I've been riding the Belt Conversion on my Green Vulcan for one week, today.. All told, the new belt has about 500 miles on it.. That isn't nearly enough to make a reliable conclusion, but the first impressions are that the conversion kit was a good investment.. Since it was installed by Jimmy Snow, a highly qualified motorcycle technician at Grapevine Kawasaki.. the improvement in the performance of this 800 CC Vulcan Classic is notable.. The vibration inherrant in the sprocket and chain drive train is virtually eliminated.. There is no noise coming from the belt, during highway speeds, although a slight squeak comes from the belt at 1st gear speeds.. That squeak could possibly be eliminated completely by an application of soap along the edges.. The most complaints about the Vulcan 800 have had to do with the motorcycle seeming to need another gear.. at highway speeds.. After the belt conversion installation kit.. the engine feels to be "loafing" at highway speeds.. thus eliminating the sensation of needing a sixth gear.. Although I haven't tracked the gas mileage with any precision, it has improved considerably.. Roughly, the range of the motorcycle could be extended from 130 miles to more than 150 miles.. I'll be able to gauge that aspect with more accuracy during a long run.. There has been a slight, ever so slight decrease in torque during the shifting process in first and second gear.. Not really noticeable by me, probably because of my riding style.. The Vulcan 800 was not designed to drag race, anyway.. so I have not considered that slight loss of torque as important.. The improvement of performance at top end offsets any loss of torque in those lower gear shifts.. That's not to minimize the performance of getting away at stop signs or red lights.. there hasn't been any problem, so far.. Riding with other motorcycles, the Vulcan seems to move from a dead stop with plenty of competitive agility.. Overall performance of the motorcycle has improved significantly.. The most appreciated benefit, of course has been to discard the ever present can of chain lube.. Clean up of the rear end of the Green One is much easier without the greasy mess, inherrant with the sprocket and chain system.. Reported longevity of the belt conversion system is more than 70,000 miles and still going, so I'll be looking forward to that benchmark.. Tension adjustments are required .. as with the chain and sprocket drive system. According to instructions with the kit, not nearly as often and usually minimal.. That's a big plus.. Bottom line is.. after one week and approximately 500 miles.. I can report complete satisfaction with my belt conversion drive system.. You can be sure that should I encounter problems with it later, I'll sure be letting off steam with my complaints.. So far.. So good.. Regards Bill Walker Irving
