Belt broke while riding...cause?
thats what im thinking, but why? if i had the clutch engaged should the transmission be able to shift between any gear without a problem?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 7
From: hollywood, FL
who knows why? however, in the future, why not just refrain from downshifting into first at all??? imo, theres no need to.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 234
Likes: 2
From: Southern NM
From what I have read, most belt failures are due to sharp objects cutting the belt like small pieces of trap rock. If the belt picks up a piece of rock, metal and it goes around the pulley, you will have a hole or chunk in the belt, only time after that that it will fail.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 6
Here's mine after 45K miles. I checked it about 9K miles ago when I replaced the last tire and it looked fine.
I don't know what caused this to happen. I guess sometimes you never figure it out. Just hoping it doesn't happen again as quickly.
Here's a pic of the pulley too, replacing it as well.
I don't know what caused this to happen. I guess sometimes you never figure it out. Just hoping it doesn't happen again as quickly.
Here's a pic of the pulley too, replacing it as well.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 6
haha, I know I couldn't believe the belt did that to the pulley. Got the replacement for 40% off (out of warranty). I am guessing even though I don't do any burnouts I must be using all of the torque I have, at times 
My belt is in good shape and I have 44k miles on mine, but I have looked at the hardened chrome on the pulley teeth and it's not looking so great and Harley wants over $300.00 for a new pulley:P
Also, NEVER shift down in first if you don't have to. Down shifting hard is bad enough on those belst and death to chains... make sure if you downshift just wait til you're damn near stopped would be my opinion and also an 11 year old belt would be highly suspect.
Also, NEVER shift down in first if you don't have to. Down shifting hard is bad enough on those belst and death to chains... make sure if you downshift just wait til you're damn near stopped would be my opinion and also an 11 year old belt would be highly suspect.
Last edited by Gay Rider; May 24, 2011 at 09:51 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 6
$300? that's what mine cost after 40% off hahaha.
I agree the early downshift is probably what caused the OP's belt to snap, or was a contributing factor. I agree downshifting to slow the bike down is a bad idea...
I agree the early downshift is probably what caused the OP's belt to snap, or was a contributing factor. I agree downshifting to slow the bike down is a bad idea...