I will warn you just once more about having hands on experience and FULL knowledge of what you're getting into before you take this on.

Opening just the outer primary is simple. Breaking loose the compensator nut and the clutch hub can try your patience. You will need some extra large sockets and the correct clutch puller. And then be certain it's all back in place, tightened and you need to correctly use loctite in key areas. I was able to handle all that. But then dismounting the exhaust system, starter, frame (swing arm) to take off the inner is NOT a project I felt like handling myself. It includes wheel alignment. And a lift is important too.

There is a lot of need for PRECISE mechanical knowledge in order to not get yourself into a lot of trouble that could wind up damaging your bike, or endangering your life.

You will be pissed to no end to discover you damaged a seal on the inner primary once you completely reassembled the bike and are out for a nice ride. I know, even my mechanic is having fits with a persistent inner primary leak that has them tearing it down (a second time) and searching closely to find the (right) issue right now.

My best suggestion if you feel you really want to do this is to find a mechanic buddy who has done it before and invite them over to have a beer and give you guidance if you attempt to do this yourself.

 

Replaced the belt today. It was a super easy straight forward process. I didn’t need any special tools and everything went together easily without any problems.

 

That was fast...how long did it take you? Where'd you find a belt?

I think you can just use some pantyhose to replace a belt to get you home...

 

So you tore down the entire primary and pulled the swing arm apart all on your own. Had you done any repairs like this before? Do you have a lift?

Glad it went smooth for you. Hope everything back together the way it should be.

I've had enough wrenching on my ride in the past couple of years. After having torn into the primary too many times, I might be in the minority about what I want to "handle" and what I have done by a good Harley mechanic.

 

Yea I tore the whole thing down myself. I don’t know why you keep talking about removing the swing arm because that isn't necessary. Ive alway maintained my bike but this is the first time that I’ve had to take the inner primary off. It really wasn’t bad at all.

 

It only took a couple hours, using air tools cut down a lot of the wrenching time. I found the belt at local harley dealership and had them ship it to me.

 

Eccccck , belts

 

Congrats on a successful operation!

The swingarm comment applies to Softails and Flt's where you do have to also remove the swingarm in order to route the belt.

Were you doing anything "exciting" when the belt snapped? Just curious, as my belt looks great, no cracks or missing pieces, and has 108,000 miles on it. (I never run it hard, but definitely run it a lot.)

Debating on the million mile rating I occasionally hear about.

 

You dont remove the swing arm to change the belt on a softail.

 

I learn something everyday. So then you remove the tube between the swingarm bearings to do it?