Drive belt replacement
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Indianapolis
Drive belt replacement
Is there a time or mileage when it is considered a good time to begin thinking about swapping out the drive belt for a new one?
My 883 SuperLow is pushing 41,000 miles, and while I see no damage to the existing belt, should I consider replacing it just to be 'safe'?
My 883 SuperLow is pushing 41,000 miles, and while I see no damage to the existing belt, should I consider replacing it just to be 'safe'?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,030
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From: Ohio
Belts that are kept in proper tension, and inspected and or cleaned of any debris would last a long time, speaking like 100k miles. That being said, unless you ride dumping the clutch, etc. to shorten it's life. Inspecting the pulleys for wear chipping, etc. is also part of the inspection.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
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From: backwoods
A belt will last a long time. But when it goes, it could leave you stranded waiting for hours for a tow, Miss work, ect As for inspecting, how many are giving a detailed inspection frequently. I suspect most people just do it when they change the tire. Most are not jacking it up and rotating it every 1k miles, who has that kind of time? A lot can happen in 10k miles.
A harley mechanic told me every 50k is recommended, I had one go 55 and another I replaced at 90. My opinion about most maintenance items on harley is 50-70k miles. At 50 it is a good to start thinking about when would be a good time for you do it, time and money. Yes, that is a broad window.
A harley mechanic told me every 50k is recommended, I had one go 55 and another I replaced at 90. My opinion about most maintenance items on harley is 50-70k miles. At 50 it is a good to start thinking about when would be a good time for you do it, time and money. Yes, that is a broad window.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
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From: England
Belts that are kept in proper tension, and inspected and or cleaned of any debris would last a long time, speaking like 100k miles. That being said, unless you ride dumping the clutch, etc. to shorten it's life. Inspecting the pulleys for wear chipping, etc. is also part of the inspection.
The belts are a boon compared to a chain, IMO. My partners trike conversion is a very heavy Sportster yet the belt has barely stretched in the 7 years and 43K miles she has had it.
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From: OH
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: South Carolina
As long as the belt looks ok, you should be good up to the 100,000 mile range.
The original belt on my `89 Softail lasted 115K.
The original belt on my `89 Softail lasted 115K.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Long Island, New York
I have never changed a rear belt due to age, if it still looks good, carry on. Now if you have the primary apart for other work and the belt is in your hands, cheap insurance.
