Belt snapped
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 11
Likes: 4
From: Kentuchy
Belt snapped
My ol sporty has snapped two belts in the last 2000 miles since I replaced the bottom end a couple months ago. Pulleys appear to be in great shape. I had at least 20,000 mi. On first belt but only around 1200 on second one? Thinking of switching to chain setup not sure what to do?
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 690
Likes: 374
From: Where the spirit meets the road
I have over 36k miles on my belt.how are you riding ? wheelies ? burnouts ? belt ligned up ? too tight ? bearings good ? what about the rubber engine mounts ?
Last edited by Iron Horse 13; Jul 31, 2022 at 10:04 AM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,547
Likes: 3,974
From: San Diego, CA
I think belts are good for at least 50K miles. Pilot error is indicated. Make sure belt is aligned and tensioned properly.
What did the old belts look like at the breaking point? Rock damage, or any obivious issues?
What exactly do you mean by "replaced the bottom end?"
John
What did the old belts look like at the breaking point? Rock damage, or any obivious issues?
What exactly do you mean by "replaced the bottom end?"
John
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,110
Likes: 51,395
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
You snapped two you either are seriously abusing the bike in general or there's a gross mechanical issue you've missed somewhere. On a piglet shouldn't be hard to eliminate the mechanical part of it.
The heavy happy hand option is on you.
The heavy happy hand option is on you.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,479
Likes: 638
From: Up North
Even abusing the bike you can't break one of those belts unless something isn't installed properly. Check for wobbling parts (pulleys, shafts etc.). Check alignment. Lots of belts out there with 100,000 on them.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5,315
Likes: 4,272
From: Granville New York
What brand of replacement belt did you use? Most aftermarket brands are junk when it comes to belts. If you're breaking stock/gates belts then either you have the most powerful sportster ever or there's something wrong with your bike or your riding style.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,524
Likes: 6,406
From: Honah Lee
My 04 has 50K and the chrome is gone on the rear pulley sprocket but it's the original. My best friends Sporty has the bowling ball guy's logo badge on the tank. Forget the year but it has way over 100k on it. He rides pretty hard. It's on its second new belt. On that change, we put new pulley sprockets on.
Exercise caution if your riding style is that crazy. Sounds like a chain make get you killed. Or worst then being dead.
Exercise caution if your riding style is that crazy. Sounds like a chain make get you killed. Or worst then being dead.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Aug 1, 2022 at 05:29 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 8,590
Likes: 3,358
From: Cental, MI
My 04 has 50K and the chrome is gone on the rear pulley sprocket but it's the original. My best friends Sporty has the bowling ball guy's logo badge on the tank. Forget the year but it has way over 100k on it. He rides pretty hard. It's on its second new belt. On that change, we put new pulley sprockets on.
Exercise caution if your riding style is that crazy. Sounds like a chain make get you killed. Or worst then being dead.
Exercise caution if your riding style is that crazy. Sounds like a chain make get you killed. Or worst then being dead.
