Drive belt life in years..

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Mar 6, 2015 | 06:02 PM

dustydog2

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 145

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From: seattle, wa...usa

Drive belt life in years..

97 xl1200c, 8k miles.....going to replace rear wheel and tire...should I replace the drive belt also? Its spent its off days in a garage and don't see any cracks etc...do they deteriorate like tires?....

Last edited by dustydog2; Mar 6, 2015 at 06:08 PM.

Mar 6, 2015 | 06:03 PM

Notgrownup

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

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From: Snow Hill, NC

Mines a 02007 with 89000 miles

Mar 7, 2015 | 12:52 AM

PanHeadRich

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 2,591

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From: Big Bear City, CA

I had a 2006 with 50k miles on it. So I figured I better call HD and ask if it should be replaced. They told me as long as I don't see any damage of the belt, to just keep on riding. They also told me that the belt life is pretty much indefinite as long as it's been adjusted correctly and you haven't picked up a rock or nail.

Mar 7, 2015 | 01:16 AM

John_K

Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2011

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From: Windsor Ontario

not to mention they're PRETTY D@MN EXPENSIVE to be replacing every few k miles!

Mar 7, 2015 | 05:27 AM

grbrown

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Joined: Jun 2007

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From: Bedford UK

Belts have been known to exceed 100k miles, however the thing that can spoil our day is a breakage and to guard against that tension your belt correctly. Check it for example when changing to different shocks and after fitting a new tyre. For this the factory tension gauge is our friend - along with the factory service manual!

Mar 7, 2015 | 10:50 AM

Dog812

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Joined: Feb 2013

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From: Vancouver BC Canada

I just replaced my 2006 belt. 9 Years isnt too bad. Luckily it broke at my work just pulling out. and not on the road somewhere

Mar 7, 2015 | 11:56 AM

LunaticFringe

Road Captain

Joined: Oct 2014

Posts: 722

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From: Williamsport, MD

put some miles on it, & some hard starts, and if it holds up then it should be good..

I have no experience with this but I sometimes notice dealers will go ahead & replace it on older bike son there show floor

figure your tire is going to last less than 10,000 miles anyway so the belt should atleast last that long. you could replace the belt next time.