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[Richard230]

Yesterday I visited my Zero dealer and ordered a replacement belt for my 2012 Zero - just so I could have it around should they become collector's items in the future.     I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the belt only retails for $70 (I got it for $60 + tax for being such a good customer).  That compares with the Bando belt of a 1983 Kawasaki 305cc GPz, which costs $250.  I have been told that a replacement belt for the BMW F800ST runs about $450, according to a fellow I spoke with who was having his replaced after it stripped its teeth (after 93K miles).

[WindRider]

Ha, only BMW could make a drive belt cost that much.    They also somehow made it so that only a BMW tech with a special tool can adjust the tension on the BMW belt drive system.

I also have a spare Zero belt hanging in the garage should I need it one day.   At that price it is a good spare to have around.

[Doctorbass]

What is grest with these belt is that these are made with carbon fiber!! this reduce their weight and incresase strengh.

just drop it on the pavement and hear the sound it make.. that's very crious like a metal sound! I had that experience when i replaced the best on my Ds 2011 for a 220 toots and big 2012 reat sproket.

Doc

[Richard230]

One thing that I forgot to mention is that the parts guy at my shop said that replacement parts for the 2010 and 2011 Zeros were becoming hard to source from Zero.  That leads me to believe that Zero is not replacing their stock of replacement parts for these bikes now that production has ceased so it might be a good idea to order replacement parts that you might need in the future now (while they still might be available) if you intend to keep your older model for a few more years.

[NoiseBoy]

I expect the belt to outlast my ownership of the bike so im more converned about the common consumables like brake pads and easily damaged parts like levers and pegs.

[Doctorbass]

btw, I have few 2010 sproket and chain and  many other parts for those who would like to get spare parts.

i also have brand new plastic trim and fairing ( white and blue) from a ds 2010.
Well i have left a full ds 2010 without motor and charger

Doc

[grindz145]

I believe Terry is still on his first belt at >40k miles. Correct me if I'm wrong on that one. I know alot of the gas bikes are getting >30k miles on a belt, so that wouldn't surprise me.

[Richard230]

I just had a call a few minutes ago that my spare belt was ready for pick up at the shop.  That was about as fast a delivery as you would get from any major motorcycle manufacturer, maybe even faster.

As for Terry's belt life, I haven't heard him mention replacing the belt, but I can't recall him mentioning replacing any other parts either, other than going through a few motors.  Perhaps he just doesn't talk about the smaller stuff that he replaces.  You would think that by now he would have replaced a belt or two (considering the treatment that the belt drive has received) and has gone through at least a set of brake pads.  Perhaps Zero replaces wear parts like that when he gets his bike overhauled at the factory when he passes by there on the way to the next big adventure.   

[Lipo423]

Richard,

This is a little off topic, but...Did you say Terry replaced a few motors?
That's a little concerning

[protomech]

Terry has replaced at least one belt, possibly two.

[BSDThw]

Terry wrote he replaced one belt because it was cut when getting something between the belt and sprocket.

Lipo I was concerned too but Terry changed the motors because the splint and the motor shaft has become loose (and than damaged), I saw once that he got welded the sprocket to the shaft. No real motor brake down

BTW when I changed my gearing I did the test ride and my sprocket became loose too. I had to remove the motor a second time and tried the splinter in each position till I found the one that has the tightest feeling, than I pressed the splinter in and used some "Rite Lok" at the thread!

[grindz145]

Ahh that's good to know. Yeah Terry's bike is in no way a good sample to use, since he has the thing so heavily modified. I wouldn't be surprised if you could get 30k out of a belt under normal operating conditions.

[Richard230]

Richard,

This is a little off topic, but...Did you say Terry replaced a few motors?
That's a little concerning

Terry blew a motor at around 20K miles when crossing the Golden Gate Bridge on the way to my house.  He never made it here as he had the bike towed to Zero central to have a new motor installed.  He said that a bearing lunched in the motor.  Recently, I happened to notice another comment on his Facebook page about another motor packing up and needing replacement.  I don't know if there were any other motor problems, as I have not been following his adventures all that much lately.  On the other hand, I feel like he has been asking a lot more of his motor than any of us normal owners that are not racing.  And even the racers don't run for hours and hours wide open.  So I wouldn't be too worried about any of Terry's motor failures boding ill for us 2012 Zero owners.  His experience is just too unique.

[NoiseBoy]

Terry's motor took alot of abuse.  That bearing is usually replaced at 100k miles and the sort of riding Terry did is probably equivalent to most of us doing 100k.  The bike was something like twice the weight of a stock one and running 660A with a size 6 controller.  The ME0913 is a tried and tested motor and Zero have modified it to improve cooling and reliability.