If it ain't broke don't fix it. My 2000 RG had 158k when it got totaled by a cager & still had the original belt.
Drive Belt Life
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
The belt on my '07 now has 42k and looks new. My last bike now has >120k and after 15 years still has the original belt. That one had a rock perforate the center of the belt at around 20k which I fixed with epoxy, and it's still holding today. I wouldn't change a belt out unless it is damaged and needs replacing or both very old and you're doing work on the primary or tranny making it convenient to change it. Changing a belt is not a quick or simple operation.
I always inspect and clean my belt every time I wash the bike. On my old RK I always used Armor-All after cleaning, but haven't been doing that regularly on the new belt. Since AA never completely dries and thus may attract dust I will probably start using a dry-silicone spray on it from now on. It probably doesn't need it but it can't hurt.
I always inspect and clean my belt every time I wash the bike. On my old RK I always used Armor-All after cleaning, but haven't been doing that regularly on the new belt. Since AA never completely dries and thus may attract dust I will probably start using a dry-silicone spray on it from now on. It probably doesn't need it but it can't hurt.
Last edited by iclick; Jan 20, 2011 at 10:16 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
BTW, assertions that the "old ones" need to be replaced at 50k are simply not true.
Last edited by iclick; Jan 20, 2011 at 10:13 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 2
From: hope mills, nc
I have a friend with an old AMF FLT. His belt was pathetic. Missing most of the teeth, and looked like it could break if the wind was out of the wrong direction. He finally replaced it, for the first time, this last winter.
How long it lasts will have a lot to do with how hard you run.
If you're really worried about it, buy one of those emergency belts, and throw it in your bag.
How long it lasts will have a lot to do with how hard you run.
If you're really worried about it, buy one of those emergency belts, and throw it in your bag.
anyone have a link?
corb
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 2
From: hope mills, nc
oh yeah, there was more to the story. one of these belts had 1,000 miles on it. faulty belt. snapped clean. the other had about 5,000 miles on it. had other isses with the bike.
but i run my bikes hard, so i swap em with less than 50,000. my 2000 road king has 93000. replaced the belt at 83,000. snapped at 84000, new one snapped in utah at 89000. and the new one (again.....) made it home, and is doing fine.
and my 2004 road king custom has 89000, and is on its third belt. none snapped. i just ride hard. especially on that one. so i swap em out at about 40,000.
corb
but i run my bikes hard, so i swap em with less than 50,000. my 2000 road king has 93000. replaced the belt at 83,000. snapped at 84000, new one snapped in utah at 89000. and the new one (again.....) made it home, and is doing fine.
and my 2004 road king custom has 89000, and is on its third belt. none snapped. i just ride hard. especially on that one. so i swap em out at about 40,000.
corb
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
Harley Emergency Drive Belt
It's amazing what a quick Google search will come up with!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,271
Likes: 29
From: Green Country,Oklahoma
Back when I had my old Evo ('96 RK) I visited a Boss Hoss dealer near Daytona, and those bikes used the same belt as I had on my RK, although maybe a bit longer or shorter. I couldn't see any difference, anyway. If it can take the TQ of a 400ci V8 it can take most V-Twin applications. A friend has a 2000 WG and at 100k he has the original belt that is still in good shape.
BTW, assertions that the "old ones" need to be replaced at 50k are simply not true.
BTW, assertions that the "old ones" need to be replaced at 50k are simply not true.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 1,993
From: CA
If it still looks ok, no reason you shouldn't get 100,000 miles out of it.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 246
Likes: 2
From: hope mills, nc
Here ya go!
Harley Emergency Drive Belt
It's amazing what a quick Google search will come up with!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Harley Emergency Drive Belt
It's amazing what a quick Google search will come up with!
Ride Safe,
Steve R.
this is going on my packing list on my next cross country tip in may.
corb