No, not in my opinion. Read all the posts above and you will see that our belts generally last a very long time and also very high mileage. I've owned belt-drive Harleys since 1990 and only replaced one due to damage, never had one break. The damaged one picked up a small sharp flint, which punctured it, however I continued to ride with it, checking the wound regularly and only replaced the belt when the wound started to get bigger, several thousand miles later.

If you don't have one get yourself the H-D belt tension gauge and use it at service intervals. It is the only dedicated Harley tool I own! Visually check your belt regularly for any signs of damage.

 

Thank you. What about the age of the belt? Is it decaying (material) and should it be replaced after about 10 years or similar...?

 

Now i see answer.. Sorry. Thank you!! I agree!

 

I asked the salesman this question when I bought my Sportster, his answer was "youll trade in way before that's needed..." 15 years later, still have my Sportster..what a holes the are/were( the salesmen...)

 

I wouldn't worry about the belt agewise until I got to 20 years. That's providing the belt hasn't been abused, nor neglected.
Can't believe I just responded to a 15 year old thread...

 

Just for fun, the belt on my 82 FLH is 38 years old. Still looks great. Mileage unknown but well over 60,000. I did replace the trans pulley about 25,000 miles ago.

 

mechanic friend said it looked wore,and power can affect its life(not stock), then another mechanic friend looked at it and said how much trouble is a week in the hospital?
500$ and part of a day later...85k miles changed both pulleys and belt. Still have them as back up