Belt drives aren’t typically associated with powersports applications. Gates is looking to change that.
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Gates (NYSE: GTES), a leading provider of power transmission systems, is sponsoring Zero Motorcycles and rider Cory West in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on Sunday to highlight the advantages of Gates belt drive technologies versus chains on high-torque electric motorcycles such as the Zero SR/F.
Gates and Zero hope the high-performance characteristics of Gates carbon fiber belts, which do not stretch, slack or corrode like chains, will provide an edge for West as he accelerates out of the course?s 156 turns over 12 miles, climbing from the start at 9,390 feet to the finish at 14,155 feet. Unlike the highly modified drivetrains featured on other race bikes, the Zero uses the same Gates belt as the production SR/F available to consumers, which is a ?huge benefit,? says Zero?s VP of Product Development Brian Wismann. ?The Gates belt is proven to handle the unique torque characteristics of an electric drivetrain, without the need to constantly monitor the tension and wear associated with chains, which has allowed our team to focus on getting the bike set up for Cory and the Pikes Peak race course,? Wismann says.
Another benefit of the Gates belt is its near-silent operation, which complements the quietness of the electric motor to make a whirring sound that is remarkably different than the louder chain-driven and gasoline-powered motorcy...