My current 2013 SilverWing is at 36,000 miles. Last new belt installed at 20,000 miles. Honda installed it as there was possible warranty issue with oil leak....which was solved.
Now I was planning to run this belt 20,000 miles---BUT rear end has developed whine that I think rear pulley wear/belt wear.
So next week order new OEM belt---let Honda install and look at rear pulley, at least blow junk out of rear clutch.....going to have Honda do it as they have access to more parts if needed. Labor cost should be $60-80 in Chattanooga better for me.....Mech that opened case before, has been there 29 years and is quick and familiar with SilverWing.
When I bought first Helix in 1990---I realized belt/rubber band drive would be weakest link.....and has proved it to me over the years-----3 of the 4 Helix as they were nearing the 50,000 mile mark when I trade, had rear clutch bearing issues that Honda took care of. Helix one broken drive belt on trip. Reflex I found out front clutch needed to be pulled to change drive belt. My first new SilverWing, 2009, always had grabby clutch/drive take up issues----probably glazing , temp. fix running the engine up against brakes kinda worked.Current 2013, besides oil leak in rear end at 20,000 miles, now noise at 36,000.
My second new Burgman 400 at 20,000 miles.....outer rear bearing and rear clutch blew/fell apart, ate belt. I was lucky Suzuki paid all parts and labor including new belt.
Conclusion: these rubber band scooters can be expensive if you ride a lot. I think 250cc engine at outer limits of what this type drive line can stand. Better yet, when I lived in Korea the last time I had Daelim 125cc new Scooter----drive belt/clutch problems were unknown there even with the many scooters in heavy duty commercial service.
I expect/hope that my SilverWing with new belt, etc will run well to the 50,000 miles I intend to keep it. Fingers crossed.