4 stroke: chain or belt transmission (Lots of questions!)

[Cubey]

As far as 4 stroke kits... I have noticed that some have what looks like a plastic trans cover:

While others show metal:

I think the difference is the plastic cover is a belt drive, while the metal cover is chain? Googling the two, belt seems preferable due to no stretching and less noise?

However, I'm thinking chain might be better since it's more sealed up, and you can load it up with grease. Belt looks more open and exposed to the elements and might wear out faster. How hard is it to get the good belts? Doing a generic search for bike replacement belt shows me ones that are questionable if they'd fit. They would probably be faster/easier to replace than a chain but not last as long, I'm guessing. But least chains are more readily available and more universal than belts.

I have seen the dual chain transmissions for sale...
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Parts-for-49cc-engine-motorized-Bike-4-stroke-DOUBLE-CHAIN-GEAR-BOX-TRANSMISSION/132376574786

As well as this kit that has a title saying it comes with "double chain", but it doesn't show the transmission:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08138QVZL/

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

Well the best trans for 4 stroke is the Grubee 4g belt drive. It's
the standard right now. Don't go with noisy chains.

 

[Cubey]

Well the best trans for 4 stroke is the Grubee 4g belt drive. It's
the standard right now. Don't go with noisy chains.

Is this the one you are referring to?
https://www.grubee.net/collections/4-stoke-bike-engine-items/products/4g-1b-transmission-only

What makes it the best? Are they truly special compared to the ones that come on the ~$225 kits complete with a motor, or are they just the cheap ones with a sticker stuck on them? I do see that the plastic covering is different, but it's hard to see any other different based on pictures.

At least to start, I would like to get a complete kit and run it as-is without buying extra parts, so what about the belt drive on these?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Stroke-49CC-Gas-Petrol-Motorized-Bicycle-Bike-Engine-Motor-Kit-with-Belt-Gear/253356449398

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

It's like this: Grubee practically invented the belt transmission and
it became the accepted standard for quality and performance. His
kits are mostly sold by bicycle-engines.com. For those copies
like the ebay ones, I'm not sure whether they are good or bad.
Bicycle engines is an established dealer and stands behind their
products. You could have a good experience or a bad experience
with the ebay product. I don't see any reviews of it, so I'm not
sure. If you bought it, I would like to see the results. It's a good
price for what you're getting, if the parts are well made.

 

[Wrench]

www.ezmotorbike.com Ya might want to talk with Quenton call him on the east coast. Some say he has made the best Made in USA trans

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

To answer your question, the plastic cover normally
covers a belt drive. You should check with the
seller, and ask him what the drive ratio is compared
to the Grubee 4g belt drive.

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

No, stay away from ezmotorbike at all costs. They sell a pig
of a trans called the q-matic, and it only works with a
5/8 inch straight shaft HS142F which is obsolete today.
Only buy an engine equipped with a clutch. The EZ
people are near out-of-business and don't answer
customer emails. STAY AWAY FROM EZM. BTW,
I unfortunately own a q-matic.

 

[Cubey]

To answer your question, the plastic cover normally
covers a belt drive. You should check with the
seller, and ask him what the drive ratio is compared
to the Grubee 4g belt drive.

I don't see where the 4G even says the ratio? or is that the 80 vs 100 tooth?

 

[Wrench]

The Q matic has been replaced by the Q Matic Pace Setter Drive Trans. I never tried one but the Pace Setter lets you change ratios

 

[Deleted Member 4613]

So what, the company is still a bummer. Never, ever buy a
new 4 stroke that is not equipped with a clutch. They're are
almost all phased out. You'll be stuck like me. No one today
makes a 4g belt kit for a straight shaft Huasheng 142F. The
q-matic is obsolete today, an invention of the past that in
my opinion was way oversold. You have to ask the seller
about the ratio. I don't know, but it is concerning that
the seller doesn't directly state that the kit comes with
a belt drive.