Drive Belt Suggestions:

[mjbiersc]

What belt should I be using? I have an 06 Renegade 800, stock motor and clutching. 90% of my riding is off trail.
I just started looking into this because I oredered a new belt online. I ordered the 166 (what I have always used), but they sent me the 383. From what I have found, it looks like this belt will work but I found a lot of different information that I don't completely understand.
For off trail riding is it better to have a softer belt or a harder belt? I saw mention of using the summit belts, but when I look in the parts finder the summits specify the same belt as the Renegades.
I also see where people have removed the plastic guard from the clutch cover saying it helps keep the belt cooler...
Any input on this is appreciated.
thanks

 

[salmonbum]

On the REV you can remove the plastic gurad, but not the XP. You should also float the secondary. You can buy a plug for $15 on DooTalk.

The 166 was for the REV's and was suppose to be for the XP, but it didn't work too well. They then released the 383 to replace the 166. Same compound, just a bit wider. The 377 is a harder compound and 1mm shorter. The 383 is $90, the 377 is $150.

For which one is best, thats the big question. You will get many different opinions on what to use. For me and my XP, the 383 is the best for trail riding. It also works well off trail. The 377 can really take a pounding. Trail wise, its ok but not as good at the 383. My buddy runs a 04 REV race chassis with 800 mod extened to 136" with 1.5" paddles and runs the 383 and likes it. I would try that 1st. If it doesn't last then goto the 377.

 

[mjkaliszak]

I agree with the 383. Have 1 on my 800R , it holds up well. Like salmonbum said!!!! We ride mostly trails but will go off into the boondocks and then start climbing hills & jumping stuff. I have a $190 belt on our Polaris racer and the 383 is almost as good , the Polaris belt will last longer but it's 2x the price. I can't speak to the 377 but I'm in favor of owning the least number of $150-$200 belts as possible ( LOL )