So how many miles can I expect out of this belt? Mine is on a 98 883 w/21K miles. It looks ok. No cracks. No obvious wear patterns. Taking it to stugis. Should a pack a spare? I have not owned the bike long. From all I have been into the maintenance has been decent, but I have no documentation as to any particular shop (HD or otherwise) that did it. I suspect prior owner (original owner) did his own. Should it go 30K, 40K, 50K? I don't really want to be shopping for a belt along the interstate in South Dakota.

 

I don't think they have an expiration on them, I really think the style of riding has a lot to do with it more than anything else. Stone damage usually takes it's toll and dirt roads as well as gravel, but all in all , they get some great miles out most of them.

 

TC covered it pretty well, I will add proper slack/tension adjustment can make a difference as well, on the life of the belt. It still amazes me that they hold up like they do, I remember the first time I saw one, I thought to myself that won't last long, boy was I wrong.

John TN

 

You can get 30K out of a good chain. You should expect 70-100K out of a belt. Belts are called "maintenance-free" for a good reason. The one thing that can kill a belt quickly is gravel. If you get a rock stuck in there, then it can shred within a few hours.

 

Thanks for the info. that makes me feel a little better. I'll check the tension again this weekend. First one of these new fangled belt things i've had.

 

if your going to pack a spare belt youll need to pack a jack, and a crap load of spare tools!!

 

I got about 65,000 out of the Roadking. Wife had 47,000 on the Lowrider when we sold it.

If you are going to carry a spare belt, it would just about have to be a temporary. HD has them. To do a belt change on the road will require a bunch of tools. More than you could carry on a Sportster with any degree of convience.

Regards,

Bill

 

I found one on ebay for 20 bucks and thought I would keep it around for a spare. Couple of the guys I'm riding with are pulling trailers, so we will have some tools. But, based on what I am hearing i don't think I am going to worry about it. The belt has 21K on it and looks fine. My prior bike had a chain so I just was not sure what to expect out of this deal. Thanks for all the input. jb

 

I'm still on my first one

 

my hat is off to you my friend. That is some serious riding.