So I dont know if Im posting in the correct section. if not my bad. So I took my wheels off to change tires and this is my first harley. Got almost 20yrs on street bike but they are chain drive. Could some one tell me if i need a belt or if this is normal wear. How long do these last? Thanks for the help

Wanted to add bikes a 2009 heritage classic 6400 miles

 

Hmmmm- with that kind of milage- thats alot of wear and very uneven. Ive never owned a softail- maybe its a softail thing? My belt on my 92 flhs had 2 holes in it and still lasted 80000km. It was worn- but not as bad as your photo. Check your sprockets for junk stuck in it- check sprocket alignment- make sure sprockets are tight.
if the wear on your belt was more to the center- id say use it- but its the edge- so for piece of mind- score a new one. Sorry.

 

You should check the rear pulley (all the way around ) ...looks like a rock may be stuck in it somewhere ....or one got in there and may have been thrown out ...
that is not "normal " wear ...!!!

 

Agreed. OP it looks like you picked up a rock or something. I have 40k on my bike and my belt doesn't look anything like that. Inspect both pulleys real close for damage.

 

yea I agree......look at BOTH pulleys to see if there is a mirror image of that pattern anywhere.

 

ok i have the rear off, it looks good do see a black spot but no damage. also visual and felt just about every tooth up front. dont see any issues? my next question. Is there an issue with putting together and doing belt over the winter as I have riding plans this weekend

 

Yeah- if you got a ride this weekend- slap it together rotate your wheel- make sure the belt is tracking on the pulleys ok (not trying to jump off sprocket)- and go ride- just keep checking it for tears on the edge or loose nubs. Since its half apart- if i could get a new belt today- id go get one. All said- these belts are pretty strong. Up to you.

 

 

but the belt is not a simple repair? looked to see if I could slip one in, I mean im very comfortable tearing things apart. I have 20 yrs with jeep as a tech. but if its tear the whole primary apart. it may just have to be a winter repair.

 

and just as a question the belt should ride in the center of the rear pully? or should it ride on an edge.