Belt life
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 67
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From: New york
Belt life
I bought a 1998 fxsts last year and it only has about 6000 miles on it. I have a feeling it's the original belt, it looks fine but just wondering if the age would effect it. Should I worry about it or just change it for piece of mind. It looks like it will be a fun job to do but it's winter here in new York so it's just sitting there anyway
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Difficult one! It's 28 years old. I've only once replaced a belt because I felt I had to, due to stone damage, so haven't endurance tested one for that sort of age. We often recommend new owners of very old bikes to replace tyres, oil/fuel pipes etc and I for one would probably change the belt if that bike were mine. It is indeed a fun job to do that. Personally I get my local friendly indy to do those sorts of job, but if you fancy tackling it yourself do use the factory service manual, if you don't have one. You don't quite have to start by removing the headlight bulb, but.......
Last edited by grbrown; Jan 21, 2016 at 11:17 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 3,626
From: Picayune, Ms.
Got 115,000 on my original belt, it failed because the outer "rubber" coating was compromised and allowed H2O in and rusted two of the three steel belts.
If exterior is intact and not damaged in any way it may be good, a tedious job to replace and the belt isn't cheap, instead buy roadside service and ride, if it breaks let the service pay for the pick-up and belt replacement.
Just my .02
If exterior is intact and not damaged in any way it may be good, a tedious job to replace and the belt isn't cheap, instead buy roadside service and ride, if it breaks let the service pay for the pick-up and belt replacement.
Just my .02
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 15,705
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From: Farmington ,MS
Dog years? Mayan calendar? If I was planning any long trips, I would replace it just to feel better...age affects rubber as much as miles.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,872
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From: Canton, Michigan
Still got the original belt on my 1993 FLHS. 57,XXX miles. Picked up a small stone in 1994, pushed it out with an ice pick. Those belts are tough.
However, my son snapped one on the 883R he had. Luckily he was in his driveway when it happened.
However, my son snapped one on the 883R he had. Luckily he was in his driveway when it happened.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
