| Author | Message | ||
     Moonrunrs |
The final year XB models had final drive belts that would theoretically last the life of the bike, correct? What model years did this start? I have a 2003 but want to change to the late model belt if it lasts the life of the bike. Thx. | ||
| Phelan |
If you have the original pulleys, you will have to get 04-up pulleys as well, because 03s had a unique pitch and tooth count. | ||
| Sifo |
My "lifetime" belt lasted about 30K miles. Based on that single data point I've decided to swap it at about 25K intervals. Now at least I have a spare that could get me by for a while if I do break a belt. I'm not sure of the history of the lifetime belt, but I know they have been improved upon over the years. I think they all fit the 04 and up pulleys as Phelan mentioned. From there, it's all about how old the stock is where you are buying from. I would trust American Sport Bike to have the current, bestest, longest lasting lifetime belt that is guaranteed to last the entire lifetime of the belt.  | ||
| Nik |
In this case "Lifetime" doesn't mean life of the bike. It means life of the belt. The belt will last as long as it will last. Just like there is no set interval for tire replacement, there is no set interval for the "Lifetime" belts. To continue the tire metaphor; sometimes you will get thousands of miles out of them, riding them until the chords show, and sometimes they'll need to be replaced after nearly no miles at all due to dry rot after sitting some time. Previously they had a specified interval of 25k miles, which is as much as many bikes will go in their lifetimes. In practice I keep an eye on mine, do a closer inspection during tire changes, and replace it roughly every 25k at a convenient time. But I also replaced the last belt "early" because when my output shaft bearing went it slipped a few teeth, and I didn't want to risk being stranded. | ||
| Froggy |
Starting with the 2006 models is when they have the "lifetime" belts. The belts got revised a few times over the years, the newest belts are more durable and are direct replacements for the older belts, the part number is superseded. That said, like mentioned before the only way to get that belt is by changing all the other belt related parts to the 2004+ stuff. In theory the belt should last the life of the bike, just like the headlights, handle bars, and ECM. Given the average motorcycle isn't ridden much (few thousand miles a year is high), there are many Buells out there with the original belt. Whether it will last the life of your bike is impossible to say. | ||
| Smashman |
The newer belts have a shelf life of 5 or 6 years (used or not) and 60k miles life expectancy. I broke the factory installed belt on my 2008 Uly at 18k miles. Got educated by Al at American Sport Bike on the matter! |
