Drive Belt
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 52
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From: Indiana
Drive Belt
Planning a long trip this summer and I was wondering about the lifespan of a drive belt on a 2004 RG. I will be loaded with camping gear so added weight. I have just over 19000 miles. I believe in preventive maintenance and not waiting until it breaks to do work. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. About how much to replace or can I do it. Not a mechanic but reasonable skills. catcher
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 414
From: Ellensburg, WA
19000 it's just broke in. Just had 50000 service and belt is fine (2003 anniversary Ultra). Road debris is the main cause of belt failure. I know touring bikes with over 100000 and no probs.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 348
Likes: 7
From: Idaho
At 19K it's barely broken in assuming it isn't damged. Inspect it for cracks, cuts or tears that expose chords imbedded in the rubber-like material. If you're not sure, run it by the dealer. They'll probably take a look at it for free. Replacement is a major job requiring the removal of the rear fork and primary parts.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Death Valley, Arizona
Planning a long trip this summer and I was wondering about the lifespan of a drive belt on a 2004 RG. I will be loaded with camping gear so added weight. I have just over 19000 miles. I believe in preventive maintenance and not waiting until it breaks to do work. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. About how much to replace or can I do it. Not a mechanic but reasonable skills. catcher
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,802
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, UT. Dushore, Pa.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,900
Likes: 4
From: way down upon the Suwannee River
Had 80,000 when I changed mine along with the drive sprocket. Looked new. would have lasted a lot longer. This was on a 98 FXD with 90 HP. I think the new belts last longer then the ones 10 years ago.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Baton Rouge, LA
Planning a long trip this summer and I was wondering about the lifespan of a drive belt on a 2004 RG. I will be loaded with camping gear so added weight. I have just over 19000 miles. I believe in preventive maintenance and not waiting until it breaks to do work. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. About how much to replace or can I do it. Not a mechanic but reasonable skills. catcher
I inspect my belt every time I wash the rear wheel, which is every time I wash the bike. I also wash it with S100 or similar and later apply a dry lubricant like a Teflon spray. I used Armor-All on the old RK belt, but it will not fully dry and can attract dirt. That obviously didn't seem to hurt that particular belt, although I would now recommend a dry lube. My dealer recommends a dry silicone lube, which should work as well.
I think you can expect a very long life out of your original belt as long as it isn't severed. Just keep a close eye on it.
