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Johndb
| Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 01:46 pm: |
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My friend, his brother and I will be leaving in a week for a 5 day trip from the Chicago area to the Great Smoky Mountains, the National Park there, Deals Gap, Gatlinburg and other points of interest. My '06 Uly only has 4K miles, and it was not put into service until June of '08 by it's original owner. Do I need to worry about the belt if it looks good, or does anyone have a used, spare belt that I could buy, borrow, or rent as a safety backup? I don't have the dough for a new belt at this time. |
Froggy
| Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 02:02 pm: |
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Belts can last anywhere from 5 miles to 500,000 miles. They go when they please, it is a good idea to have a used spare with you, as it doesn't take up much space and can prevent a trip from being ruined in the event of you needing one. New belts are a pain to put on, so often people will swap out a belt early by putting on a brand new belt at their leisure in their garage, that way they have a stretched out used belt as an emergency spare. Keep an eye on ebay, but be carefull as used belts often sell for more than new. |
Etennuly
| Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 03:07 pm: |
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I have my take off spare and intend to keep it as a spare. Having said that, if you are in the Smoky Mountain area(my neighborhood) and happen to break yours, post here and I would do my best to get it to you. |
Scooter808484
| Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 03:49 pm: |
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Froggy...If I get that 5 mile belt I'm gonna be POd!! |
Nipsey
| Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 04:21 pm: |
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Ditto to what Vern said - if you are in the Indy area and break a belt I will assist as best I can |
Flynuly
| Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 06:01 pm: |
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I have built quite a spares list of new and used parts if you run into trouble give shout out. I'm in eastern NC & on the BRAN with a '06 Uly. Will be happy to help anyway we can. |
Ourdee
| Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 06:35 pm: |
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Pack the Bran, and get phone numbers for anyone that offers help ahead of time. |
Rwven
| Posted on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 07:28 pm: |
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Try to spin the idler pulley by hand. If it turns easily your belt has stretched some. That doesn't mean it will break soon but it's an indicator of wear. There have been several revisions since that original '06 belt was installed, each was supposed to be an improvement. I know the new belt I installed last year is still tight after 10,000 miles, the original '08 was loose after a few thousand. |
Johndb
| Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2011 - 02:55 am: |
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Thanks for all the advice and the offers of assistance should I require it. What a great bunch! I'll post pictures after or even during the trip. - John |
Johndb
| Posted on Thursday, May 12, 2011 - 04:57 pm: |
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I called Joanne at American Sportbike. Al was picking up parts today, and may have extra belts for stock. She may be able to ship one my way this afternoon or tomorrow, and I could get it in a few days. I'm leaving Friday the 20th, so I'll have to decide if I'm changing the belt or just bringing the new one along as a security blanket! |
Gunut75
| Posted on Friday, May 13, 2011 - 12:12 am: |
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I would put the new one on, and keep the nice flexible one for a spare. If the new one is a later revision, it will be a better belt anyhow. Plus, putting on a new belt on the side of the road is harder than putting on a used one. |
Uly_man
| Posted on Friday, May 13, 2011 - 07:34 am: |
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Johndb. I know you say you do not have the money but try to get one as you will need it sooner or later anyway. If the belt goes on a trip, as mine did, it will ruin the holiday for everyone. The old belt may be ok but it is NOT worth the risk. Trust me I know. I am on my third at 15k miles and have a spare at home as most UK HD dealers do not stock them. If you do take one make sure you have the right tools, know how to do it and that the wheel spindle is free on the spacer. It takes about 30 mins on the road side to do with the latest belt or at least that was with me. Try not to lose any bits etc. Have a good trip. |
Johndb
| Posted on Friday, May 13, 2011 - 11:29 am: |
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New belt will be here Wednesday! I'll make the time to change it before I leave, and pack the old one as a spare. |
Yournamehere
| Posted on Friday, May 13, 2011 - 10:44 pm: |
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I'm in Asheville. Typically free during the days for the most part. I have a lift, tools, trailer, place to stay, etc. If you need anything, keep my number. Oh, I also know some sick nasty roads that are as good if not mo betta than Deal's etc. Blair Harris 828-216-3155 |
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