HD: Snapped the drive belt

**buellbabe** · 24th March 2009, 10:55

Originally Posted by ajturbo

buellBabe and I brought a spare one each when the $ was around 80c, i have used my spare, but i still have BB's just incase, hers tend to last till they rot... lol

Is that right???

over 120,000kms and I'm on belt #4.

1st one collected a stone and cos we were touring and had a day to spare in Blenheim just rang AMPS (and bugger me! they had one in stock!!!!!!!) and they couriered it. The belt probably would have been ok but didn't wanna risk it...
Piss of piss to change on the Buell...oh and all you later model Buell owners have got MY model 'the mighty X1' to thank for that brilliant bit of design.
That 2nd belt was an after market and snapped within a short time.
Went back to official HD brand and that one lasted quite a while til one day while chasing an Aprilia...snapped that one too. The belt that replaced that one has been going strong for many many kms now.

But as far as their general availability goes, yep I have also said rude words when not one single dealer in the country has had one in stock...

Thats why I have a spare...

**Headbanger** · 25th March 2009, 11:22

Originally Posted by buellbabe

IBut as far as their general availability goes, yep I have also said rude words when not one single dealer in the country has had one in stock...

I wasn't overly concerned, a little surprised they would be that useless but I avoid them at every opportunity anyway so not being able to give them my money was fine by me.

**popelli** · 25th March 2009, 18:37

Originally Posted by buellbabe

But as far as their general availability goes, yep I have also said rude words when not one single dealer in the country has had one in stock...

Thats why I have a spare...

I have been riding harleys for over 20 years

Official dealers are the last place I go for parts now as they never have what I need in stock and its quicker, easier and cheaper to order parts over the internet than wait for the dealers to get the parts in

**BMWST?** · 25th March 2009, 19:36

are the belts specific to harley or are they a std drive belt.....I have no idea how to find that out.

**98tls** · 25th March 2009, 19:40

Originally Posted by BMWST?

are the belts specific to harley or are they a std drive belt.....I have no idea how to find that out.

Specific...................

**BMWST?** · 25th March 2009, 19:53

Originally Posted by 98tls

Specific...................

of course would be far to easy wouldnt it!

**Ocean1** · 25th March 2009, 21:31

Originally Posted by 98tls

Specific...................

Made by Goodyear to a 14mm pitch ISO standard profile. HD/Buell recommend this particular belt, claiming it's a spec unique to their product.

'Course they're not saying what particular spec' makes it unique, and the fact is many other companies manufacture belts that claim to equal or better the Goodyear/HD item's performance.

Many of these competing manufacturer's belts are... a "lower" spec', they meet the dimensional standards and will therefore fit the pulleys perfectly well, but the materials and construction are less well suited to the application.

I've no doubt, however that some of them are at least a match, and it's a technology that's still improving, almost year by year.

**BMWST?** · 26th March 2009, 08:17

Originally Posted by Ocean1

Made by Goodyear to a 14mm pitch ISO standard profile. HD/Buell recommend this particular belt, claiming it's a spec unique to their product.

'Course they're not saying what particular spec' makes it unique, and the fact is many other companies manufacture belts that claim to equal or better the Goodyear/HD item's performance.

Many of these competing manufacturer's belts are... a "lower" spec', they meet the dimensional standards and will therefore fit the pulleys perfectly well, but the materials and construction are less well suited to the application.

I've no doubt, however that some of them are at least a match, and it's a technology that's still improving, almost year by year.

Are the BMW belts also a STD dimension(the f800 road bikes)

**buellbabe** · 26th March 2009, 10:52

Good post Ocean... I have had personal experience of an inferior belt, I now buy thru a Stateside aftermarket Buell site and am completely satisfied.

Another point to consider is the style of riding a person does... for example my ex spent a LOT of time on the back wheel and he went thru belts like nobodies business!!!!

Also, its VERY important to have the correct tension, and if ya can't get it right right then its better to err on the side of being too loose ...

**Ocean1** · 26th March 2009, 18:07

Originally Posted by BMWST?

Are the BMW belts also a STD dimension(the f800 road bikes)

Dude I don't know, but I'd be very surprised if they weren't.

If you call in to any industrial transmissions supplier they'll have a quick measure and probably be able to tell you what they are.

Originally Posted by buellbabe

I have had personal experience of an inferior belt, I now buy thru a Stateside aftermarket Buell site and am completely satisfied.

Yup, no question the OE part is one of the best. It's just not the only suitable option, and it's typically several times the price of belts of comparable performance.

To be fair Buell manage their parts prices well, (right down to the end-user) and I've found them to be priced not entirely unreasonably considering the low stock turnover compared to industrial suppliers. HD seem to simply add a zero, 'cause they can.

**sinned** · 26th March 2009, 19:00

So it appears that HD owners wait until the belt snaps. Good thing they don't use them in aeroplanes with similar maintenance procedures. I think I will stay with a chain drive bike - they wear out but don't fail at the most inconvenient moments.

**Bonez** · 26th March 2009, 19:24

All fixed now HB?

**scumdog** · 26th March 2009, 20:43

Originally Posted by sinned

So it appears that HD owners wait until the belt snaps. Good thing they don't use them in aeroplanes with similar maintenance procedures. I think I will stay with a chain drive bike - they wear out but don't fail at the most inconvenient moments.

Oh yes they do!

That last HD I had with a chain did just that.

And no, it was not an old worn out number either...

**Headbanger** · 26th March 2009, 22:12

Originally Posted by Bonez

All fixed now HB?

Sadly....no.

As I mentioned in the first post the company I ordered off don't always bother to send an order confirmation, so seeing as I was yet to receive any contact from them I just kept an eye out for a courier, Any day now I was thinking, Any day now....It must be coming today.

Then I get an e-mail just yesterday from them saying they were processing my order.

LMFAO.

I'll run their track and trace and see where it is...

Your item left the United States from ISC CHICAGO IL (USPS) at 8:50 PM on March 25, 2009. Information, if available, is updated every evening. Please check again later.

Won't be this week then.