belt
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,732
Likes: 17,569
From: Driftless Area
First one = 58,000 (wasn't particularly kind to it, as it had several wheelies on it)
Second one = 23,000 (was actually nice to this one - go figure)
I don't know if I picked up a rock and ran it through the belt to damage it on the second one, but when it breaks, you ain't goin' nowhere.
At around 5 hours repair time, and over $200 for new belt and associated parts, I wonder sometimes how this is an improvement over the chain.
Second one = 23,000 (was actually nice to this one - go figure)
I don't know if I picked up a rock and ran it through the belt to damage it on the second one, but when it breaks, you ain't goin' nowhere.
At around 5 hours repair time, and over $200 for new belt and associated parts, I wonder sometimes how this is an improvement over the chain.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
Guys here give me **** cause I'm switching to a chain drive when I get home. They will change their tune I think the 1st time they have to change their own belt or pay to have it done.
Belt...Half day job. Chain...15 minutes. Seems like a no brainer to me. I'm going to have the conversion done in a shop and it's going to cost less than a new belt install would.
Belt...Half day job. Chain...15 minutes. Seems like a no brainer to me. I'm going to have the conversion done in a shop and it's going to cost less than a new belt install would.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
Also. Many belts go early because the Pulley teeth start to wear out before the belt does. When the teeth wear they get a sharp edge and that starts to eat the belt. Make a pulley inspection part of your oil change regimen and your belts will last longer.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,033
Likes: 29
Yeah, but a belt and pulleys will usually last 100k miles or better. Not so with a chain and set of sprockets.
I hear guys talk about wanting chains for the fear of a belt leaving them stranded if and when it breaks. To ease their minds, I suggest they get an emergency belt I carry one and figure that since I spent 100 bucks on it, my bike's belt will never break...LOL.
I hear guys talk about wanting chains for the fear of a belt leaving them stranded if and when it breaks. To ease their minds, I suggest they get an emergency belt I carry one and figure that since I spent 100 bucks on it, my bike's belt will never break...LOL.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Waukesha, WI
What ever happened to shaft drives? My Kawasaki Voyager XII has a shaft drive.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,732
Likes: 17,569
From: Driftless Area
Shaft drives are illegal in Wisconsin. You might as well wear a Bears jersey.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
Likes: 32
From: Broomfield, CO
My belt is the original with over 80k miles on it. I inspect it periodically and it still is in good shape. I replaced the belt on my GF's bike when I discovered it had a puncture in it. It took about 4 hours total.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,881
Likes: 32,991
From: King George, VA
Yeah, try changing your drive belt on the side of the road with your H-D tool kit. Lets see now, remove the primary cover, remove the clutch basket, remove the compensator sprocket (good luck breaking the lock tight bond), remove the rear wheel and swing arm while supporting the transmission with something along with the whole bike. Then reassemble it all with primary fluid.