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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: Farfle on January 07, 2017, 01:11:10 PM

Title: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Farfle on January 07, 2017, 01:11:10 PM
I am putting together a CAD file for a 4130 18T 8M polychain front sprocket to fit the 1" keyed shaft on the 13-16 bikes. (CAD for this is much harder than you think, as its a custom tooth profile to make the small radius work)

I am wondering if I should open this up into a group buy to bring the price down. Right now My cost is $70/ sprocket in qty 10. You would be left to source the belt and rear sprocket (OTS zero parts) unless there is enough interest in a turnkey kit.

Be warned, the 18T sprocket will drop the S/DS top speed by a few MPH, and SR/DSR owners will drop a dozen MPH and become MUCH more feisty.

Also, the 18T is below Gates recommendation for minimum diameter, so the belt might actually wear out this century.

Let me know if you all are interested
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: liveforphysics on January 07, 2017, 01:23:34 PM
I can vouch that Farfle is legit, figured out what it took to do the small radius sprocket profile right, and I will be running the 18t sprocket for my own DSR to be a wheelie-machine! :-)
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Arlo on January 07, 2017, 01:36:55 PM
I can also vouch for Farfle   I have a few motor that need these.  If we can get the numbers up it will help get the cost down who's in? 
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Farfle on January 07, 2017, 01:53:53 PM
Thanks guys!

Here is the sprocket as it sits. I oversized the set screw hole to replace the anemic 2.5 mm set screw with a 4mm setscrew. Its also 4130 chromoly instead of cast iron and should last a good while. (although those in wet/salty climates will want to hit it with a rattle can before install).



(https://s27.postimg.org/nbjvdqn0f/18t_sprocket_rear_iso.png) (https://postimg.org/image/nbjvdqn0f/)

(https://s5.postimg.org/xt12fka5v/18t_sprocket_iso.png) (https://postimg.org/image/xt12fka5v/)
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Kocho on January 07, 2017, 02:58:03 PM
Are the rear sprockets interchangeable b/w '17 and older models in terms of mounting to the bike?
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Farfle on January 07, 2017, 11:01:45 PM
I believe so, but I will check.
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on January 08, 2017, 12:46:06 AM
This is really cool. Since I have a couple of spare belts and not much need for torque, I'll take a pass, but I'll try to help if I can since I'm nearby.

Can I offer you some CAD files of my own or figure out how we can collaborate on that aspect?
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: laramie LC4 on January 08, 2017, 03:07:31 AM
Are the rear sprockets interchangeable b/w '17 and older models in terms of mounting to the bike?

this is the real question. if you can't fit a bigger rear sprocket on pre'17 bikes then this is all for not...

laters,

laramie  ;)
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Say10 15FX 16FXS on January 08, 2017, 05:52:40 AM
70 bucks is less than a similar size pulley from Gates. Loving the bigger set screw, great idea. How would this gearing be on the FXS? I had thought of buying a splined one and machining the center for a bushing or something to fit the keyed shaft. I would buy one.
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: grmarks on January 08, 2017, 07:33:37 AM
So thats why Zero went with a 20 tooth front. I guess the back would just be too large to keep the same ratio as 2016.
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Kocho on January 08, 2017, 07:46:28 AM
There are fewer teeth, but I don't think the diameter is that different, because the teeth are bigger and spaced farther apart than on '16... I'm just eyeballing them though and not side by side, so there might indeed be some differences in diameter...

So thats why Zero went with a 20 tooth front. I guess the back would just be too large to keep the same ratio as 2016.
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: mrwilsn on January 08, 2017, 12:13:39 PM
All of the new 2017 Zero bikes that use the new fatter belt have a 20 tooth front sprocket and a 90 tooth rear giving a 4.5:1 ratio.  An 18t front and 90t rear will give a 5:1 ratio.  The same ratio could be reached keeping the 20t front but using a 100t rear (a belt with a larger diameter may also be required).  However, if you are trying to upgrade an older Zero to the new fatter belt you need to replace the front and rear sprocket but the sprocket on the motor shaft isn't plug and play due to the change from a keyed shaft to spline shaft (to handle the higher torque from the gen 4.5 size 6 controllers).  Only the SR/DSR really need the spline shaft but all of the 2017 bikes that use the fatter belt use the spline shaft so that they can all use the same 20t sprocket.

So, if you want to upgrade an older bike to the fatter belt AND you want 5:1 ratio you need new front and rear sprockets.  If you want to use 20t front and 100t rear then you need to design both sprockets.  The front needs to be designed for the keyed shaft and the rear needs to be designed because Zero only has 90t rear (for now).  Designing an 18t front for the keyed shaft is smart because you can use the stock 90t rear from Zero and achieve the 5:1 ratio.

Here are some gear ratios used by different Zero bikes.

2016 Zero S/DS/DSR 130t rear / 28t front for 4.6:1 ratio
2016 Zero SR 130t rear / 30t front for 4.3:1 ratio
2016 Zero FX/FXS 132t rear / 25t front for 5.2:1 ratio

2017 All bikes with 17mm belt 90t rear / 20t front for 4.5:1 ratio

If you use Farfle's sprocket on an older model S/SR/DS/DSR you will be increasing torque at the rear wheel and gaining the benefits of the fatter belt.  However, if you use the sprocket on an older model FX/FXS you will decreasing torque at the rear wheel but gaining the benefits of the fatter belt.

I expect that Zero will eventually develop different sprocket sizes and belt diameters to get back to the higher gear ratios of previous years on bikes like the FX/FXS.  Putting Farfle's sprocket on an older model Zero will set you up to potentially use 17mm sprockets and belts developed by Zero.

For reference here are the belt dimensions from a 2014 Zero S and a 2017 Zero SR.

2014 Zero S 14mm width 8mm pitch
2017 Zero SR 17mm width 11mm pitch

Also, notice the difference in belt construction that you can see from the side view.

2014 Zero S Belt Width
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w410/TheMrwilsn/2014%20Zero%20S%20Belt%20Width_zpsxnagvgmy.png) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/TheMrwilsn/media/2014%20Zero%20S%20Belt%20Width_zpsxnagvgmy.png.html)

2014 Zero S Belt Pitch
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w410/TheMrwilsn/2014%20Zero%20S%20Belt%20Tooth%20Pitch_zpsh6uvtcbo.png) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/TheMrwilsn/media/2014%20Zero%20S%20Belt%20Tooth%20Pitch_zpsh6uvtcbo.png.html)

2017 Zero SR Belt Width
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w410/TheMrwilsn/2017%20Zero%20SR%20Belt%20Width_zpsd8axxq2s.png) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/TheMrwilsn/media/2017%20Zero%20SR%20Belt%20Width_zpsd8axxq2s.png.html)

2017 Zero SR Belt Pitch
(http://i1074.photobucket.com/albums/w410/TheMrwilsn/2017%20Zero%20SR%20Belt%20Tooth%20Pitch_zpstkp1kxhj.png) (http://s1074.photobucket.com/user/TheMrwilsn/media/2017%20Zero%20SR%20Belt%20Tooth%20Pitch_zpstkp1kxhj.png.html)
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Kocho on January 08, 2017, 08:11:37 PM
I'm confused... Is there a typo?


All of the new 2017 Zero bikes that use the new fatter belt have a 20 tooth front sprocket and a 90 tooth rear giving a 4.5:1 ratio.  An 18t front and 90t rear will give a 5:1 ratio.  .....

Designing an 18t front for the keyed shaft is smart because you can use the stock 90t rear from Zero and achieve the 5:1 ratio.

Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: mrwilsn on January 08, 2017, 09:47:29 PM
I'm confused... Is there a typo?


All of the new 2017 Zero bikes that use the new fatter belt have a 20 tooth front sprocket and a 90 tooth rear giving a 4.5:1 ratio.  An 18t front and 90t rear will give a 5:1 ratio.  .....

Designing an 18t front for the keyed shaft is smart because you can use the stock 90t rear from Zero and achieve the 5:1 ratio.


I don't think so but I could have made an error....not sure what you are confused about.

2017 has a 20t front and 90t rear for a 4.5:1 ratio.  If you buy an 18t front with Farfle and then buy a 90t rear and a 17mm belt from Zero and put it on a 2016 Zero SR, for example, you will have a bike with a 5:1 ratio.

Did I make a mistake somewhere?
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Kocho on January 08, 2017, 10:07:30 PM
Nope, I must have been half-asleep still. All clear now :)
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Farfle on January 09, 2017, 02:54:21 AM
Moment of truth! (Bundaberg is unsure)

(https://s5.postimg.org/9i5hx3r77/20170108_123919.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/9i5hx3r77/)

Success!

(https://s5.postimg.org/ir7o78037/20170108_124756.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/ir7o78037/)
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Richard230 on January 09, 2017, 03:46:15 AM
Very nice!  Bundaberg is probably wondering if it is chewable.   ;)
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Erasmo on January 09, 2017, 03:59:15 AM
Nice, thanks for trying. The new wider belt looks very tempting to upgrade to.
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Kocho on January 09, 2017, 05:31:02 AM
Excellent, thank you for sharing! Now, tell us if it wheelies :)!

Does all align front to rear?

What was the cost of the new belt and the rear sprocket from Zero?

I do not think I want more torque and lower top speed, so I probably would be happier with the same ratio as currently, But good to know the rear is a direct fit.

Success!
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: grmarks on January 11, 2017, 05:52:03 AM
Will the smaller diameter front pulley/sprocket cause the wider belt to break from fatigue? Will it strip teeth on an SR?
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: odedmaz on January 11, 2017, 11:14:15 AM
Great work  what is the cost of the new belt and sprockets?

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Francois on January 11, 2017, 02:52:07 PM
I am very supprised the standart are 8/12 or 8/21 the 8/14 don't existe
for the new one it is the same 11/17 don't exite it should be 14/20

http://www.bbman.com/catalog/category/timing-belt?filter=tooth_style%3A2%3AGT%208mm (http://www.bbman.com/catalog/category/timing-belt?filter=tooth_style%3A2%3AGT%208mm)
http://www.biedlers-belts.com/gates-8mgt-1760-12-belt.html (http://www.biedlers-belts.com/gates-8mgt-1760-12-belt.html)
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Farfle on January 16, 2017, 02:02:09 PM
Great work  what is the cost of the new belt and sprockets?

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

the point of it is to acheive a higher level of durability. It shouldnt strip teeth, but it may fatigue eventually.
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: Ethestral on January 16, 2017, 07:07:15 PM
This is awesome, and I was strongly considering doing the same but for three issues. My buddies fabrication shop is on the other coast, my garage may as well be a cardboard box, and damage I would likely inflict. I think the first two make sense, I don't have 3000 mile arms. The rent to own situation on cardboard is awesome. I'll skip along to my thought process on the third.

I've torn a belt in the first months of riding, and skipped teeth on the second belt already. Full disclosure I'm almost 200 lbs and I greatly enjoy torque. I've bought some spare belts and brushed up on how to install them. I'm keeping the factory tension specs (not over tension). The way I see it is easier to replace belts than all of the bearings I'd cook by over tightening said belt.

The 16's use a keyway on the rotor shaft. In every motor I've built for more power those keyways were the Achilles heel. Snapping the key either messed up timing (not a problem for us) or allowed the shaft to spin free, ruining the fun. Often creating wonderful strings of four letter words when the break is discovered. The worst part was always trying to save the broken keyway and reassemble.

I'm afraid of maiming the rotor output shaft vs destroying the belt. Given I break everything I love I'm sticking to replacing belts at the moment. If in a few months time this swap yields no issues I'm probably jumping in. Hopefully at that point I'll at least have found a larger cardboard box to call a garage.

Please update with how throttle happy you are and if it goes well. By the way if you ride like a professional smooth on, careful braking and the like I'm sure you'll have no problems. I'm fully aware that riding like an excited monkey is my problem and it's possible that they didn't design for me. On the 2017s they seem to have figured out a little more of my side of their market base and adjusted both the motor output and delivery accordingly.
Title: Re: Big belt Kits for pre-2017 bikes.
Post by: togo on June 23, 2019, 08:11:30 AM
The kit is available:

https://lunacycle.com/zero-motorcycle-wide-belt-sprocket-conversion-kit/

I have it. No instructions. The front sprocket process was not obvious to me but I found this video:

https://youtu.be/Vqe9i2rZSMI