I have a 2000 Heritage with 28k miles and the original drive belt so I've been reading the HD shop manual concerning the belt replacement and it's not clear to me if I need or should change the bearing and race. Is it common practice to change the bearing (Harley part # 9135) since I'll have the inner primary off? I'll probably only put about 1000 miles a year on the bike. I plan on buying the Cometic gasket kit which includes some O-rings, locking tabs, oil seals, etc.. If I change the bearing is the Drag Specialities part # 1120-0162 a good option? It includes two seals, two locking clips, race and bearing. Does the race need to be pulled off with a puller? Thanks for any input.

 

At 28,000 miles, unless there is severe damage or unusual wear on the belt, it shouldn't need to be replaced. A lot of belts go 100,000 miles or more.
A sign of primary bearing issues is a leak back there. Is it leaking?
If you're determined to do this anyway, use as many Harley parts as you can, it's good stuff, especially the gaskets.
Yes, you will need a bearing puller for removal of the race.

 

I thought the age of the belt would be a concern. It's around 20 years old so I thought I'd be proactive and replace it. I replaced my Sportster belt at 40,000 miles with 15 years of service. The bike is actually being transported now.. It'll be delivered in about 2 or 3 weeks.

 

Take a good look at it before jumping to conclusions, mine is 15 years old, 50,000 miles with a hole in it and still going strong.
Make sure you post up pics of your new to you bike when she arrives!

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

 

Don't replace the race and bearing if both are in good shape. You need the right tools and its not an easy job.

 

Getting ready to install new cams..

 

I took the bike for a short ride to get the fluids hot for draining.. what a difference between my '90 Heritage and this bike. I didn't notice any vibration at 60 mph! Don't get me wrong I still love the '90 Heritage as long as I don't go over 50 mph. I still have to inspect the belt but I'm eager to install the S&S 509 cams.

 

Beautiful bike!