Belt to chain drive help
 

Hey guys, help. I bought a 90 Vulcan 500(EN500A-1). Previous owner put a new tire on, and misaligned the tire, throwing the belt. Having trouble finding a belt (Sticker Shock). No after market belts available. Can I convert my drive belt to a chain drive? Is it as easy as changing sprockets, or more difficult? Can it even be done? What years would be compatable for this swap, does anyone have these parts for sale. Thanks Steve

hmm, anything can be done, but I really have not seen any sprocket conversions. (haven't really googled it).

The belt change out would most likely be cheaper in the long run. Check out your local Delta Rubber or belt supplier for your questions as well. It is possible that the kawi belt is made by Gates or other high quality manufacturers and the sticker shock may not be there for you.

Welcome to KF

There is no after market belt for this bike. Kawasaki only. Depends on who you talk to its 285-350 new. 190.00 used. thats crazy. Seeing sprockets and chains on ebay for around 125. 00 for all.just dont know if it can be done

Welcome, SD. This is not the first time we've seen a post about the Vulcan drive belts, and we agree with you; WAAAY too expensive. The question of converting to chain has come up before, as well. Not making any promises here....get me a part number. Drag^ is right about Gates making moto-belts; I know they do for Harleys. Let's see if we can come up with a better resource for Forum members who need belts. I would switch to chain/sprockets only if a cheaper alternative for belts isn't out there. I'm sure switching CAN be done, but the results may be (actually) a safety risk if not done dead nuts perfect.
Get me a part number; let me do some digging.
Welcome, again.

belt
 

OEM Part number is 59011-1012. It is 1 5/8 wide and 137 teeth. No one else makes it. Was recommended that a harley belt would work, but they dont have that size either. Guess I'm gonna have to bite the bullet and fork out the money. Will be watching, if anybody has any other ideas. Putting on Christmas wish list. lol

Let me see what I can do. No promises. I'm going to contact Gates. Give me a day or two. Watch this post.....

SD, I searched Gates. They CLAIM there's no replacement. HOWEVER, Motorcycle Superstore sells a BUNCH of replacement drive belts in various widths and lengths; Goodyear, Dayco, etc. for about $100+/-. CALL THEM. Give them the dimensions, tooth size, and pitch (distance between the teeth.) I bet they can get you something pretty doggone close. Even if you're a couple teeth off (e.g. I saw a 1 1/2" width and 139 tooth) you should have some adjustment (front-back) play in the swingarm. Yes; nearly all of them are for Harleys, so what? If they fit, who cares?
I'll keep searching. Let me know if you have any luck.

Bend over, there's also this: Scootworks - Belt Drive Parts, Kits, & Conversions for Kawasaki Motorcycles

Ouch.

WOW, granted I pay the $200 plus for a chain and new sprockets. But $190 for just the belt is just wow!

For anyone like me looking for a solution on these old threads. Managed to convert mine to chain drive. There are 2 main issues, the tranny output shaft is different from the other model years, and the rear sprocket mounting points are to far apart for any sprocket you put on it. The rear sprocket issues can be solved by getting a later model sprocket hub, got my 2000s hub for about 35$ off ebay with the sprocket and it fit right on mine. The output shaft issue required some minor machining, first I found a sprocket to fit on the shaft which I had laying around, then I lined up the old bracket (the one that locks the old pulley onto the shaft) on the new sprocket and marked the holes, then I drilled and tapped them to work with the old bolts, lastly I cut what I believe is a 3/4 in pipe to slide on the shaft behind the sprocket and act as a spacer between the sprocket and the tranny. After that I cut the belt guard bracket on the swing arm as it could interfere with the chain and then it was ready for the chain. The sprockets didn't line up perfectly with each other but was acceptable for me, I haven't had any issues with it.