Drive belt damage

**scumdog** · 18th November 2007, 14:06

After the Lamb of Death ride yesterday I praked in my driveway which has a little bit (about 3 metres) of gravel before you are on the concret.

An hour later went to put bike away and as I rolled it back I heard a mechanical crunch, stopped and checked the side-stand in case I had not lifted it enough.

It looked OK so I continued to roll the bike back and heard a second crunch and thought I saw a small piece of gravel spit out to the side, thought 'uh-oh'.

Sure enough, went out to the gargre and checked the belt just before and discovered a nick on the edge of the belt, it looked fairly new so I suppose that's what the 'crunch' was.

QUESTION: How long is the belt likely to last now? The nick goes back about 2mm from the edge.

**laRIKin** · 18th November 2007, 14:12

From what I understand with belts.

A hole in the middle you can live with for a short time.

A nick on the edge you have to change straight away as it will break with out warning.

**Shadows** · 18th November 2007, 21:17

Originally Posted by lemans

From what I understand with belts.

A hole in the middle you can live with for a short time.

A nick on the edge you have to change straight away as it will break with out warning.

Wot he said from what I've been told by HD mechanic type people.

**MWVT** · 18th November 2007, 21:37

makes sense, a notch in the side of the belt is where a crack will propagate from. I guess that could happen quickly too.... i would replace it.

**doc** · 19th November 2007, 05:38

Originally Posted by MWVT

makes sense, a notch in the side of the belt is where a crack will propagate from. I guess that could happen quickly too.... i would replace it.

Factory manual states "Stone Damage" Replace belt if damage is on edge.

Another note from the manual

Note. "When a drivebelt is replaced for any reason other than stone damage, it is recommended that the transmission and rear sprockets also be replaced to increase the longevity of the new drive belt. In the case of stone damage, inspect sprockets for damage and replace as required."

Might have to do a bit of OT here. Its not a sporty where you can change it on the side of the road.

**Shadows** · 19th November 2007, 08:06

Yeah apparently a $500-$600 job.

**scumdog** · 19th November 2007, 08:17

Gaaagh!

Just found out the Dunners HD dealer has a back-log of work for the mechanics for this week and may not be able to do the job before the weekend - which is the Magpie Madness!!

AND due to work this week I don't have time to do it myself!!!!

Watch this space!!

**Shadows** · 19th November 2007, 09:57

There's always the Sporty....

**tri boy** · 19th November 2007, 11:51

Buy a spare belt. Do the weekend ride.
If the damaged belt starts to show signs of failure, you already have the new one with you.
Murphy only strikes when your ill prepared.

**Shadows** · 19th November 2007, 11:53

Originally Posted by tri boy

Buy a spare belt. Do the weekend ride.
If the damaged belt starts to show signs of failure, you already have the new one with you.
Murphy only strikes when your ill prepared.

As Doc says it ain't a "side of the road" job.

**tri boy** · 19th November 2007, 20:02

Originally Posted by Shadows

As Doc says it ain't a "side of the road" job.

But if you have the belt with you, "Murphys law" is voided.
Works 99.9% of the time.

lakwant · 19th November 2007, 20:10

Originally Posted by scumdog

QUESTION: How long is the belt likely to last now? The nick goes back about 2mm from the edge.

If you lived in Kookaburra Borough, you could ask Freddy.......sadly he is no longer giving advice in Kookaburra....... My opinion.......it is stuffed! Big time! Needs to be replaced, do not pass go, and save your $200......you are going to need it

**Shadows** · 19th November 2007, 20:55

Originally Posted by tri boy

But if you have the belt with you, "Murphys law" is voided.
Works 99.9% of the time.

Ah, I see. I totally missed the point.

**oldguy** · 19th November 2007, 21:31

Was cleaning me garage out tonight, had moved the bikes out of the way so I could sweep up when I noticed the drive belt on the Buell didn't look like it was sitting right, so on closer inspection I noticed a hole in the center of the belt with a little tear on the edge.
Most have picked up a stone, yesterday afternoon, went out to Kaiaua for a blat , was lucky I got back, not have it brake on me out on the road.
Its is relatively a simple job to replace the belts on the Buell, you could do it on the roads side, if you had a spare belt.
I think The belt has done about 10,000miles so not to bad, wonder how much I would have got out of it if it wasn't for stone damage, it still looked in good nic, apart from the hole.
Hopefully AMPS have one in stock, the price is the scary bit, Oh well will find out tomorrow.

Scumdog: Good luck on getting it sorted by the weekend.

Cheers John