The Development of a Belt Drive Motorcycle

With the development of synthetic high tensile strength arimid cord materials, the Gates Rubber Company was successful in constructing a polyurethane elastomeric synchronous power transmission timing belt with improved strength and durability properties over conventional power transmission drive chains, using this cord material as the tensile power-carrying member. A production model 80 cu, in. AMF Harley-Davidson motorcycle is currently being marketed with both primary and secondary drive systems equipped with belts of this construction. A sophisticated testing and evaluation program was conducted to verify the improved durability and performance of this drive system application.