My drive belt snapped this week, and I'm thinking about changing it myself. I don't have a service manual yet, which I'm going to get this week, but before I order parts I wanted to see if I could get some info on what's involved. For a Dyna ('01) is it necessary to take off the rear wheel? What specialized tools are required? Thanks in advance.

Pete

 

Pete, you need to remove the entire primary, to install your new belt, which includes removing the clutch and inner primary casing. It also requires several tools. You may need to remove the wheel, certainly will have to move it forwards in the swingarm. It's the sort of job I personally farm out to a local indy, as he can do it quicker than I can and it's not the sort of job that needs to be done very often, so the tools aren't going to get used much at all!

 

Like Graham says, plus you do have to remove the wheel and swingarm. I think shops charge 4-6 hrs of labor plus the parts. Not to discourage you but the speciality tools needed will probably cost about $400. Also you need a well equipped tool box. That being said I've done it a couple of times. Figured the cost of tools is about the same as paying someone else to do it. I've also used the tools when I did some tranny upgrades. So it depends if you plan on doing more upgrades later, or work on more bikes. Get the manual and study it.

 

IIRC the Dynas, like Sportsters, have the drive belt outboard of the frame, which makes belt changing a little easier.