does anyone know the expected life of the rear 'Belt'?? I was ask that question and really did not have a clue. Current bike has 40K on the odometer... Two up riding about 90% of the time

 

90,000 and still going. Just had it checked and it still looks good.
'96 Road King 95 ci. Mostly solo riding.

 

I've HEARD an expected life of 150,000 miles but of course I've heard of them going at 20,000.

 

If you keep them adjusted properly they will last a very long time.

 

I've always heard 100K miles unless something happens to it like a rock goes thru it. I've got 60,000 miles on mine right now and there's a rock buried in it. So I may ge it replaced. I've been told that even with a rock or hole in it, the blt can ast for a very long time.

Generally, there's no real clear answer to the belt life.

 

The Belt is almost always under tremendous stress, especially on take off. I'm utterly amazed that these belts last that long.
I've hear stories of owners going over 100K on a single belt. Thats kick-*** folks.

My car belts - like no load at all to spin an alternator - last 30-40k... Not kick-***.

Of course a car belt cost 15 bucks and is made of crap...just sayin.

Guess I'm just amazed that running a "belt" on a heavy Harley works so well. It's one of the best things about owning a Harley.

lp

 

I think a good rule of thumb is if you get to 100,000 it would be a good time to change then. If the drive belt has any cracking befor that, maybe then change it. The newer belts are of better quality then the older belts.

 

Kevlar is some good chit.

 

My tech at the shop said properly adjusted and aligned belt will outlast the bike unless it gets accidentally damaged.I have few friends been riding for 40 some years none of them or me personally heard from any one except on the forum about broken belt.

 

And they are much narrower than they were when the belt drive was first introduced. They thought they would last 50k originally I think. Then they went narrower,, still lasted a long long time. Then even narrower yet. What are they now, about half as wide as the first belt drive was? Close to it?
One thing they did right for sure I think...... smooth and maintenance free,,,,nearly.