English 
Spanish 
2 min read
18 comments
An unusual adaptation: a motorcycle equipped with a car timing belt replaces the traditional chain, bringing curiosity
A toothed belt and the motorcycle chain are essential components in their respective contexts, but they perform completely different functions. This difference raised a curious question: would it be possible to use a timing belt instead of a motorcycle chain? A bold experiment attempted to answer this question.
Timing belt: precise and delicate synchronization
A toothed belt It is an essential item in internal combustion engines. Generally made of rubber reinforced with synthetic or metallic fibers, its main function is to synchronize the crankshaft and the valve control. This synchronization is crucial for the valves to open and close at the exact moment in relation to the movement of the pistons.
Timing belt failures can be disastrous, causing serious engine damage. A common example is valve and piston collision, which can require extremely expensive repairs or even engine replacement.
- Neither wind power nor solar fusion! Bill Gates moves forward with nuclear project that aims to revolutionize energy generation
- 200-million-year-old Jurassic skull discovered in China reveals new species of dinosaur
- Science surprises with cotton sponge and squid bone that removes 99,9% of microplastics and points to a cleaner and more sustainable future
- Warning! Scientists Say This Cleaning Product Could Damage Your Solar Panels
To avoid problems, it is recommended to replace the belt every 60.000 to 100.000 km, depending on the vehicle model and manufacturer's guidelines.
Motorcycle chain: transmission of brute force
While the timing belt operates internally in the engine, the motorcycle chain has another function: transferring the force generated by the engine to the rear wheel.
Composed of interconnected metal links, it is designed to withstand the high torque forces that a motorcycle requires.
Chain maintenance is equally important. Regular lubrication and adjustments are necessary to prevent wear, and chain replacement should be done at the sign of excessive wear. A damaged chain can slip or break, putting rider safety at risk.
The Metal Project Experiment: Testing the Theory
Curious to test the possibility of replacing the motorcycle chain with a timing belt, the YouTube channel Metal Project carried out a practical experiment. The objective was to apply a timing belt to a Honda CG, a popular model in Brazil.
In the video, the YouTuber details the challenges encountered throughout the process. From the initial adaptation to the necessary adjustments, the experiment showed that the replacement is not simple. One of the biggest obstacles was the difficulty in dealing with the differences in voltage and torque between the two systems.
The Harley Davidson 883 has been fitted with a factory timing belt for a long time.
The author of this article is very late, as motorcycles with timing belts have existed for decades.