I have a 97 Road King.
The belt broke and I have to replace it.
Is it difficult? Has anyone done it?
Any tips?

Dave

 

It's allot of disassembly to get it all done.

Left side exhaust, right side muffler, rear tire, swing-arm, complete primary assembly, starter(and maybe more).................all have to be removed to get to the belt sprockets.

My buddy just replaced his belt on his '96 RK, and it cost him about $500. $200 for the belt and $300 in labor from a local indy that is a friend of his.

Steve

 

I broke a belt 200 miles from home (check your sprockets!!!!!), 4 hours and $535.00 later, I was back on the road. I think I miss my chained bike.

 

I like to do everything myself on my bike. I've had the heads off, installed new cams, and any number of other things. But when it comes time, I will leave changing the belt to someone else. It would be a labor-intensive job, but I might try it if I had all the special tools, but I don't. It's an expensive proposition, but it is such an infrequent job that I think it's money well spent.

Uncle Peepers

 

It's a very easy job, just time consuming. Stand first. Remove plastics, board, shifter. Pull outer primary, release pressure on chain and pull tensioner. Loosen clutch and compensating sprocket nuts as per manual. pull primary chain including compensating sprocket and clutch basket. release starter jackshaft, and pull gear. Take starter out, and then remove inner primary. Remove rear wheel, install new belt, and replace all parts as per removal. Make sure you use Black RTV on the bolts when re installing the bolts. Do not over tighten anything. It's aluminum.

I can send you pic's if you want, but if you feel uncomfortable about any word here, pay a wrench.

Joe

 

Thanks. Pics would be great. And a bottle of Tynelol might come in handy as well.

Dave

 

Scout, you Canadians are a tough bunch. I read the word "easy" in your post and the description that followed, and I thought, "If this guy thinks he just described 'easy', he has my complete admiration." There is a guy from the UK named "Harley Hog" that has probably the best "do-it-yourself" website on the internet. For example, he has complete cam removal and installation instructions (with pics) using only common household items like an oven and a refrigerator. So that's where I went to learn the tips and tricks of belt replacement. That's also when I decided to let someone else do it.

Or maybe I'm just tired of spinning wrenches.

Uncle Peepers

 

I'll load myself up on Doubles Doubles and have at it.

 

RK, be sure to report back. I'm prepared to change my mind.

Uncle Peepers

 

i have an 06 classic and i picked up a rock in my belt ..so i have to change mine also.i will also do this repair myself.