Talk Morgan Forums Thread Like Summary - Super Three chain drive conversion

Just a shout out for my very good friends at Brands Hatch Morgan. Len, BHM's three wheeler specialist technician, has converted one of their belt drive Super Three demonstrators from the original belt drive to chain drive and the improvement is astonishing. No more banshee wail under load, it really is like chalk and cheese and makes the Super Three a joy to drive, rather than the chore that it was before. Apparently the chain drive is now a standard factory fitting for Super Threes, with belt an option for die hards. Len told me that in order to quieten the old belt drive, the belt had to be tightened so much that it was causing premature were on the drive and wheel bearings.

I'm fortunate enough to have driven this car before and after the modification and can thoroughly recommend interested Super Three owners to contact BHM and have a drive in the modified car. At the moment BHM also have a Super Three with belt drive by way of comparison. I don't know how much it would cost to change, but Len told me it took him about 3 hours.

My only connection with BHM is that of a very satisfied customer of more than 20 years. I am posting this with BHM's permission, they're too nice to blow their own trumpets!

I don't understand at all why anyone would prefer an archaic, messy, maintenance prone, short lived chain over a belt which lasts for 10's of thousands of miles and requires no maintenance in normal service. But to each their own.

It's interesting how one's experiences can vary from person to person, had motorcycles most of my life. In more recent times had 9 Harley s all with belt drive and never had a moments problem with them at all. Compared to the mess and continuous adjustment necessary with a chain, I would never choose a chain for a bike. I think its more the Morgan application, rather then the belt, where the problem may lie.

Don't understand this love of chains vs a belt. A belt is much more tolerant of all the road dirt that collects around the back of our cars .... chains wear out ... with the steel rather than aluminium spocket, we have a reliable low maintenance solution. The only possible benefit is that one can take the chain out to change it without dismantling the rear end ... but chains need changing more often anyway! Besides the belt on our M3W, we love the belts on our eBikes that are far less hassle than a chain with no obvious wear after 10,000+km.

I just ordered a chain conversion for my Super 3. I have hated the belt squeal and have done multiple adjustments and it only lasts a few hundred miles. I have experience with both belt and chains coming from the motorcycle world. The belt is suppose to be cleaner, last forever and never be trouble. Ha! Ha! Let a belt pop on you and see how much fun it is to replace. Now I hear a lot of things about chains and how much maintenance is needed. Today's chains are sealed and need very little maintenance. In fact you can buy a spray lube wax and spray it on the chain every time you check the rear air pressure in your tire. If the chain breaks it can easily be installed without having to remove the swing arm. I for one, am looking forward to getting rid of the belt.