Cambelts - advice please

[HoveActually]

I've just acquired a 78 3.5 Strada but with no service history.
From what I've read in various places it seems a good idea to replace the cam-belt sooner rather than later.
My question is - is it OK to buy a suitable belt off the internet, e.g. from here, http://bearingstation.co.uk/products/Be ... _8/124L075
or is the only safe / sensible solution to buy one from NLM?

[MarkB]

Hi, I've heard worrying things about generic belts off the internet, although I'm sure some are fine, and I got one from George Lane who knows his Morinis. He advertises in ATG, the club magazine. The latest issue is just about to come out. Are you a member yet?!

Regards, Mark

[EVguru]

People have been using generic belts on their Morinis for a very long time. The original belts were only ones that had been sorted into three tollerance groups to suit the pulleys. Most bikes have the B pulleys which are nominal size.

There's some information on belts on the Dutch Morini site; http://www.motomoriniclub.nl/tech.html

I run Gates brand belts that cost me about £5 delivered. At that price you can afford to change them every riding season if you're at all worried. Materials and methods have improved over the years, so the belts are probably better that the originals anyway.

I should probably take a look at mine before too long. It's been in there a couple of years and I was running into the revcounter stop at Cadwell.

[HoveActually]

Thks for the replies - I'm in the process of joining the club so haven't seen a mag as yet.

My pulleys are stamped with the letter A. I've been reading the technical info on the Dutch site and am most impressed with the info available, likewise here.

A Megadyne belt is presently fitted and looks to be in good order - slack is no more 3-4mm so thats why I considered getting another one - and I like the price!! As you say annual change would not break the bank.

I'll try a new one and report on how well it fits.

[Emmohaswheelsagain]

Hi,

I hope you are enjoying your Strada.
Not sure your bike will need a fresh cambelt.
The previous owner only had the bike a few months. I'm sure he purchased the bike from North Leicester.
I'm surprised you didn't have any service history as it is usual for North Leicester to pass on all documentation, old Mot's, service bills etc. I assume its the same bike, as the previous owner traded it in at Classic Superbikes. Not sure why although from what I could gather it was nothing to do with the bike.
If you want to pm me and provide me with your email address I can ask the previous owner to confirm the bikes history to you.

Regards

Paul

[HoveActually]

Paul - pm sent. Thks for the offer to help trace my bikes history.
Rgds
AndyB