Aftermarket belt drive worth it?

[Mr. Pump Gas]

I have '15 standard coming and wonder if the gains in handling and performance are worth the change?

Looking at TKI or C3. Any input appreciated especially if you have owned or ridden both side by side

 

[fullboredragon]

Waste of money, you'll hate it when u snap a belt and go over the bars. PIA IMO

 

[rmscustom]

Gear down is your biggest gain IMO and it's cheap with your standard.

As for the belt drive breaking vs the chaincase. I've seen both break equally in the last 2 years. The difference is when the belt drive snaps you put a new one on and keep riding (given you or someone is carrying a spare) and when the chain goes its a fun tow out and a ruined day. I guess carrying a spare chain would be an option but much more messy.

 

[kylant]

Waste of money, you'll hate it when u snap a belt and go over the bars. PIA IMO

really?

 

[winter brew]

The TKI is a nice unit, have seen guys fight belt issues on their 13's, go with the TKI and no more problems....plus the choice of ratio is nice. Hopefully belt failures are not an issue on 15's, but nice to know there are options.

 

[fullboredragon]

really?

3 belts one year on an aftermarket kit for my 12. I've never blown or been with anyone with a blown chain case. Change the oil and make sure it's got oil and you won't have an issue with a chain.mIMO of course. I sold that kit and couldn't of been happier to see it go.

 

[LoudHandle]

My Money goes to C3, yes the cost is a little higher, but IMO, the C3 kits is / are better thought out and more robust where it counts and the rotating components are lighter than the TKI version. I hate needless weight on my sleds. I modify and lighten most parts I install on my sleds and with the C3, I do not need to machine more bulk off of them.

The Fit and Finish is better on the C3 stuff as well, which is likely why you pay a little more. The TKI stuff I've had in my hand, I personally would have never sold if it was my business. Post finishing, secondary machining in an attempt to achieve tolerances. Which made the part look like he11, with half of it anodized black and the other half not. (If anyone has any doubts, I can / will post pics)

I've been extremely happy with C3's customer service as well.

I run my sleds geared for 75-80 MPH rather than the ridiculously high stock ratio. So yes, in my opinion it is well worth the up charge.

 

[Mr. Pump Gas]

Thanks for the feedback. I am in UP of MI, running about 40% trail, remainder back country. I will put about 2000 miles per year on, will the C3 be problem free if kept adjusted properly?

I know the sled will roll more freely, however will there be that noticeable of handling characteristics in how flickable it is(for side-hilling, etc)?

 

[LoudHandle]

That is the beauty of the the new Carbon fiber cord belts; after the initial adjustment they are nearly maintenance free as there is zero stretch. Unlike chain that wears at every joint, every time it is moved, until it is worn out and garbage.

In My Opinion you can indeed feel the difference in the gyro effect and the result is easier and improved handling.

Enjoy, whatever you decide to do.

 

[0neoldfart]

Re: is it worth it...

I'm running the C3 belt drive on all three of our sleds - a 2013 ProRMK with a 660 kit from Carl's Cycle, my back up 2013 M800 S/P Ltd, and on my EVO boosted four stroke cat (285hp). The belt is as strong or stronger then a chain when properly tensioned, (never broken a belt) the ability to gear the sled down or up is nice, and you can (in my opinion), feel a difference in throttle response. I've never looked at a TKI kit in person, so I cannot comment on their product...
C3's customer service has been good thus far, and you do get what you pay for IMO. I would buy another kit for my next sled without hesitation...

Just my 2 cents.

 

[AndrettiDog]

My Money goes to C3, yes the cost is a little higher, but IMO, the C3 kits is / are better thought out and more robust where it counts and the rotating components are lighter than the TKI version. I hate needless weight on my sleds. I modify and lighten most parts I install on my sleds and with the C3, I do not need to machine more bulk off of them.

The Fit and Finish is better on the C3 stuff as well, which is likely why you pay a little more. The TKI stuff I've had in my hand, I personally would have never sold if it was my business. Post finishing, secondary machining in an attempt to achieve tolerances. Which made the part look like he11, with half of it anodized black and the other half not. (If anyone has any doubts, I can / will post pics)

I've been extremely happy with C3's customer service as well.

I run my sleds geared for 75-80 MPH rather than the ridiculously high stock ratio. So yes, in my opinion it is well worth the up charge.

I normally agree with LoudHandle, but I don't here. I did a TKI and I think the quality is great. Every bit as what I've seen with C3. Tom is great as he interacts well with customers (maybe C3 does too, not sure). The TKI is simple to install once you get past one stubborn bolt. As for weight, it can't even be close to a pound and still better than a chaincase and oil.

To answer the original question...I would say stay with the Polaris QDS. The new belts are working for people. The reason I changed is that I had the '13 belt and lost one. Warranty covered it and then I lost a 2nd one when I installed my turbo. At that point I needed two belts, one to run and one as an extra. So that is $400 plus $90 for the install tool. It was a no brainer to just upgrade to the TKI kit. As for gearing down, I have done that and don't feel it is needed on the Pro. You can do that with the TKI though as you just need a different gear. You can choose the gear you want when you buy it. The Gates belts that the TKI uses are only $80 which is another bonus.

 

[wfieldin]

I ran a C3 on my 11 Pro last year and it was flawless. I don't have any experience with TKI. The key is to set up the belt tension properly. I will say though that I did not think there was a significant enough difference in performance between it and the chain drive. I did end up selling it and got a good re-sale value, so it is fun to experiment and see what you like.

 

[AdrenalineAddict]

Save your money or spend your coin on other mods.

 

[BILTIT]

I personally dont think it is worth it unless you can get one for a deal, my opinion. Of course, i still ride an '11 Pro so what do i know about the newer stuff.

I have geared down this year with drivers, that is half the benefit of the belt drive.

 

[Reg2view]

I have '15 standard coming and wonder if the gains in handling and performance are worth the change?

Looking at TKI or C3. Any input appreciated especially if you have owned or ridden both side by side

Much better off putting coin into suspension and clutching, first, IMHO. Track for your conditions after that. Or invest in yourself in a riding clinic. Maintain, lube change and tension, a chaincase with a stock motor and unless you are launching like Levi, you'll be fine durability-wise. Nothing against new tech here, but after dropping the coin on both belt drive and brake rotor, caliper, the biggest difference you will notice will be in your lighter wallet. And stock gearing is because these units get driven at sea level, and the diff in HP demands a bigger gear for warranty - if you ride higher, lots of gearing options with a chaincase or driver change. Yep, for those with a pro at elevation, not the smartest thing poo has done. Good luck.

 

[LoudHandle]

The OP has a standard (non PRO); so he is getting the Chaincase and not the QD.

TKI may well have refined his QC, updated his CNC program, fixture, or tooling since the offset axle (that I referenced) was produced. TKI was not even known in the sled world when I started doing business with C3, because that was the only one in the business.

Additionally I'm in Alaska and my riding starts at my house at sea level and the mountains in my back yard average 6-7000 feet and yet I still gear my sleds for 75-80 MPH. You can not use any more than that, without a power adder of some sort or are a lake racer type with a Bologna Skin for a track.

I personally see the advantage of the belt drive, I have for twenty years, but until the Carbon Corded belts and the improved tooth forms were developed, it was impossible to get the belt to not stretch and break under the shock loads snowmobiles put them under.

I've always been an out of the box thinker and the norm has never been good enough and still isn't. That is why I continue to modify even the "best" stock and aftermarket products and continue to build a lot of my own parts; and all my sleds from the snow up. Typically based on the latest Polaris chassis geometery as they have never failed me. And other than a few years in the last 35 years, they have held better than 50% of the mountain market share.

Am I biased and Possibly overly Opinionated? Maybe, when I measure and analyze every part with a gram scale for need less weight. All the while fixing all the factory Polaris flaws in design and material choice.

While I do not have Burandt's cash flow nor vendors falling all over me to build my wish list items. I will have a 400# wet weight RTR sled in the next few years. And it will take every needless gram to get there.

 

[diamonddave]

To answer the original question...I would say stay with the Polaris QDS. The new belts are working for people. The reason I changed is that I had the '13 belt and lost one. Warranty covered it and then I lost a 2nd one when I installed my turbo. At that point I needed two belts, one to run and one as an extra. So that is $400 plus $90 for the install tool. It was a no brainer to just upgrade to the TKI kit. As for gearing down, I have done that and don't feel it is needed on the Pro. You can do that with the TKI though as you just need a different gear. You can choose the gear you want when you buy it. The Gates belts that the TKI uses are only $80 which is another bonus.

If you don't mind sharing....What ratio did you end up going with on your TKI kit AND are you running the stock track OR????

As for the OP....I would drop a 19 tooth sprocket in your chaincase and as Reg2view recommended, spend your money on suspension and clutching...

 

[AndrettiDog]

If you don't mind sharing....What ratio did you end up going with on your TKI kit AND are you running the stock track OR????

As for the OP....I would drop a 19 tooth sprocket in your chaincase and as Reg2view recommended, spend your money on suspension and clutching...

I think it was 2.33. It was the closest to stock. I'm running a Silber turbo and they suggested I keep it stock. I have two stock tracks. One is trimmed down to be stiffer and the other is just a regular 5.1.

 

[richblazer]

I have only used the TKI and have had no prob and the customer service is one of a kind. I had a 12 and my once has a 13 and a 13 with the TKI kit i was impressed by the diff in the response of the belt drive (so much i ordered a 15) but was really impressed in how much faster the TKI helps build track speed on my 163. but if i was not looking to gear down my sled i would not spend the money for either i would update to the 15 belt and run factory set up

hope this helped cheers!!!!!!!

 

[kylant]

what is the ideal geared down ratio to run regardless if the sled is running a chain or belt drive.

one aftermarket belt drive kit only offers a 2.41 gear set, but the others have many choices.

what would be good for a completely stock 155?