Model 50 Belt Drive

Don't do it.    Seems pointless to me. The chain drive and clutch are pretty much everlasting with the low power output. Certainly more reliable than a belt . The chaincase can be made fairly oiltight . I would not have it as a gift. Or buy a bike with one. But its just my opinion , and my chain drive and clutch has only lasted a mere  63 years with 1 new chain as a precaution  and a few plain plates. ,what do i know?.

There's always a risk in putting your head above the parapet, but anyway here goes.

I've fitted two belt drives, so this info might help your decision.

A good few years ago, on with the rebuild of my 1955 ES2, the clutch and primary parts all needed replacing, both sets of plates, the basket, bearing and front sprocket, shock absorber, chain etc.

I priced this all up and it was going to be more than a Hemmings belt drive kit.

Bought the kit and fitted it. Well made. Lovely light clutch, no oil in the chaincase to leak,( It was a bit mangled.)

The only issue was with the minimal clutch lift available with the laydown box set-up. A bit of fettling and careful adjustment soon had it sorted. Been fine ever since.

My 1959 Model 50 received a Mike Pemberton 520cc engine upgrade as I was fed up with the poor performance of the stock 350 motor. What a difference. Only problem was the tired old clutch began to slip with all that lovely power. The chaincase again had been a bugger to keep oiltight, so time for another belt drive. Mick Hemmings had retired by this time, so I had a word with Roger at RGM.

He has a range of kits and guided me through choosing the correct one. Be aware that the primary reduction ratio on the Model 50 is different to the ES2, so you will find the Model 50 gearing becomes a bit higher overall if you fit a belt drive. Too high for the standard 350 engine, and you will find yourself running in 3rd more of the time whereas it would have been 4th before.

Hope that helps

Duncan.

I agree with Duncan's comments, I also fitted a Mike Hemmings bet drive kit with a commando diaphram clutch, and no problems after ten years of hard use. M Pemberton had to do a slight mod to the alternator housing, but everything works great, my bike is a M50 slimline 1960

Regards John O

That worked  , I thought my approach would stir up a bit of activity , Ha,Ha.!  Always good to get a few opinions.

hello,

wonder how a drive belt would cope on a bike tugging a side car around.

barry

I would expect its elasticity would help smooth out the pulses ,but losing the clutch center shock absorber, it would need to.  Perhaps installing a Commando rear wheel  with its feature would be a good move.  I still am not a fan of belts though.