Tempted To Trade Her In

[apex1_imp]

Doc...just going by things I have heard... Isn't the life expectancy of a belt generally less than that of an oring chain? Doesn't it take a specific tool to adjust, and isn't it very difficult to replace?

I am still on my original belt with 110,000km (68,000 miles) and still have room for tightening yet.

I am still on my original belt with 110,000km (68,000 miles) and still have room for tightening yet.

Doc...just going by things I have heard... Isn't the life expectancy of a belt generally less than that of an oring chain? Doesn't it take a specific tool to adjust, and isn't it very difficult to replace?

Based upon input on the XLForum, life expectancy is very long. Howver, a pebble thrown between belt and pulley can beak it...they do not stretch at all...adjustment is seldom required. When tension warrants adjustment, just move the axle, as on a CB. Slack is measured same as chain.

Never had to replace, personally, but have high-mileage friends who has done it on the road. I understand about the same as replacing a closed loop chain (pull axle, remove one shock).

I was cautious on fire roads, but no problems.

Taking youngest grandson to ranch in Arizona, tomorrow...no email or internet for 3 days. Have a safe trip!

Based upon input on the XLForum, life expectancy is very long. Howver, a pebble thrown between belt and pulley can beak it...they do not stretch at all...adjustment is seldom required. When tension warrants adjustment, just move the axle, as on a CB. Slack is measured same as chain.

Never had to replace, personally, but have high-mileage friends who has done it on the road. I understand about the same as replacing a closed loop chain (pull axle, remove one shock).

I was cautious on fire roads, but no problems.

Taking youngest grandson to ranch in Arizona, tomorrow...no email or internet for 3 days. Have a safe trip!

Interesting. ONe time when I was researching the differences between belt, chain and shaft for life expectancy, servicability etc for an internet conversation, I thought I had read the belt should be replaced every 25,000 miles, that belt tension was measured with a tool nobody but the dealer had, and that replacing it was a hard as replacing the clutch on a BMW.

I am still on my original belt with 110,000km (68,000 miles) and still have room for tightening yet.

Doc...just going by things I have heard... Isn't the life expectancy of a belt generally less than that of an oring chain? Doesn't it take a specific tool to adjust, and isn't it very difficult to replace?

Based upon input on the XLForum, life expectancy is very long. Howver, a pebble thrown between belt and pulley can beak it...they do not stretch at all...adjustment is seldom required. When tension warrants adjustment, just move the axle, as on a CB. Slack is measured same as chain.

Never had to replace, personally, but have high-mileage friends who has done it on the road. I understand about the same as replacing a closed loop chain (pull axle, remove one shock).

I was cautious on fire roads, but no problems.

Taking youngest grandson to ranch in Arizona, tomorrow...no email or internet for 3 days. Have a safe trip!

Based upon input on the XLForum, life expectancy is very long. Howver, a pebble thrown between belt and pulley can beak it...they do not stretch at all...adjustment is seldom required. When tension warrants adjustment, just move the axle, as on a CB. Slack is measured same as chain.

Never had to replace, personally, but have high-mileage friends who has done it on the road. I understand about the same as replacing a closed loop chain (pull axle, remove one shock).

I was cautious on fire roads, but no problems.

Taking youngest grandson to ranch in Arizona, tomorrow...no email or internet for 3 days. Have a safe trip!

Interesting. ONe time when I was researching the differences between belt, chain and shaft for life expectancy, servicability etc for an internet conversation, I thought I had read the belt should be replaced every 25,000 miles, that belt tension was measured with a tool nobody but the dealer had, and that replacing it was a hard as replacing the clutch on a BMW.
My Road King has its original belt at 28,000 miles. On visual inspection, it looks just fine. I can't remember the last time it needed adjustment between tire changes. There is a special tool to check tension, but it is a little spring loaded thing and is cheap to buy, although with a bit of experience you don't need it. All that said, to replace a belt on my Road King requires removal of the swingarm, which requires pounding the rear swingarm bolt out from rubber bushings called cleveblocs, which can be an enormous pain. Once that is done, you have to remove the inner primary, which is another major disassembly headache. Off comes the outer cover, then the stator and compensator, along with the clutch to get the primary chain off. Mine is a bit older so the exhaust system comes off to access the starter, which also comes off. It is not a roadside affair.