Drive belt life...

[BATMAN]

I'm wondering. Does everyone here replace their drivebelt at the recommended intervals? The newer models I think go 50,000 miles, but the older ones only 30,000. Just curious...

[DEZ]

I replaced mine at 30K, and am still on that belt (I haven't reached 60K yet).

When you say 50K for the newer models, do you mean newer model belts, or newer model bikes? You'd think it should be the belt that determines the interval. Unless there is some sort of magic in the newer bikes that makes them easier on the drive belt?!

[SmknAl]

My belts last a lot longer now that Sid has moved away.;)

[IBVic]

Pat

The pulleys also wear just like the sprockets on a chain drive system. Eventually they also need to be replaced.

Greg

[johnny vision]

When H=D first came out with belt drive they said 25 thousand miles change. Now they say inspect every 25 thousand. I sold one bagger that had a 130 thousand on it and was every where with the bike. Yup still had the original belt on it.
I never do dirt roads or pee rock sealed roads.
I can't tell you if I have seen a broken belt in the last ten years. Gates makes good belts.
Clean the belt like the manual says and just keep a eye on it and you'll save $265 bucks.

[DEZ]

Clean the belt like the manual says and just keep a eye on it and you'll save $265 bucks.

That must be a new thing. My manual says nothing about drive belt cleaning, but does talk about inspecting it. But inspection won't save me any money, since all that is for is to determine that it needs to be replaced.

The manual does say to replace both sprockets when replacing the belt, but my dealer didn't believe that was necessary.

[BATMAN]

I replaced mine at 30K, and am still on that belt (I haven't reached 60K yet).

When you say 50K for the newer models, do you mean newer model belts, or newer model bikes? You'd think it should be the belt that determines the interval. Unless there is some sort of magic in the newer bikes that makes them easier on the drive belt?!

I believe with the newer models, they say to replace them at 50,000.

I went 30,000 on my first belt, and then replaced it. The next one snapped when I hit 50,000 miles. Now I have just over 81,000 on the bike. Belt looks good, front sprocket was replaced back at 30,000.

Just wondering how they've been lasting for everbody. I'd like to go another 5,000, at that point I'll need a new rear tire anyway.

[John Ritter]

I believe alignment is also key to belt life. Motorcycle belts are strong for a straight pull, but if there is a twisting (binding of sorts) it can detrimentally affect the life.

Have had a couple of "debates" like this with people that have rubber mounted engines and they claim - "my motor has so much power and torque, that I can't keep a belt on it". I tell them, it's probably not the belt (if they are using a strong belt) that it's really the twisting that makes the belt fail. (motor, frame etc..)

Keep in mind, Marv Jorgenson has a belt drive on his Boss Hoss, which at last count, is 1150 HP. (and I am sure plenty more torque than any V twin)