Replacing the drive belt.
Thread Starter
|
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,391
Likes: 2
Replacing the drive belt.
I have a 97 FLHTC and I am at almost 70,000 on the odometer. I am considering a high mileage trip this summer and I think it is time to replace the drive belt. Any advice on which belt to buy and where to buy them. I know somewhere in the past there was a post that had interchange from stock to gates belts or maybe other brands as well.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
Check it good for cracks or extreme wear on sides. If none I would just ride it. Many folks get well over 100k on them. With that said a buddy of mine broke a belt on a trip to West Virginia last year on a 2005 with about 80K on the clock.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
Go over the belt real well, make sure that there is no nicks, or frays, if not ride it. I still say that the HD belts are as good as you need. A belt normally last for 100k is pretty good in my book.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
hee-hee
my last big trip on my evo I left home with 72,000 miles and spent 10,000 miles wondering if anything was gonna go wrong- I even had the shop manual with me.
so I get home and buy a 6 month old bike...and those concerns behind me. ( the new owner of the evo is happy as a clam)
as above, inspect your belt.
I have used HD belts, the big cost is the time to remove the primary outer, clutch and drive, inner and then the entire swingarm...it's a comprehensive job.
I'd wait until you have to do it.
mike
my last big trip on my evo I left home with 72,000 miles and spent 10,000 miles wondering if anything was gonna go wrong- I even had the shop manual with me.
so I get home and buy a 6 month old bike...and those concerns behind me. ( the new owner of the evo is happy as a clam)
as above, inspect your belt.
I have used HD belts, the big cost is the time to remove the primary outer, clutch and drive, inner and then the entire swingarm...it's a comprehensive job.
I'd wait until you have to do it.
mike
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 90
From: Vermont
In any event, if you do decide to change it, why would you not want to go back with the stock belt? Seems to have served you and so many others well?
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
There is another recent thread in which it seems there are only two manufacturers of belts, although many more brands. In other words it doesn't seem to matter which we go with! Genuine Harley ones are fine.
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
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post