2008 FLHT. I replaced my drive belt at 125,000 miles.

 

Belt on mine lasted 125,000 miles, rain, shine, desert, whatever, you name it. Spent a LOT of years and miles on chain drive, good lube, kept adjusted, etc, and NONE ever came anywhere near 125,000 miles. You're absolutely right about a 530 being tough, though. But not 125,000 miles worth of tough.

 

The OP asked the question in November of 2011. It had a brief resurgence in 2017, and again now. I sometimes get caught in old threads as well. I assume he has learned enough and is happy with his choice.

But to offer a response, for me, riding gravel, dirt, forest roads or off-road, use chain. Since I don't deal with turbos, or drag race, in every other way, the belt drive is superior.

 

When that chain snaps & takes out your motor case, you'll wish you had a belt.

 

But chains are just SO last century.....

 

If you’re concerned about what the cons are when a belt or chains stops connecting the rear wheel to the drivetrain, shaft drive is what you need. Run whatever makes you happy. There are pros and cons to everything.

 

I do not miss chain maintenance at all.