If you own a Harley Davidson, then you probably know that keeping your bike in top condition is key to making it run trouble-free for a long time.
One of the most important components of your bike is the drive belt. The drive belt transfers power from the engine to the rear wheel, so if it’s not in good shape, you’ll be in for a bad time.
Luckily, if your drive belt needs replacement – it’s not as expensive as you might think. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Harley Davidson drive belt replacement cost.
Keep reading to learn more!
Also Read: Average Motorcycle Clutch Replacement Cost
Harley Davidson Drive Belt Replacement Cost
The average cost of replacing a Harley Davidson drive belt is between $300 and $400 in labor alone. Assuming that a drive belt usually costs $150 to $200, the whole job including parts and labor could cost you $450 to $600.
However, the exact cost will depend on the model of your bike, the dealership, or the shop.
Another thing to note is that in order to replace the drive belt, it is necessary to remove the primary, which gives you a great opportunity to inspect for any worn or damaged parts. If the mechanic finds worn bearings, chain, or anything else – the overall repair cost will increase significantly.
Now, replacing the drive belt usually takes 4 hours, and most independent shops charge $80 to $100 for 1 hour of labor, while dealerships can charge over $140. So, if you’re looking to save some money, it’s best to let your local shop take care of it, or better yet – you can do the job yourself!
Replacing a drive belt on most Harleys is not as difficult as it might seem at first sight. If you have experience working on your bike or car, it’s likely that you can do it yourself with little to no trouble.
How Often Should a Harley Drive Belt Be Changed?
The Harley Davidson drive belt replacement interval used to be 60,000 miles, but because drive belt technology got better over the years, the replacement interval was scrapped and changed to an inspection interval.
Now, the recommendation is to inspect your drive belt every 5,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. The inspection is pretty simple – you just need to look for any cracks in the belt or damage to the pulleys and check the belt tension.
I personally check my drive belt every time I do an oil change since it only takes a few minutes, and it’s always good to keep an eye on the condition of your bike. If you take care of the bike in the garage, then the bike will take care of you on the road.
If the belt looks damaged, it’s best to replace it right away to avoid any problems down the road.
How to Save Money on Drive Belt Replacement
If you’re looking to save some money on the drive belt replacement for your Harley Davidson, then there are a few things you can do.
First of all, avoid dealerships. They will almost always charge you more than an independent shop and most independent shops can do the job just as well.
Secondly, if you’re experienced with working on your bike, you can replace the drive belt yourself. It’s not a very difficult job and you can save yourself a few hundred dollars in labor costs.
You do need a decent collection of Allen bits to do the job, but if you’re serious about working on your bike, it’s a good investment anyway.
Finally, make sure to buy a high-quality drive belt. A good quality belt will last longer and won’t need to be replaced as often, so in the long run, it’s actually cheaper.
What Is the Strongest Harley Drive Belt for High HP?
In my experience, the strongest Harley drive belt is the stock Gates belt, but as long as you buy a belt from a known brand, then you shouldn’t have problems.
With that said, if you’re going for big HP and want your drive belt to handle it – you’re much better off with a chain conversion.
Harley Davidson went for the belt drive mostly to reduce noise, but the thing is, a belt drive will never be able to handle big torque and HP as well as a chain drive.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – everything you need to know about Harley Davidson drive belt replacement and its cost.
Replacing the belt is not a difficult job, but if you’re not experienced with working on your bike, it’s best to let a professional do it.
The cost of replacing the drive belt can vary depending on where you go, but it’s usually around $400 – $500. You can save some money by doing the job yourself or by avoiding dealerships, but either way – it’s not a cheap repair.
I hope this article was helpful and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
Ride safe!
Jake is the site’s primary contributor.
Motorcycles and automotive repair have been a big part of his family for generations, therefore it’s only natural that he decided to become a heavy-duty diesel tech.
Outside of work, you’ll find Jake restoring and riding rare street bikes and ATVs.