!
Wash the new belt in mild soap and water then let dry completely. Also do the same to your clutch sheaves. Then let the belt heat cycle a few times without hitting it hard. After that you should be good if your belt matches your setup. The Yamaha 8DN belt is a very hard compound compared to other belts. The clutches are setup to accomodate this by applying more side pressure. If you run a belt that has a different makeup than the clutches are set up for, it will likely fail prematurely. Because the 8DN is so hard it tends to be very durable.
Always run the belt that matches your clutch setup.
Always run the belt that matches your clutch setup.
tedgoesfast
New member
i also wash belt and clean the surface the clutchs run on as a new belt can leave a black residue on clutchs
mod-it
Member
Anyone ever read the article in Sled Tech about baking a new belt in the oven before using it? I can't remember the temp to use or how long, but a friend of mine does this with all his new belts.
patsxr700
New member
Yeah.. i bought a new 80$ ultimax 3 belt with my sxr and i blew it in like5 mins...... i was pissed i got it then race one of my buddy cross the park and it blew... so now i only buy yamaha belts and ride around with it for at lease 20 mins or so then i go race ..
PZ 1
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Also - I read somewhere that belts are directional and should be installed one way. The belt is to be put on with the printing on the belt right side up when you are looking at it when installed. The way the belt is laid up when manufactured is so that it is meant to be pulled from one direction.
pipdviper
Member
PZ 1 said:Also - I read somewhere that belts are directional and should be installed one way. The belt is to be put on with the printing on the belt right side up when you are looking at it when installed. The way the belt is laid up when manufactured is so that it is meant to be pulled from one direction.
If I'm correct should be able to read the print (right side up) while standing beside the sled looking in from the clutch side.
pipdviper
Member
I am interested in the baking theory. If anyone has any info on this please inform the rest of us !
pipdviper said:If I'm correct should be able to read the print (right side up) while standing beside the sled looking in from the clutch side.
All 3 of the Yamaha belts I've used have white printed arrows on top to show the correct direction. I thought all their belts had this.
shortstop20
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I doubt it really matters as long as you put it on there the same way each time. I've never heard anything about baking belts in an oven.
You wouldn't believe how much crud comes off belts when you scrub them.
You wouldn't believe how much crud comes off belts when you scrub them.
I Always Take Scotchbrite Pad To The Sheaves To Ruff Up The Surface And Usually Turn The Belt Inside Out And Lightly Run It Across A Wirewheel To Get Off The Residue From The Molding Process And Then Wash It In Soapy Water And Let Dry AND ALWAYS USE O.E.M YAMAHA BELTS!
pipdviper said:If I'm correct should be able to read the print (right side up) while standing beside the sled looking in from the clutch side.
Yes. As others have stated the heat cycle break in is good for "conditioning" the belt, as you should also do with a new set of sliders(hyfax). I replaced a belt last year with over 13,000 km's on it.
YAMMIEGOD3:16
Active member
ALL THE POSTS ON HERE ABOUT HOW GREAT THE 8DN YAMAHA BELT IS AND SOME OF YOU GUYS STILL BUY AFTERMARKET ULTRA MAX JUNK. unreal. 3:16 (yammie tony)
Yamidude59
New member
I heard that before going out on the trail, you should run your track up through the rpms to get the belt warm all the way through on a stand... then take it easy for the first 50 miles
Danger Dog
Member
Wash it with put it on the trail sled, ride around the field until I get bored if there is snow then put it on my 1000 or 700 and go racing. And yes 8dn. I have experiented with the ultimax 3's. Ran a 8dn on my 1000 for a whole season with minimal wear.
shortstop20
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Yes it's not a bad idea to put the sled up on a stand and spin the track when you're warming the sled up.
If the track is stiff or the sled is frozen to the ground it takes a little more "punch" to get your sled moving which is kinda hard on your belt.
I will sometimes put it on a stand when I'm riding around home but when I'm out on a trip I don't even bother bringing my stand with me.
If the track is stiff or the sled is frozen to the ground it takes a little more "punch" to get your sled moving which is kinda hard on your belt.
I will sometimes put it on a stand when I'm riding around home but when I'm out on a trip I don't even bother bringing my stand with me.
When running up North on trips,
I'll pull the belt off and bring it inside the Motel over night so it's nice and warm in the morning. Careful to wear some gloves putting it on those cold clutch's in the morning.

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