The 79Bike Falcon GT is one of the more technically interesting electric dirt bikes in the catalog — it uses a two-stage drive system that no other bike in this class uses: an HTD 8M primary belt from motor to jackshaft, and a #420 roller chain from jackshaft to rear wheel. Understanding this dual-drive setup is essential before ordering any drivetrain parts.
1. The Dual-Drive System — Belt + Chain
This is the defining mechanical characteristic of the Falcon GT platform. Two separate drive components:
Primary Drive — HTD 8M Belt
The HTD 8M belt runs from the motor output shaft to the jackshaft. At 560mm length, it is a common industrial timing belt spec — not a specialty e-moto part. This belt is essentially maintenance-free under normal riding conditions: no lubrication, no tension adjustment. Inspect it monthly for cracking, fraying, or exposed cording. A cracked belt will snap without warning.
HTD 8M Primary Drive Belt: $44.99 — fits Falcon M, Falcon Pro, Falcon GT, and Falcon GT Pro.
Secondary Drive — #420 Chain
The #420 chain runs from the jackshaft to the rear sprocket. This is the same pitch as the Sur-Ron Light Bee X and many small motocross bikes — a commodity part with wide availability. It does require regular maintenance: check tension every 8–10 hours, lube every ride in wet conditions.
DID 420 Gold Chain: $97.99 — DID NZ3G is the premium choice for the secondary drive. X-ring sealed chains (DID VX3) last longer with less lube, but cost more. For the Falcon's secondary drive, the DID NZ3G is the standard recommendation.
Rear Sprocket (Warp 9, 40–64T): $73.99 — Stock gearing is set for a balance of acceleration and top speed on the Falcon GT. Going up one tooth (e.g. 52T to 54T) adds low-end punch; going down adds top speed.
2. Brake System — Mineral Oil Only
This is the critical maintenance mistake to avoid: the 79Bike Falcon uses mineral oil brake fluid, not DOT fluid. The Falcon uses the same OEM MTB caliper found on the Sur-Ron Light Bee X and Talaria Sting, but the fluid specification is the same as those bikes — mineral oil. If you've been working on other bikes in your shop, confirm the fluid type before topping up the Falcon.
- Brake pads (front + rear kit): Sintered $22.99 — the best value in the catalog for this caliper family. Sintered compound, fits Falcon GT / GT Pro / Falcon Pro.
- Volar Sport Brake Pad Kit: $1,350 — premium sintered pads with caliper hardware. Overkill for trail use; appropriate for track or race applications.
- 220mm Brake Rotor: $73.75 — OEM replacement for GT / GT Pro. 2.8mm thickness. Replace when worn below 2.0mm or if visibly warped.
Bleed brakes annually or any time lever feel degrades. Use only mineral oil — Magura Royal Blood, Shimano Mineral Oil, or comparable. Fill the reservoir to the marked line; overfilling causes lever sponge.
3. Cockpit
The Falcon GT runs a standard 22mm inner diameter handlebar — the same as the Sur-Ron and Talaria. Lock-on grips are a simple, cheap upgrade that eliminates grip rotation permanently:
4. Tires
The Falcon GT runs full MX sizing: 19-inch front, 18-inch rear. Same sizing as Sur-Ron LBX and Talaria Sting — you have a broad tire selection.
- Front tire (OEM): 70/100-19 $83.99
- Rear tire (OEM): 90/100-18 $89.99
5. Battery
The Falcon GT's 72V 40Ah Samsung 50S battery delivers substantially more range than the Sur-Ron LBX's 60V 32.5Ah — the extra voltage and capacity translates to longer trail sessions before needing to plug in. Replacement is a dealer-contact item. Store at 40–60% for long-term storage; never below 20%.
Maintenance Summary
- Every ride: Belt visual, chain tension, tire pressure
- Every 8–10 hours: Chain lube and tension, brake pad check
- Every 30–40 hours: Chain and sprocket replacement, brake bleed (mineral oil only)
- Annually: Belt replacement if cracked, bearing inspection
Browse the full 79Bike Falcon parts catalog on Wired Whips — OEM and aftermarket parts for Falcon GT, GT Pro, Falcon M, and Falcon Pro.