Rear belt life!
#21
At 30,000 miles per year I went ahead and changed my belt at 82,500 just as a precaution but in fact it was just fine and showed no signs of wear or fatigue. I pay no attention to the belt at all really, it's a wonderful thing. It's easily a 100,000 mile item in reality.
#22
Hardpill brought up a good question regarding the new Softails with 200 rear tire. I have been giving some serious consideration to going to a 124" build, but I just don't know if that narrow belt would take it.
I was following a bike the other day and saw that 1-1/2" belt compared to mine, and it's got me thinking that maybe I better not go more than 107". I'm not planning a super hi-horsepower build, something more for low-end torque. I'd also planned to do a gearing change at the same time but I really wonder how much torque that narrow belt can handle? Any opinions?
One thing I am determined NOT to do is go to a chain, I love the minimal maintenance that a belt requires.
I was following a bike the other day and saw that 1-1/2" belt compared to mine, and it's got me thinking that maybe I better not go more than 107". I'm not planning a super hi-horsepower build, something more for low-end torque. I'd also planned to do a gearing change at the same time but I really wonder how much torque that narrow belt can handle? Any opinions?
One thing I am determined NOT to do is go to a chain, I love the minimal maintenance that a belt requires.
#23
A lot of you want to convert to chain for reliability.The secret to belt life is maintainance,Period!! Keep it adjusted (reach down and feel the tension every so often).Several of my friends all running belts,with motors from 80" to 155" including my 155"never give it a thought when the urge to torture the rear tire hits.Not one of us has ever broken a belt,and the pulleys are not worn beyond needing replacement.One of the bros,has over 40K on his with original belt and pulleys,and nobody pounds on a machine like he does.Food for thought!
#24
I would agree that a well maintained belt drive is the way to go. Except, if you live on a long gravel road to pavement, or With a serious high hp/torque bike w/ narrow(7/8") belt. I know of one guy w/ a 124" S&S that snapped three of the narrow belts before switching to a chain drive. He said he actually could snap them at will.
#25
Rawhide, I did read that. My question deals with the narrow belt on 200 series softails. I don't believe (I may be wrong on this) that dog155's bike has the narrow belt. There is a lot of difference between 7/8" and 1-1/2" belts, hence my concern about reliability.
I did put this question (124" build on the narrow belt) to one of the well-respected engine shops (which I will not name) and they said "no problem". Then I read WrenchinRider's post. I suppose this is one of those "YMMV" situations, the only way I will KNOW is to go ahead and try...but I really don't want to end up with the chain.
And, sorry for hijacking this thread...my bad.
I did put this question (124" build on the narrow belt) to one of the well-respected engine shops (which I will not name) and they said "no problem". Then I read WrenchinRider's post. I suppose this is one of those "YMMV" situations, the only way I will KNOW is to go ahead and try...but I really don't want to end up with the chain.
And, sorry for hijacking this thread...my bad.
Last edited by gtnot; 09-07-2008 at 11:31 PM.
#27
A friend has a new Harley something something,with 110" motor and it came with a 1" or less belt.He has done several burnouts for my benefit.Again, the belt material today is incredibly strong.It did take a long time before I became a believer.Good Luck
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