Do drive belts "time out" like tires do?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 4,459
Likes: 2,892
From: Oklahoma
Do drive belts "time out" like tires do?
My son has an '11 Road Glide Ultra. It has 25,000 sanely driven miles (still lots of meat left on the factory brake pads). He knows that at 6 to 8 years tires get hard (not as much traction as when new) and become more prone to structural failure. The drive belt looks new but he was wondering if it needed replacement due to age. I have an 08 Road King with just over 100k miles and my belt seems fine. What do the old head Harley guys say about a belt "aging out" and if so, at about what age? The bike is always kept in his garage so sun exposure would be at a minimum also.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 668
Likes: 72
From: Wisconsin
Most drive belts should last 75K to 100K . Some could last longer and the reverse. Like you said, road light, not in the sun. Normal wear and tear. Never hurts to check every year for cracks or wear. I have a 2011 Limited and it looks brand new. Good luck.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2016
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From: At home.
Mine started squealing last summer, as I approached 90,000 miles, The bike was in for tires and the belt was inspected and was fine. I had to use belt dressing to shut it up. I'll be having it replaced when I get the 100,000 mile service done.
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From: Cape Cod
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Outer Banks, NC
I agree. My bike just hit 89,000 miles. A couple of months ago I mounted a new rear tire just before my Florida trip. I took a real good look at the belt and it looked fine. I've always kept it adjusted correctly and like ZRXOA says, that's the key. Also that rubber "rock fence" below it is important, make sure it's still there and not damaged. As sturdy as these belts are, they don't like pebbles or rocks jumping up into the belt to head back to the wheel sprocket.
Since I've read many places here and on other forums that these belts will last 100,000+ miles, I looked at mine and gave it chance at another "tire life".
Since I've read many places here and on other forums that these belts will last 100,000+ miles, I looked at mine and gave it chance at another "tire life".