Belt preference/recommendation?
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 595
Likes: 262
From: Philly area
All my work is done by Bikes Built Better in Horsham. Not sure if it is closer or not but it's a small shop and the main mechanic is one of the owners. They are the only ones to work on my bike other than I unless something goes wrong when out of town. Several of the staff are Sportster riders as well. Consider heading down and chatting with them.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Those belts are known to do 100k miles, as long as you don't go drag racing, so stop spending money for the sake of it! As for replacements, the few belts I've replaced have always been H-D - I even have a Sporty belt on my modified Glide!
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 595
Likes: 262
From: Philly area
My concern was more a matter of trying to keep OVERALL spend lower, in the event that I'd have to change it anyway. But I do get your point. Problem Anticipation is my Achilles Heel. :P
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 299
From: SC
I'm up in the Lansdale area. Nearest Cycle Gear store is up in Allentown. I'll see if I can pull the wheels myself and get them up there. If the existing belt looks sketchy, I'll grab one from there when I'm up there.
That said, if you know somewhere closer with similar pricing, I'm all ears!
That said, if you know somewhere closer with similar pricing, I'm all ears!
BTW, you can't go wrong with an H-D belt.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
We're here to help! I've owned belt-drive Harleys and Buells since 1990 and have three bikes at present. I've only HAD to replace one, due to stone damage, another due to gearing change - I've never actually broken or worn one out.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 592
From: Philly PA
If you want to run down let me know in advance and I will try to meet you there.
I have a slightly different usage profile than the average Sportster (or Harley) rider in that I compete in rallies including the 11 day long Iron Butt Rally. These put me in the middle of nowhere. Should a belt break then I'm out of luck so I 1) will not tolerate any damage and 2) always carry a spare because not all dealers stock them. I also carry the tools to change a belt on the side of the road during the Iron Butt Rally. No way I am not finishing due to a broken belt
Also, I was looking at the belt on my 2007 Sporty that I acquired last year with 20,000 miles on it. The belt showed signs of cracking, possibly dry rot. I need to look at it again but may replace it to be certain.
Last edited by cacomly; Mar 27, 2019 at 08:04 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 595
Likes: 262
From: Philly area
Sure. I like the idea of using a smaller shop where the owner is onsite and working. Larger shops or chains everyone is just an employee. When the owner is there his name is practically on every bike and he (should) ensure that no stupid mistakes are made like forgetting to tighten something. I probably could save money by shopping around for tires each time I needed them or taking my wheels off and carrying them it for tires, however I like building a relationship with a shop. I've called with an urgent need for a tire or state inspection just before leaving for a trip and they will slip me in. That would be unlikely for a shop where they didn't know me.
If you want to run down let me know in advance and I will try to meet you there.
If you want to run down let me know in advance and I will try to meet you there.
Actually on my 2006 Sportster I had one break at 68K and the second I replaced somewhere around 120K (total miles, not miles on the belt) due to damage. I am on my 4th belt with 245,000 miles on the bike. The third I replaced so I'd have a spare to carry with me on some rides as it is normally easier to put a belt on when it is used rather than new.
Much appreciated, folks!
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 299
From: SC
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 595
Likes: 262
From: Philly area
Part of the problem is having more time for research than actual riding. The other problem is being stuck waiting to get the paperwork done for it to be road legal. *grumble*Bright side: Even though I can't yet ride *MY* bike, part 2 of the MSF riding course is Saturday, so at least I'll get to ride SOMETHING, even if it's just a little Suzuki. And the weather looks to be amazing.
Last edited by Packgrog; Mar 27, 2019 at 02:26 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,713
Likes: 299
From: SC
*swats your hands* MINE! Just because I'm prone to obsessing over improvement tweaks doesn't mean I'm not itching to ride! Part of the problem is having more time for research than actual riding. The other problem is being stuck waiting to get the paperwork done for it to be road legal. *grumble*
Part of the problem is having more time for research than actual riding. The other problem is being stuck waiting to get the paperwork done for it to be road legal. *grumble*You just bought yourself a money-pit, you know that right?
I honestly think Harley owners generate a major percentage of the national GDP.