I notice my '07 has a narrower belt than my '03. Got me to thinking, how tough are these things? The '07 has a super strong engine and I'd hate to break a belt on a trip. But maybe that just doesn't happen, I dunno... You ever break a belt or had to replace one? If so, at what mileage on your bike?

Thanks!

Tq

 

I broke one on a 2006 FLHT. However, it was because I ran over a hunk of sugarcane (Louisiana folks can attest that they cover the roads during harvest time). It somehow got in the belt and it shredded the belt. Knocked the ring on the outside of the pulley off to. Had to get a new pulley also. HD replaced it under warranty for me, so I cannot complain.

 

Harley warranted my original belt @ 25K as it showed unusual wear. I paid to have the rear pulley replaced. On the way home (no $hit) the new belt broke. My dealer picked up the bike and replaced it no problem. I have just replaced it again @70K. While the bike was in for warranty service on the tranny, they found unusual wear on the front pulley, it was warranted but, the belt was starting to go so I bought a new one and another rear pulley. Now let's face it the new belt breaking was either a fluke, or it was installed too tight. In either case I did get stuck once for about five minutes. Luckily a friend of mine was on his way home from work and picked me up.
I still find the belts to be as reliable as any other final drive and much more maintenance free.
The bike by the way is an '05 Road Glide.

 

My '04 Fatboy's belt was gone at 25k - teeth breaking off. Seven years old but garage
kept and NO solvents or anything like that on it. Cost me $531 and not even a kiss.
Mechanic said new belts are cheaper than the ones from the 90's that went 100k.

 

Never seen one break except in the burn out pit.

 

3 belts within 70000 miles,WOW!
I'm sure the pullies and alignment were overlooked.

 

I have only broke a couple on a Kawasaki 440LTD or was that a 454?

 

Guess I've been lucky, I have never broke a belt, chain, or shaft. I was once with a buddy back when I had a Kaw KZ1000 when he broke a chain, I never want another chain after seeing that.

 

Snapped a belt getting on the freeway in Vegas with a cat in a cat carrier on the back of my Sporty. I figured out that it must have snapped because when the indy changed my rear tire (didn't have time to take the rear off myself before heading to Vegas like I normally would) they didn't tension it right. Hit a big bump and SNAP went the belt. 24K on the clock when it happened.

 

The old thicker belt is Kevlar, your narrowes STRONGER belt is carbon fiber.

I've got the old fat belt and at 88,000 miles it still looks surprisingly good, as do the pulleys. I've decided to pick up an emergency belt kit before I go on my summer trips and run it till she snaps. I've heard of bikes going into the 100,000 plus range with no problems. I tour, don't hammer it, and keep it adjusted just the slightest bit more taut than most, ( not tight.)

We'll see how long it goes!