Drive Belt
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,053
Likes: 12,327
From: Arkansas
I don't like em myself and am putting a Chain Drive Conversion on mine as this is being typed. It's just a personal thing with me. Your belt should last a long, long, time. When it finally does need to be replaced it is a lengthy and expensive job but doesn't need to done during the lifetime of most people's bikes.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,476
Likes: 5
From: Republic of Texas
Life of drive belt is pulley wear, abuse, and adjustment. I know someone with over 100,000. Chains are easier to replace but they are a maintenance item themselves. I don't miss them or the oilers.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
I have Harley's with a chain final drive, and Harley's with a belt final drive
No way in the world I would convert a belt drive to a chain, and unless your engine is putting out over 125 RWHP there is no advantage what so ever. (Unless you are just doing it for "looks").
Belt drive final drive Harley's are more or less maintenance free other than checking the tension every 10,000 miles or so. With proper care they will last 80,000+ miles. Most owners will never put enough miles on their bike to ever have to worry about replacing the final belt drive.
My Harley's with a chain final drive require more frequent adjustment, constant lubrication pf the chain, and more frequent replacement. They are also more 'messy', especially right after you lubricate them (oil being thrown on the rear wheel, etc.)...I use the ProGold ProLink MFR Chain Lube to help cut down on the mess, but still....
But anyway, each to their own.
No way in the world I would convert a belt drive to a chain, and unless your engine is putting out over 125 RWHP there is no advantage what so ever. (Unless you are just doing it for "looks").
Belt drive final drive Harley's are more or less maintenance free other than checking the tension every 10,000 miles or so. With proper care they will last 80,000+ miles. Most owners will never put enough miles on their bike to ever have to worry about replacing the final belt drive.
My Harley's with a chain final drive require more frequent adjustment, constant lubrication pf the chain, and more frequent replacement. They are also more 'messy', especially right after you lubricate them (oil being thrown on the rear wheel, etc.)...I use the ProGold ProLink MFR Chain Lube to help cut down on the mess, but still....
But anyway, each to their own.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,738
Likes: 17,577
From: Driftless Area
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 120
Likes: 0
I have 120,000 miles on my belt and it's still in good shape.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,959
Likes: 2
From: Back in Oz M8
Depends on type of bike, riding style, power/torque output of the motor, size of belt, etc. etc. etc. I have never owned a bike continuously long enough to have a belt replaced due to being past it's useful life / failing due to general wear. I only ever replaced a belt after I snapped one on my '86 FXST after putting a stone through it.
I would think that anywhere from 60-100k miles would be the range?
I would think that anywhere from 60-100k miles would be the range?
