While working on the 650 today, I noted that the belt is totally worn out and the deflection can be measured with a yardstick. The point is - with the black spring installed I'm getting no squeals, squawks, slippage or loss of performance. A very good addition to the 650.

 

Have you guys that put the black spring in removed all your shims? I haven't installed the black spring yet but plan to. I did take out my narrow shim to get the belt in spec. Still has a thicker shim in it.

 

i just put the black spring in and didnt tighten the belt. for some reason my belt was right in-line with spec. i dont know if i did the measurements wrong, but i plan takeing the cover off and tightening it over spring break. i think i might take the littler of the shims out

 

I took out all my shims and the belt was so tight it pulled at idle. I left it that way because it bites down really hard, turns my big tires well. It squeals at idle.

Being tigh made my new belt last a whole lot longer than the first belt. The first one wore out at 500 miles, this one is still tight at 700 miles.

 

I just for the life of me can't figure out why Kawasaki doesn't upgrade to this spring. With a new spring and some adjustable front struts the machine would be flawless instead of just awesome.