Replace or not to replace

[jimmer116]

While having a modified exhaust put on by an independent shop they called my attention to a tiny rock chip right smack dab in the middle of the final drive belt. As we were launching for Sturgis 77th in two weeks (great time!) I took it to Salem, OR Harley to replace the belt. To his credit the service manager candidly said to not worry as the hole was in middle of belt, belt wasn't cut at edges, etc but I went ahead & shelled out $1,000 & change to replace it.

So..... did I waste my money riders??!! My '97 Wide Glide lived for 40K miles with the same condition & I sold it like that.

 

[rhino 2]

While having a modified exhaust put on by an independent shop they called my attention to a tiny rock chip right smack dab in the middle of the final drive belt. As we were launching for Sturgis 77th in two weeks (great time!) I took it to Salem, OR Harley to replace the belt. To his credit the service manager candidly said to not worry as the hole was in middle of belt, belt wasn't cut at edges, etc but I went ahead & shelled out $1,000 & change to replace it.

So..... did I waste my money riders??!! My '97 Wide Glide lived for 40K miles with the same condition & I sold it like that.

I wound't have , But you did...Why worry over spilt milk...:Shrug:

 

[Jack Klarich]

your ride u decide

The last bike I built was a 99 Sporty with aOEM belt

The customer wanted a new 1

Sportys are easy, your bike NOT so much

I have NEVERreplaced any of mine since 1988

The belts are tougher than a timing belt

 

[Phu Cat]

I think you'd have probably been OK too but am sure of one thing: I broke a belt about 10-12 years ago and it cost me $400 on a Electra Glide. If they only charged you $1000 for a Tglide where the whole rear end has to be removed I think you got a pretty good deal. That's a guess on my part, but I think it could have been much worse.

PC

 

[Mykneesbehurtin]

The belt on my wife's 93 FXLR had a small rock hole in it in about the middle.Noticed it around 25,000 miles finally replaced it at 50,000 because we were putting new wheels on it.That FXLR is probably 500 lbs lighter that a trike.The point is if its in the middle it shouldn't hurt the life of the belt,but if it gave you peace of mind it was worth every penny you paid.