Hey guys. I just got an e-mail from Fabian Weber at Gates and he says he is looking into the 650 belt. He asked me a few questions about the stock belts and I gave him my honest answer, the stock belts are CRAP!! Anyways, he asked where all of us talk about our atvs and I told him where to find us. He says he would like to come on the forums and talk to us to get more information about our dilemna. He seems pretty keen on getting us an aftermarket belt for our wheelers. He also stated that it would <u>NOT</u> be a good idea to put a filter on the cvt as they run pretty hot and there is a chance of cooking the belt. Hopefully, he will log on in the next few days and give us some info.

 

hey mast. you are right there there is next to no air on exit . on almost thinks slow running should have a fan pulling air out. like bilge blower on a boat and then a filter on intake. i do a lot of slow grind on adverse trails. see ya

 

It's great that someone else is getting interested in producing a belt for our 650s. But, and it's a big BUT, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for something better than the stocker. I've had my belt off and I honestly don't believe quality is the issue here. The stock belt seems to be about as good as you can make one without being so stiff and so slick that it would slip all the time and cause excessive wear to the pulleys. The belt is just too small! You want a bigger belt? Be prepared to give up some of the things I like about the 650. One of the things that makes these machines so comfortable to ride is the narrowness of the motor. Widen the belt and we give that up. Widening the belt might also force the engineers to reposition the motor in the frame. There goes that great balance we all love.
I welcome Gates' participation and I truly hope they can produce AS GOOD a belt as the stocker and still keep the price under 75 bucks.
Knowing that the belt would be an issue the engineers at Kawi should have made it easier to change and re-shim!