4'' primary belt drive?

[xlfan]

Once upon a time it did exist primary belt drives for the 70's XL 1000. If memory serves me right, those were run closed in oil, and wasn't exactly the primary drive to choose. Still, would it be a big problem to close off the transmission and run an open belt drive on these?

xlfan

[eglideic]

 I had a 1975 XLH with an enclosed primary belt and it was fine.
To me an open belt is just asking for trouble.
There's just too many ways for things to go bad in a hurry.
Oh, and tell me just one advantage to having an open belt.
HHMMMM?

[garyajaz]

i was breaking belts quite regular.
(closed in oil)oem said to use non detergent oil.
detergent was delaminating belts every 4-6 months.
since then break a belt about every 10 years.
last time i bought 2 cause all they had left and no longer make them.
should last me till i am 70 so good to go.
belts been in there 35 years.  stroker motor.