broke belt

[wedge]

+1 on running the belt looser than stock Harley spec. I use the 5/8" deflection, but without tension, just free deflection. My first belt was gone in 20,000 miles, and I have 50,000 on the current one. Tight is a problem for belt life, but it's also adding strain to bearings as well. Oh, and you can feel the bike handle better in corners once you run the belt looser. When it's too tight, it lifts the rear under acceleration in a corner which feels squirrely, and that makes people think they need to replace engine mounts. The engine mount doesn't actually affect the swing arm, so that is a myth.

Also, the belt guards, lower especially, but upper one too just keep debris from falling out before it gets trapped in the belt and causes damage. I don't run any belt guards, and I don't run that sprocket cover either. I'm all about dependable and solid, and all that extra crap is contrary to solid and dependable.

[mikeLI_77]

Originally Posted by merc

which is the better belt?

Bike Bandit Goodyear Falcon SPC
Bike Bandit Drag Specialties
J&P cycles BDL Goodyear Falcon
J&P cycles BDL Panther

Goodyear falcon spc according to hammer is a better belt. It was used on one of the Buells. I am on my second one. It is thicker than a stock Harley one and noticeably stiffer I thought but I did break one while I was going about 20 mph riding skyline drive. But I don't think my rear wheel was aligned properly from when I put it on after my stock one broke.