internal belt drive pros and cons
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 18
From: SE Michigan
Went with the Rivera Primo Brute III Primary Belt Drive kit on my '91 FLHS and love it. No more changing/leaking primary oil and faster response due to lighter drivetrain.
Original problem was a cracked case causing primary oil leak and this was the cheapest option. Have about 10K miles on it so far and supposed to get around 25K miles per belt so not bad.
This kit uses the OEM cover and I just put vented inspection covers on it. See my garage for pics of it.
Original problem was a cracked case causing primary oil leak and this was the cheapest option. Have about 10K miles on it so far and supposed to get around 25K miles per belt so not bad.
This kit uses the OEM cover and I just put vented inspection covers on it. See my garage for pics of it.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 625
Likes: 102
From: New Albany, Ms.
Have the Rivera Primo Brute set-up on a 1966 FLH, & does a good job. Like it better than a chain. No more leak's, & if I let the bike sit up for a period of time, clutch was prone to slip from oil getting on dry plate's & had to take friction plates out & rough em up. Don't have that problem , anymore. Switched over to Energy friction plates. Also used vented derby, & inspection covers . Don't know mileage on belt. Prolly 15,000-20,000. No problems. Ride safe,
Harold
Harold
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,200
Likes: 3,089
From: NW AR
I've seen lots of people have problems with them. Just a couple weeks ago, I stopped to help a guy on the side of the road with a shovelhead with one. There were no teeth left on the belt. He cleaned out all the teeth bits, tightened up the tensioner as much as he could and was going to try to limp home, about 2 miles. I have very rarely seen anyone with a problem with a chain drive.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 18
From: SE Michigan
Tensioner?
I've seen lots of people have problems with them. Just a couple weeks ago, I stopped to help a guy on the side of the road with a shovelhead with one. There were no teeth left on the belt. He cleaned out all the teeth bits, tightened up the tensioner as much as he could and was going to try to limp home, about 2 miles. I have very rarely seen anyone with a problem with a chain drive.
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Harley briefly produced a model with belt primary, the Sturgis, but didn't stick with it. I don't know why, but frankly a lubricated and enclosed chain is pretty hard to beat, as a way of transmitting power. The Harley drive train is fine IMHO. Find something else to spend your money on! 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
