I have a 2010 Sportster Custom with 8200 miles and snapped my belt yesterday morning. It's a daily ride and well taken care of. I already ordered a new Falcon belt but hopping you guys could shine some light or point me in the right direction on what could cause a break that early. Doing the install myself and have already done the tear down to install new belt, inspected both pulleys for wear or signs that a rock may have jammed in there. No apparent signs of anything. Any help would be appreciated.

 

The pulley. Is it a stock pulley?

 

Yes the bike is completely factory. I bought the bike four months ago with 1300 miles. It's a 137 Tooth belt.

 

A foreign object between belt and pulley can do that.

 

If it helps to know I was in 5th gear crushing around 70mph when it went.

 

Wouldn't a foreign object leave some evidence like a pit in the pulley. I'm not new too wrenching but am new to Harley's

 

Well, I guess there always can be a faulty belt to begin with or you just picked up something from the road, pretty much as a puncture, you'll never know when it comes. As far as I see you haven't done anything wrong.

 

Thanks. As far as tension on the new belt, planning on getting the tension tool from harley or is that a big waste of cash.

 

It's up to you. My '07 wants real loose belt to avoid wobble above 100 MPH. If I used that tool I'd be in trouble.

 

I hate seeing stories like this. I live down 3 1/2 miles of gravel and worry about something like this all the time. One question, were all the belt guards in place or had they been removed? Just wondering cause I've been told if they are in place I shouldn't have a problem. I'd like to think that's possible but I've heard rocks getting thrown up and clanging around several times. Not a good feeling if you know what I mean.