... 
Plz explain.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 349
Likes: 170
From: florissant, Mo.
Sunday before Memorial Sunday, my rear belt broke 8 miles from home. Found the old belt and there was a lot of teeth missing on the belt. I don't know if a rock got in there or if the belt was to tight and wore out from stress. Only have 59k on the clock. Already have a new belt ready to go on when my mechanic gets ready to install it. 2007 Electra Glide Classic.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
Agree. The stock guard isn't perfect, but it does a pretty darn good job of keeping rocks and debris out of the belt.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,252
Likes: 3,679
From: backwoods
Some people like to run a belt until it leaves them stranded for hours, late for work, or talking to cops.
Belt guards are better now.
I noticed a squeak coming from the back end of my bike at around 48,000 miles. The belt cogs were completely worn out and cracked and both front and rear sprockets were chewed up so everything needed to be replaced. I'm assuming the previous owner took the bike down a lot of back roads covered in small stones and debris.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,999
Likes: 11,439
My 1996 belt was on the bike 20 plus years on changed it because of other work being done and it was off. Never replaced a belt even with extremely high mileage.
Always kept rock guard in place. I have a long gravel drive way and never avoid gravel roads . Lucky maybe.
I have seen broken chains do some major damage in my like time..
Always kept rock guard in place. I have a long gravel drive way and never avoid gravel roads . Lucky maybe.
I have seen broken chains do some major damage in my like time..
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 4,667
Likes: 3,965
From: Near Yosemite
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 34
Likes: 9
From: Anza, california
I live on a dirt road and my driveway is dirt. I go slow and avoid throwing stones up and about the belt area. I put about 12K miles on the belt and it looks good.
Stone Free. I would think that if you run your belt on the tight side, stones would do more damage. Keeping the mph down while in the dirt is best anyway, keeps the dust down, a little bit, lol. If the belt breaks, thats fine. I want to switch to a rear sprocket with less teeth and belt to match. Pickup a few extra mph.
Stone Free. I would think that if you run your belt on the tight side, stones would do more damage. Keeping the mph down while in the dirt is best anyway, keeps the dust down, a little bit, lol. If the belt breaks, thats fine. I want to switch to a rear sprocket with less teeth and belt to match. Pickup a few extra mph.
Last edited by Lancealex; Jun 14, 2024 at 05:00 AM.