If cleaning chains isn't your bag and shaft drives are complicated, check these belt-driven bargains
As bikers, we’re accustomed to our bikes having a chain. We’re used to having to adjust them, lubricate them, clean them and, eventually, replace the darned things, too. Of course, shaft drive does away with all that inconvenience but then you pay a different sort of penalty in the form of weight.
Related: How to buy a used bike
But there is a third way: belt-drive, which is as light (if not lighter) than a chain, but cleaner and almost as maintenance free as a shaft – but simpler, cheaper and far less bulky.
Here’s our pick of some of the best belt-driven buys!
MCN Recommended: 2006-2010 BMW F800S – £2500-£3400
Worthy but quirky middleweight German twin
Spec:
- Power: 84bhp
- Engine capacity: 798cc
- Seat height: 820mm
- Kerb weight: 182kg (kerb)
When launched, the F800S was a revolutionary addition to the BMW stable. An inclined, belt-drive parallel twin, it filled the chasm between the marque’s 650cc singles and 1200cc boxers and fours with decent performance, tempting versatility, and good value. The sporty S was soon joined by a sports-tourer ST and later adventure GS and roadster R. All proved reliable and bikes you could learn to ride on yet keep, and enjoy, after getting your full licence.
BMW F800S used buying advice
- Belt is largely maintenancefree and life expectancy is 26,000 miles but replacement is pricey as requires pulley changes, too.
- The overall finish is OK but owners report corrosion on the Torx fasteners and engine paint can flake off, particularly in hard-to-reach areas that don’t get cleaned.
- Forks are a little soft with some reports of repeated oil leaksrequiring strips and replaced seals.
- ABS is an optional and can prove a bit ‘on and off’ where you actually want more smooth progression. Standard brakes on both motorcycles work well, however.
2010-21 H-D XL1200X 48 – £7800-£11,000
Belt-driven Bobber Sportster is classic Harley choice
Spec:
- Power: 55bhp
- Engine capacity: 1202cc
- Seat height: 681mm
- Kerb weight: 257kg (kerb)
The low-barred, fat balloontyred, minimalist 48 is a basic but attitude-laden, entry-level Harley-Davidson. The 48 is narrow, relatively light (for a lump of Milwaukee’s finest metal) and thus easy to ride. It also looks great, is reasonably affordable (again, for a Harley) and is a great blank canvas for further customising. The tank looks cool but is small at 7.9 litres which limits overall range.
H-D XL1200X 48 used buying advice
- Drive belts can last 40,000 miles, though if stones get inside the covers they can cause tears and slash service life – have a good nose about for damage.
- If it’s got loud pipes (Harley owners love accessories), check the fuelling has been altered to suit.
- Reports of rust inside the tailpipes are common. Also, check where the spokes join the rim for the orange peril.
2017-21 Yamaha SCR950 – £5300-£6500
Identity crisis twin makes a decent used purchase
Spec:
- Power: 51bhp
- Engine capacity: 942cc
- Seat height: 830mm
- Kerb weight: 253kg (kerb)
About as ‘fashion victim’ as bikes get, the quirky Yamaha SCR950 is a short-lived scrambler-style retro but based not on the usual roadster single but on the XV950 V-twin cruiser. Surprisingly, in some ways it works, being a great pose with its 1970s XT500-inspired styling and with easy, grunty, proven mechanicals. But it lacks ground clearance making spirited road riding a no-no and, despite its style, has no offroad ability at all. Think of it as a different and cool-looking retro and you’ll not go far wrong.
Yamaha SCR950 used buying advice
- There are reports of tarnished spokes and corroding fasteners, so have a good poke around.
- Inspect the belt for stone damage if someone’s been daft enough to take the bike off road.
- Single front disc can feel a little weak. Many owners fit upgraded pads, lines or both.
2001-2005 BMW F650CS – £2000-£2950
Overlooked and rare, but effective, commuter machine
Spec:
- Power: 44bhp
- Engine capacity: 652cc
- Seat height: 790mm
- Kerb weight: 194kg (kerb)
The F650CS was launched by BMW in 2001, right in the middle of the era when the German marque came up with some of its oddest-ever looking machines. Remember the R1200C? Look under the surface, though, and the CS makes a lot of sense as a practical, affordable, well-built and ‘different’ urban runabout. It’s based on the hugely successful F650GS trail bike but with street styling, wheels and tyres, so it’s actually better round town and has a lower seat.
BMW F650CS used buying advice
- Check the drive belt for fraying and wear on older bikes.
- Water pumps can fail, so check the housing for leaks.
- Accessories were a big deal – make sure the ABS and heated grips work and try to find one with CD player and speakers in the dummy tank (the fuel tank is actually under the seat).
’03-07 Buell XB12R Firebolt – £4800-£6500
This American oddball is among Buell’s finest machines
Spec:
- Power: 100bhp
- Engine capacity: 1203cc
- Seat height: 775mm
- Kerb weight: 175kg (dry)
The XB12R Firebolt may have been American Erik Buell’s finest bike. The basics are an ancient (but uprated) air-cooled Harley Sportster engine mated to a stubby, innovative, high-tech aluminium frame with lots of well thought-out touches in-between. The result may not be the fastest thing in a straight line but it’s awesome in corners and stacks of fun. All the usual Buell design traits are in place including fuel in the frame and the novel rimmounted front brake disc.
Buell XB12R Firebolt used buying advice
- Drive belts snap, so look for a bike with an aftermarket tensioner that automatically keeps things in check and should prevent problems.
- The wheel bearings aren’t shielded so water gets in and can cause failures.
- Pre-2006 bikes have weak oil pump drives, so if it’s not been replaced get it done sharpish.
