HD: Snapped the drive belt

**awayatc** · 18th March 2009, 04:24

Good on ya Horse....Maintenance in general and on Harleys in particular does not seem to get done by owners anymore...
I got the Harley manual, and will order a belt "just in case"...

**popelli** · 18th March 2009, 05:27

Originally Posted by Horse

Wheel removal? Try completely removing the primary and partially retracting the swingarm pivot shaft (the same shaft that is seized into the transmission case on most bikes more than a few years old, apparently), then putting the belt on, then putting it all back together. It's a $1000 job (including the $300 for the belt) for trained mechanics who do them every day.

10 min job on my electraglide to change the chain

**Omega1** · 18th March 2009, 09:33

Faaark! I wish I'd never read this thread you Guys are givin me the shits, oh well at least the Buell sounds easier to change out...$327NZD for a replacement belt though???

**Horse** · 18th March 2009, 09:38

Originally Posted by popelli

10 min job on my electraglide to change the chain

Heh, don't rub it in, that's cruel.

Seriously though, have you had a chain break on your 'glide? I've recently been told horror stories about chains breaking under load and punching holes in the primary case.

**Big Dave** · 18th March 2009, 12:58

I had a deep and meaningful with the 'Platform Director VRSC' and said c'mon Robert - no bull - how long do the belts last?

We have had some that have picked up a rock leaving the dealer. that is very rare - but can happen. we have seen some that have lasted 250,000 miles and are still going strong. that is kinda rare too. We like the belts and are excited by their constant improvement.

**peasea** · 18th March 2009, 14:40

Originally Posted by Big Dave

I had a deep and meaningful with the 'Platform Director VRSC' and said c'mon Robert - no bull - how long do the belts last?

We have had some that have picked up a rock leaving the dealer. that is very rare - but can happen. we have seen some that have lasted 250,000 miles and are still going strong. that is kinda rare too. We like the belts and are excited by their constant improvement.

You could ask; how long is a piece of string?

My FXR belt had a small stone hole when I bought it at 47,000kms, I spat the belt at something like 96,000. If the hole or similar damage is in the middle, it's not too much of an issue for a sensible rider. If it's near the edge or you love tearing away from the lights then it probably won't last too long.

Conversely the 2000 W/g I bought last year had a new belt at about 15,000 due to rock injestion.

I got a belt for the FXR from Dave at HDRS in Gore (he's easy to deal with and knows his HD's) and it was plenty cheaper than eleswhere. I think the only 'special' tools I needed were a socket large enough to fit the drive sprocket nut and another for the compensator nut and a tool to lock the primary drive and clutch basket sprockets together. The deep socket for the drive sprocket (coz you have to go over the gearbox output shaft) I made from a normal socket by having it cut in the middle, then I added a few inches of steam pipe. A three-quarter drive bar and bingo!

**Bonez** · 18th March 2009, 15:09

Originally Posted by Omega1

Faaark! I wish I'd never read this thread you Guys are givin me the shits, oh well at least the Buell sounds easier to change out...$327NZD for a replacement belt though???

On all sporty engine based base cikles belt replacement is easier.

How'd you get on Headbanger?

Cheers guys for sharing your "real world" NZ experiances re belts btw.

**Headbanger** · 18th March 2009, 15:15

Belt isn't due for a few days yet, I ordered it from America just before making this thread.

Having read all through the replies I'm thinking I'll get me old mate the talented mechanic to do the work.....

**Bonez** · 18th March 2009, 15:20

Originally Posted by Horse

When I rode into ANZA on my newly re-belted Ultra I had to explain my overwhelming sense of accomplishment to the salesman that had sold me the bike last year. When I told him that I'd just done a belt replacement myself he gave me a look like I'd said I'd just ridden in from Mars.

Must have been those pointy ears. You've got my eyes watering lad. Good on ya. You've every right to feel proud.

**peasea** · 18th March 2009, 15:20

Originally Posted by Headbanger

Belt isn't due for a few days yet, I ordered it from America just before making this thread.

Having read all through the replies I'm thinking I'll get me old mate the talented mechanic to do the work.....

If neither of you have a socket deep enough for the drive sprocket, sing out. It'd only cost a few bucks to mail it up.

**Headbanger** · 18th March 2009, 15:49

Originally Posted by peasea

If neither of you have a socket deep enough for the drive sprocket, sing out. It'd only cost a few bucks to mail it up.

Thanks for the offer, I'll keep it in mind.

**oldguy** · 18th March 2009, 16:05

from what i gather, most damage to drive belts are related to stones or small rocks..Mmmmmmm.... let me think, I know why don't the manufactures fit fully enclosed belt guards, add bling to your ride haha

Or sweep the roads. and we there are road works, have a lane that has been swept just wide enough for a bike.

Maybe should just HTFU

**peasea** · 18th March 2009, 16:37

Originally Posted by oldguy

Or sweep the roads.

Yes they bloody should! Then dry them out after rain and fill the potholes with the crushed remains of stupid people in automobiles.

Oh for the perfect world.

Nice bike, not.

**scumdog** · 18th March 2009, 16:47

Originally Posted by Horse

Wheel removal? Hah, I'd be laughing if it was just wheel removal. Wheel removal I could probably do on the side of the road.

Try completely removing the primary and partially retracting the swingarm pivot shaft (the same shaft that is seized into the transmission case on most bikes more than a few years old, apparently), then putting the belt on, then putting it all back together. It's a $1000 job (including the $300 for the belt) for trained mechanics who do them every day.

When I rode into ANZA on my newly re-belted Ultra I had to explain my overwhelming sense of accomplishment to the salesman that had sold me the bike last year. When I told him that I'd just done a belt replacement myself he gave me a look like I'd said I'd just ridden in from Mars.

Cost me about $700 just over a year ago on my FXDX at McIver and Veitch in Dunedin, they did a good clean job and well groomed the bike too.