Motorcycle riders have three driveline options when selecting bikes: chain, shaft, and belt. Each of them has different maintenance requirements, so riders are encouraged to explore the pros and cons of each and why belts are popular with Harley-Davidson owners.

 

Safety is Always Important

 

First, riders need to understand that chains continue to power most bikes in use today. However, shaft and belt drive models are increasingly common. Harley-Davidson is the number-one producer of motorcycles in the U.S., and the manufacturer long ago chose to use belts rather than other options. Safety is one issue, but so is cost. When chains fail, injuries often occur when they fly around and strike the rider. Belts, on the other hand, rarely fail, and when they do, they don’t usually hit riders. Belts cost more to replace than chains, but they last far longer. Shaft drive systems are also safe, but they are expensive to produce and replace should they fail.

 

Consider Quiet and Comfort

 

Here again, each option has its own pros and cons. Chains are noisy and rather harsh. Shaft drives are quiet and comfortable but have some lash when backing off the throttle. Belts fall between those two options, and many riders prefer them because they’re quiet and are considered more efficient at transferring power than shafts.

 

Belts Have a Couple of Disadvantages

 

The major disadvantage of a Harley Davidson drive belt is that using a belt-driven bike off-road is not a good idea. Chains and shafts are recommended for riders who plan to take their bikes off the beaten path. The dirt and snapping that drivelines experience when off-road don’t agree with belts.

 

Belts also take up more space than chains, which is a factor to consider. Harley-Davidsons are ideal bikes for belt-drive systems as their horsepower and RPM range don’t negatively impact the lifespan of belts. The overall advantages keep the manufacturer committed to belts.

 

Maintaining Your Harley-Davidson’s Drive Belt

 

While Harley-Davidson drive belts are designed to last for up to 100,000 miles, they require some maintenance. The primary chore is inspecting the belt for damage, and owners should examine their bike’s drive belt at least every 5,000 miles. However, erring on the side of caution is strongly advised. Since the inspection process is so simple, inspecting the belt more often isn’t usually an issue.

 

Now, there are a couple of situations that require more frequent inspections. If your bike is modified or has Stage 2, 3, or 4 performance upgrades, the added power can result in additional wear to the drive belt. In those cases, examine the belt at least every 2,000 to 3,000 miles.

 

While older belts will show signs of wear, understand that wear is normal and should be expected. While worn belts must be replaced eventually, other signs of damage should always be taken seriously. If a belt develops cracks or missing chunks, riders are encouraged to replace the belt immediately. No one wants to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with a broken drive belt. Drive belts are far easier to replace in a shop than out on the road.

 

Keep in mind that Harley-Davidson recommends inspecting the drive belt after the first 1,000 miles of use and every 5,000 miles thereafter for standard belts on unmodified bikes. The belt tension should be checked and adjusted as needed because loose or tight belts impact the bike’s performance and the life of the belt.

 

Damage is usually caused by stones that get caught and pushed through the belt as it passes over the sprockets. HD experts recommend that anyone living or driving on gravel or dirt roads inspect the drive belt often. In addition, riders who elect to remove the lower belt guard are more likely to experience drive belt damage.

 

If a belt suffers stone damage and must be replaced, checking the sprocket teeth is a must, as they may be damaged as the stone passes over them. The upshot here is that riding on gravel or dirt should be avoided when possible, and if you must ride in those conditions, take it slow and inspect the belt often.

 

Replacing a Harley-Davidson Drive Belt

 

Most riders are encouraged to take their bike in when the drive belt needs replacing. The belt usually costs between $150 and $200, and the actual replacement takes roughly four hours. If the shop charges $150 per hour for labor, the total cost would be around $700 or $800.

 

The upside here is that tech will examine the primary during the belt repair, so if any repairs are needed there, the labor costs should be reduced. The important thing to remember is that, once the repairs are completed, you’re good to go for a lot more miles.

 

Remember that different belts are available. If you’re one of those Stage 2, 3, or 4 owners, consider upgrading to the strongest belt available to deal with that extra power. The shop should have different belt options to use, depending on your bike and riding habits.

 

Some riders can change the belt themselves, but attempting the repair without training or the proper tools is not recommended. Even experienced mechanics who’ve never replaced a drive belt before are encouraged to research the procedure before starting to ensure they have everything needed to complete the repair.

 

Don’t Ignore Belt Damage or Excessive Wear

 

When inspecting your bike’s drive belt, don’t ignore damage or wear that could result in belt failure during a ride. Having a belt break while riding isn’t a major safety threat, but it will cause some serious inconvenience. In most cases, you’ll need to haul the bike somewhere to have it repaired, and that can create costly delays if you’re far from home. Always replace worn or damaged belts before riding.

 

Got Questions?

 

If you have any questions related to your Harley-Davidson’s drive belt, take the time to contact a service expert for advice. As noted earlier, erring on the side of caution is always recommended when it comes to replacing a drive belt.