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[roadrunner]

Would anyone know off hand when you need to replace the Drive belt?  It doesn't say in the service manual just to inspect. I did find the part number in the FLHTCSE service parts manual. Since I am having a tire and brakes done it would be a good time to replace a belt if needed (40K).  

REAR DRIVE, 139 TOOTH

Product ID: 40024-04

Lookin at the BDL Falcon replacement drive belts.
http://www.bdlsales.com/productcart/pc/viewcategories.asp?idCategory=16

Thanks!

Looks like a properly maintained drive belt can last 70 to 90K miles (up to 10 yo) and better to be a little loose than to tight.

My 2 cents!
Ride safe!

[redtwin]

I had to replace mine at least once a year but that was probably my fault,I no of guys that have well over 100000 miles on the stock belt
I would keep the safty belt in case you get stranded

[Fired00d]

I had to replace mine at least once a year but that was probably my fault,I no of guys that have well over 100000 miles on the stock belt
I would keep the safty belt in case you get stranded

Got to ask..... Why?

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[SneakyPete]

No milage rating on the belt.  Just check for cracks periodically.  Belts generally fail for two reasons; abuse (i.e. too much time in the burnout pit) or a stone or other road debris gets caught between the belt and sprocket causing the belt to break.

When I built my 120 I was concerned the stock belt wasn't strong enough for the added power/torque, so I changed to a Dayco Panther which wsw reputed to be superior to the stock HD belt.  WRONG!  Within 2,000 miles I sheared 80% of the teeth off that Dayco belt.  Went back to the HD stock belt and have never had an issue in 50K miles to date.  This is one part where the HD product is superior to anything else out there.  If you feel compelled to change out the belt, stick with the HD stock 139 tooth belt.

[cahdbiker]

Roadrunner, A riding buddy of mine had 175,000 on his original belt. (mostly freeway miles). He change it out when he had a remanufacture done on his 2001 88B engine.( it was still running good but the tensioners for the engine balance system went out) A good time to change the belt  is when you are doing another repair which envolves removing the primary because I am sure you cannot change out the belt without removing inner primary. (not enough clearance) CAHDBIKER

[roadrunner]

Thanks, good info!

[redtwin]

Got to ask..... Why?

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

lots of throttle quick release of the clutch lever

[Ed Ramberger - One_Screamin_Eagle]

Would anyone know off hand when you need to replace the Drive belt?  

Inspect it for teeth that are starting to get parting lines in the valleys - this is caused by the front sprocket squaring off.  Inspect it for other damage as well.  I have seen several high mileage belts but the ones that people say went 100k were usually barely hanging in there - they're nothing I would bet on.  It's critical to inspect the sprockets - especially the front.  It goes from round teeth to sharp square ones over time.  
Lookin at the BDL Falcon replacement drive belts.

Harleys belts are awesome - I have seen several problems with aftermarket belts
http://www.bdlsales.com/productcart/pc/viewcategories.asp?idCategory=16



Looks like a properly maintained drive belt can last 70 to 90K miles (up to 10 yo) and better to be a little loose than to tight.
Incorrect- belts that are too loose are more prone to breakage than belts that are too tight.  

My 2 cents!
Ride safe!

[kraut]

only once I replaced a belt, had around 30.000 on it and it had a small indention from a little stone or the like. But as we wanted to go on a ride through Russia I wanted to be most cautious. Shouldn't have done that, the very next morning the new belt lay on the garage floor 

Never had a belt-problem before or since and I ride my bikes for approximately 60 to 70.000. Just met the guy who bought my 02 FLHRCI - 120.000 on the clock, still the belt I had replaced in 03 on it.

[spydglide]

Gotta agree Kraut.  Still on the origional belt on my softtail with 108,873 miles on her.  Got a groove on the top side, but the teeth all still look good and no cracks anywhere.  Who knows how long these things will last if not abused or the unlucky damage.  spyder

[cobaltblueultra2004]

I had mine break last night, not sure what caused it. The belt looks fantastic no cracks no wear marks, the bike only has 31,800 miles on it. Does anyone know for sure if you have to remove the inner primary to reinstall the new belt? I know the dealer wants $500 to change it, I just laughed.

[grc]

I had mine break last night, not sure what caused it. The belt looks fantastic no cracks no wear marks, the bike only has 31,800 miles on it. Does anyone know for sure if you have to remove the inner primary to reinstall the new belt? I know the dealer wants $500 to change it, I just laughed.

Yup.  Replacing the belt involves removing the rear wheel, the swingarm, and the primary.  One of the disadvantages of a belt versus a chain; can't take the belt apart to fish it onto the sprockets and just reconnect the ends.  On the flip side, you can expect the average belt to last much longer than a chain, and the only maintenance with a belt is checking tension and inspecting for damage.

BTW, when replacing a belt it is also highly recommended that you closely examine the sprocket teeth.  Worn or damaged teeth can quickly destroy that nice new belt and you'll get to pay another $500 plus to do it all over again.


Jerry

[cobaltblueultra2004]

I am planning on doing the work myself. I need to order a service manual anyway.

Thanks for the info Jerry.

[Chilly]

I have over 110,000 miles on mine and have had a 100 rev-tech in for the last 25,000 hard miles
                                                            Chilly

[kansaskim47]

 

Now at 127,800 miles original belt, sprockets, clutch, primary. Am tearing down this weekend to check a slight knocking from the primary. Bearing, compensator?

Engine still runs well, just lubricates the air a little bit under hard acceleration and rattles a bit in the top end under high RPM deceleration.

Overall, has been a super reliable, fun bike.

Kim