The belt on my lad's XB9R snapped at the weekend (2003 model with 10K on the clock). The belt appeared to have small cracks over the back surface. He was told that it is a good idea to lubricate the belts by applying a silicone based lubricant to keep them supple. He was advised that KY jelly is a good one to use (I laughed and said 'what's the point, the belts already f*ck*d!) I thought it was funny Is there any truth in this advice (not the KY jelly), but the fact of lubricating a belt

Norm...............fill your boots

Out of interest, who gave this advice?

Any 'sticky' lube would encourage road dirt to quickly turn to a grinding paste

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If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough.

+1

Nate.

+2 rapid pully wear and lots of small cuts in the belt surface for yet more dirt to bury itself into......and ky is water based!

He read it on some American V Twin forum.....nuff said eh Appears it was a stone that fecked the belt. Still tucked in the cover when it was replaced.

Has he got an fs tensioner fitted?

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In a purple fug

No he hasn't Lucky. His belt guards are the original Buell fitments, whereas mine on the XB12R have been replaced and are much more open. Is that a good or bad thing as regards debris getting into the belt covers

An FS tensioner is meant to extend the life of the belt and also to give the belt a chance if a stone gets caught in it. Obviously not as much fun as using KY jelly.

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In a purple fug

I thought the belt guards were to prevent your trousers (whatever) getting snagged, not to prevent stone ingress. I was about to ditch mine altogether for a more stripped down look (belt guards not trousers)

deep heat or prep h is better than ky.
but no do not put anything on your belt apart from wear

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Do you want it right or right now ?

What if it sqeeks like hell?
Pete

change the belt sorry.

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Do you want it right or right now ?

how about sun cream to stop the UV deterioration?