Triumphrat

mustang66man · 11-05-2009, 11:49 AM

After almost 3 months of going in circles trying to get my damaged belt replaced (hole in my belt) it's finally on. Took it to my dealer and the put it on. Two things to note: There was a thread out about where the belt sits on the pully some time back. Most everbody said it laid up against one side of the pully including mine assuming they will drift a bit. My new one is almost dead center of the pully and after the 35 mile trip home, it still is. Second thing: the cost was $328 for the belt and $160 labor.When I purchased insurance for my bike, I decided to go with the $100 deductable in stead of the $500 option for the comprehensive coverage..The price difference was about $15 a year more. Glad I made that choice.Total out of my pocket for this repair $100.

dazco · 11-05-2009, 01:07 PM

I still wonder about that tho. What if the wheel alignment is off when it's adjusted so the belt lines up in the middle? I do worry tho because i noticed a lot of what appears to be brake dust on the rear wheel lately where they wasn't much before. So i began wondering if it is actually BELT dust from running against the flange. I may have to try adjusting it in the middle, but i'd sure like to hear the last word on this. Maybe the way to get that is call a HD dealer and ask the service dept. If anyone would know they would.

31712 · 11-05-2009, 01:15 PM

I've read in numerous places that the belt should ride to the outside of the pulley. I even discussed this with a mechanic at the dealer where I bought it and he concurred. Is the belt making any noise? Chiping, chattering or the like? Mine is still whining, and making a "woob-woob-woob" noise in first and second gear at about 2500rpm.

dazco · 11-05-2009, 01:29 PM

I think so too. It does make sense that the belt couldn't stay in the middle for long, and furthermore you would have to ignore wheel alignment to get it to ride perfectly in the middle. i suspect if it does ride in the middle it won't for long. as things wear and change the ultra fine balance i would think it takes for that would change slightly and make it ride up against one side again.

Anyways, i called gates, the manufacturer of the belt and they said that it's normal in all belt applications be it industrial, automotive or motorcycle for the belt to ride up against one side. But i assume if it just so happens that on your particular bike that when the wheel is aligned right the belt happens to be in the middle, so much the better i guess. But it supposedly doesn't have to be in the middle and is not expected to.

hypervista · 11-05-2009, 01:49 PM

I'm in the office and don't have the service manual with me.... I wonder what the service manual says on this topic...

I'll check that tonight when I get home.

Mine rides off-center too, but no noises or issues.

mustang66man · 11-05-2009, 01:55 PM

I'll keep an eye on it and see if it doesn't eventually drift over. I was actually surprized to see it in the middle. I've never had any noises with the old belt or yet on the new one, and looking at the old one there is no sign that it was wearing along one side more than the other.

mad_angler · 11-05-2009, 07:25 PM

my belt sits against the outside rim always, my wheel is absolutely bang on with alignment, less than 1mm out (yes i am sad and obsessive

) other than wheel alignment i don't see how you would set it in the middle,

one other thing i don't think the front pulley has a rim on the inside,that one is a lot wider than the main back one.

31712 · 11-05-2009, 11:15 PM

How are you checking the alignment?

Quote:

Originally Posted by mad_angler

my belt sits against the outside rim always, my wheel is absolutely bang on with alignment, less than 1mm out (yes i am sad and obsessive

) other than wheel alignment i don't see how you would set it in the middle,

one other thing i don't think the front pulley has a rim on the inside,that one is a lot wider than the main back one.

fatbob307 · 11-06-2009, 12:56 AM

[ I do worry tho because i noticed a lot of what appears to be brake dust on the rear wheel lately where they wasn't much before. So i began wondering if it is actually BELT dust from running against the flange. ]

That is TIRE dust that is all over your rear wheel. The only way to avoid that is to park your bike or ride extremely gently (no fun either of those).

Fatbob

dazco · 11-06-2009, 01:12 AM

well, the reason i didn't think it was tire dust or brake dust is that i've never had it before in 5k+ miles to this degree. It's literally 70-80% worse than normal.