Broken drive belt again

[Rickus Dickus]

I have a 2007 Stratoliner with 85,000 miles. I broke a second drive belt yesterday and now looking for guidance on WHY. Do trikes need a looser belt? Doing a quick inspection I see no signs of sprocket damage and the belt looks brand new. Going to check sprocket alignment today and remove the front sprocket for a detailed inspection. These belts are not cheap (the first one I had to replace near Michigan and cost $750 (just for the belt) as I was on a group ride). If I can't figure out the problem I may convert to chain drive. Oh, I fabricated the trike myself and didn't install a cush drive.

 

[Gorilla]

Hugh hard to say what your problem is but yes the belt can be to tight. Harley suggests about a 1/2 in deflection when about 10lbs of force is put in the middle of the lower belt.

Good luck in your search for the cause. Belt breaking when not caused by a foreign object getting into the belt is unusual.

 

[Jack Klarich]

I like to run belts on the loose side

Too tight has always been a problem not only in breakage but also harder on bearings

 

[rhino 2]

I like to run belts on the loose side

Too tight has always been a problem not only in breakage but also harder on bearings

Early Spyder's belts were set too tight per Can-Am specifications and some front sprockets and main shafts were striped...Mine included...

 

[Jack Klarich]

Early Spyder's belts were set too tight per Can-Am specifications and some front sprockets and main shafts were striped...Mine included...

All my HD belts I felt were too tight from the factory

I always adjusted them a bit looser and never had any problems

 

[Rickus Dickus]

Thank You

I think I will go for a touch looser this time. I was pushing 10 pounds at 1/2" but will go for 3/4". Still planning for a chain drive mod later with a 530 chain as we plan to ride these bikes till the cows come home!!