Belt snapped
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 841
Likes: 58
From: Yakima
Belt snapped
So my original belt on my 1998 883 snapped today when I put it into first. Only has 10k miles on it but it's the original factory belt from 1998 so I'm not surprised. Just glad it happened in my driveway instead of miles from home.
I'm looking for opinions on replacement belts. Goodyear-Gates-HD etc...
Is it as simple as loosening up the tension on the belt. Unbolting the shock .removing the front pully cover. Any tips or tricks?
I'm looking for opinions on replacement belts. Goodyear-Gates-HD etc...
Is it as simple as loosening up the tension on the belt. Unbolting the shock .removing the front pully cover. Any tips or tricks?
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 175
Likes: 22
From: Stuart Fl
You might want to remove the rear wheel????
No need to take the shocks off...
Check out the pulleys counter shaft and rear wheel, I believe your bike has chromed alloy pulleys and the old chrome can flake and play hell on the old and new belt.
No need to take the shocks off...
Check out the pulleys counter shaft and rear wheel, I believe your bike has chromed alloy pulleys and the old chrome can flake and play hell on the old and new belt.
So my original belt on my 1998 883 snapped today when I put it into first. Only has 10k miles on it but it's the original factory belt from 1998 so I'm not surprised. Just glad it happened in my driveway instead of miles from home.
I'm looking for opinions on replacement belts. Goodyear-Gates-HD etc...
Is it as simple as loosening up the tension on the belt. Unbolting the shock .removing the front pully cover. Any tips or tricks?
I'm looking for opinions on replacement belts. Goodyear-Gates-HD etc...
Is it as simple as loosening up the tension on the belt. Unbolting the shock .removing the front pully cover. Any tips or tricks?
welp, you've scared me... been on my mind for a while... ordered
Last edited by cvaria; Mar 12, 2017 at 06:59 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,067
Likes: 339
From: Northeastern Indiana
Only the bottom of the shock needs to be loose, and at the same time remove the belt guard ... you may need to loosen the rear exhaust pipe and swing it out a little to give room to the drive pulley cover ... the rear wheel came remain on, but you mentioned loosen the adjusters and slide the wheel forward to make it easier
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Gates or OEM. All the other belts suck.
Yes, you will need to loosen the shock. Right side lower to slide the new belt in. If you need to pull your exhaust to remove the front pulley cover you'll have to do that.
Belt replacement is about a 2 hour job on a sporty. It's only a couple bolts different than replacing the rear tire. Easy.
If you're curious, look into a chain. Don't break like a belt, more widely available, and easy to swap. Can be done without swapping anything but the pulleys for sprockets and belt for chain. Chain and sprocket set cost the same as one replacement belt pulley.
Yes, you will need to loosen the shock. Right side lower to slide the new belt in. If you need to pull your exhaust to remove the front pulley cover you'll have to do that.
Belt replacement is about a 2 hour job on a sporty. It's only a couple bolts different than replacing the rear tire. Easy.
If you're curious, look into a chain. Don't break like a belt, more widely available, and easy to swap. Can be done without swapping anything but the pulleys for sprockets and belt for chain. Chain and sprocket set cost the same as one replacement belt pulley.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 586
Likes: 126
From: Boston
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 225
Likes: 5
From: calgary
Buy the hd belt, Goodyear is going to give you half the life of the hd one if that
Ask me how I know
Ask me how I know
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Chains are just SO 20th Century! We've moved on a lot since then and belts are the way to go IMHO - been riding with them for 27 years now and no breakage yet! When they first came out they were 1 1/2" wide, now they are only 1" wide and much stronger. Just replace with a stock new one and ensure the tension is set correct.