For those of you who run without cam-belt covers-

[Radar]

Howdy folks,

I have to admit I really like the look of the bikes without covers, but I have to wonder if there is any concern or experience with premature belt or pulley wear. Although I assume the pulley's bearings are sealed units...

I guess it seems to me that even small bits of debris would increase wear...

Just wondering...

Eric M.

[scduc]

Ive been working on my bike over the winter, and have never riden without the covers. That being said, I did notice that even with the covers on, I see a lot of grit and grim in the belt areas. So if I were to make an analogy, I would say it might be better to run without the covers. That way the dirt will not float around behind the cover. Personally, I'm too chicken shit to give it a try, so I will probably buy the Rizoma covers.

[Radar]

Now, that's an interesting observation!

I hope others will share their knowledge/experience.

Thanks,

Eric M.

[TitanMonsterS4R]

Got Speedymoto belt covers on and never had an issue.  The belt covers block crap thrown up by my tires and the actual covers themselves keep out all the big stuff.  Every now and then I run compressed air around it to get out any dust/small particles that might be in there.  I don't worry about anything getting in there and the look is super nice!

You're going to get a mix of opinions...
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=45260.0

[ducatiz]

I've run without belt covers for years.

Yes, there is a risk.  I've had belt heads since around 1990 and never had a problem tho.

But that rock/screw/turd could just as easily bounce up and go into your helmet or neck and crush your trachea.

Think about how many times debris hits your legs -- often?  if so, you probably are riding in crappy areas. 

I rarely have stuff hitting me, that means about the same is hitting my engine.

IF you are still nervous, some folks have cut out the centre and put in lucite, but it dirties pretty quickly.

[Düb Lüv]

running the stock covers can be worse than no covers. the backing covers become very brittle from the many heat cycles. thus leading to large pieces of plastic getting jostled around. my inner backing covers broke when removing them and i was being gentle cause i wanted to save'em.

this i coming for somebody who doesn't have inner or outer covers.

i think you'll be fine without them. your belts stay cooler without the covers anyway.

[speedknot]

I've been running them w/o covers since the late winter.  Although they look kinda cool, I've had some riders ask me if I forgot to put the covers back on.  This makes me think that it just looks incomplete.   If you look at it close enough, it does look like something belongs their, but isn't.

[bdub]

I cut my stock covers and run with the pulleys coverer. When I get three hundred dollars to throw toward covers I will get the speedy moto. I have concerns but not enough to buy new covers. That being said I was talking to a Harley rider who replaced his belt drive with chain because he picked up a rock and it shredded his drive belt. So ---------- I don't know.

[ducatiz]

I cut my stock covers and run with the pulleys coverer. When I get three hundred dollars to throw toward covers I will get the speedy moto. I have concerns but not enough to buy new covers. That being said I was talking to a Harley rider who replaced his belt drive with chain because he picked up a rock and it shredded his drive belt. So ---------- I don't know.

the drive belt is lower and in a far more exposed location.

[Bill in OKC]

I've been running without covers for over 2 years now.  My friends keep telling me how it will get screwed up and I keep telling them I am going to put the covers back on...  I know the risks and am prepared to deal with any unfortunate outcome.  I don't think they are going back on any time soon.

[bdub]

the drive belt is lower and in a far more exposed location.

Good point

[MongoReturns]

running the stock covers can be worse than no covers. the backing covers become very brittle from the many heat cycles. thus leading to large pieces of plastic getting jostled around. my inner backing covers broke when removing them and i was being gentle cause i wanted to save'em.

this i coming for somebody who doesn't have inner or outer covers.

i think you'll be fine without them. your belts stay cooler without the covers anyway.

I've been running with my inspection covers off for about 6 months now (changing the belts is on my list, ahem).  There's a lot of crap at the bottom.  And my backing covers have been toast for years - all cracked up.  I've always wondered if a piece will fall off into the belts...

On the other hand didn't a dude supposedly get his finger between the belt & roller a few months back?  The DP & Howie know the thread I'm referencing.

[He Man]

ive ridden for a long without belt covers even crashed the bike without covers on, the only reason i put them back on is the fact that rain makes them rust and the rust make them squeaky and its an annoying sound to hear.

[ODrides]

The belts I bought from CA Cycleworks came with a note that saying not to expose them to sunlight.  Now, how long before sun exposure deteriorates belts, who knows?  But for my money, keep out the weather, the dirt, and the sun with the belt covers.

[DucatiBastard]

^ ^ ^

I think the damage from sunlight may be the biggest unknown.  The sun degrades rubber and plastic in much less obvious ways than physical issues from rocks and other debris.  

Our Founder/Painter could probably illustrate this better than me but from what I've learned of modern automotive finishes the clear coat is there to provide UV protection and gloss for the color coat.  This is why paints are different for interior and exterior applications.  Interior paints don't need the UV protection.  

I would really like to run no belts, but the sun damage makes me nervous.