Bikers know the importance of a well-maintained Harley Davidson. But sometimes, even veteran bikers forget to replace crucial parts. One of these is the drive belt, a stretch-resistant component made from tensile cords. Since it is so durable, even the most experienced drivers can lose track of this component. Like any other bike part, drive belts need to be changed when they’re worn out.
| NAME | Material | Number of Teeth | Fitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goodyear Falcon SPC | Carbon fiber | 128 | 1991-2003 Sportster |
| Cavalry 1 Inch 137T Rear Drive Belt | Carbon fiber | 137 | 2011-2017 XL883N Sportster, 2007-2018 XL1200CX Sportster, 2007-2012 Harley Davidson XL1200R/N/T |
| Ultima | Carbon fiber | 139 | 2004-06 Electra Glide FLHT Ultra FLTR Road Glide, FLHR Road King |
| Gates | Carbon Fiber with Neoprene rubber | 135 | Harley Heritage Softail, Fat Boy, Springer, Night Train 2000-2006 |
| Youxmoto | Carbon polyurethane (PU) | 136 | Harley Davidson 1985-1987 FLHT Electra Glide, Tour Glide Ultra Classic |
Good thing we have you covered with this list of the best final drive belts for Harley Davidson bikes.
Table of Contents
1. Goodyear Falcon SPC Final Drive Belt
If you require a high-efficiency drive belt for your Harley Davidson, then the Goodyear Falcon is probably one of the best options out there.
This drive belt is produced by one of the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. It’s made with long-lasting carbon fiber and a top-notch rubber compound. The latter allows the belt to operate at varying temperatures.
You don’t need to lubricate or adjust the tension of the Falcon drive belt after installation. Using the Falcon drive belt can help reduce your maintenance costs.
Best Feature
The sprocket system on the Falcon drive belt ensures that it operates with minimal noise. Plus, the superior quality of the rubber used in the drive belt resists flex-fatigue much better than other drive belts.
Drawback
Brand recognition comes at a price. You might get a sticker shock if you try to buy this from a dealer. Shop for better deals online.
Pros
- Durable carbon fiber
- High-grade rubber compound
- Works under extreme temperatures
- Flexible and compact design
- Resistant to wear and tear
- Quieter operation than other carbon drive belt systems
Cons
- Expensive
2. Belt Drives Falcon SPC Rear Drive Belt
This OEM-quality belt is a great choice for bikes that run for hours a day over rugged terrain. This skillfully crafted drive belt is ideal for heavy horsepower bikes. Each belt is made with a solid rubber compound and reinforced carbon fiber. After the initial riding period, you may need to readjust the tension in most drive belts. But with this Belt Drives product, this is no longer necessary.
Best Feature
A lot of drive belts are notorious for the unbearable sound they make while functioning. If you’re looking for a quiet ride, opt for the Falcon drive belt. According to some reviews, it operates with less noise than other products on the market.
Drawback
Since it is engineered by a major bike parts brand, this drive belt can be more costly. While you do get excellent quality for the price, your budget might take a hit.
Pros
- Less noise while the engine is running
- Long-lasting carbon fiber
- Superior rubber compound
- Low maintenance
- Extremely durable
Cons
- Expensive
- May put a considerable load on the nuts, bolts, and bearings of a Harley
3. Ultima Rear Drive Belt Harley Electra Glide
The Ultima rear drive belt is designed to handle high horsepower engines. This unit comes with a board-bearing fitting, an extra plate clutch, and 85-mm wide Goodyear belts.
Best Feature
If you’re looking for a sturdy and affordable drive belt for your Harley Davidson, then the Ultima must be on your shortlist.
Drawback
This drive belt works best with FLTR and FLHR Harleys rolled out over a decade ago. Since it is an older product, you may have a hard time finding it online.
Pros
- High horsepower functioning
- Features an outboard bearing system
- Comes with an extra plate clutch assembly
- Affordable
- Extremely durable
Cons
- It May not fit the latest Harley models
4. Gates Polychain Final Drive Belts
If you’re looking for a drive belt that requires less lubrication and adjustment, consider the Gates Polychain model. These drive belts have a neoprene rubber backing that reduces friction and vibrations. Plus, these drive belts are resistant to chemicals and rust.
When you place your order, make sure you get the correct belt dimensions for your bike. Double-check the number of teeth, just to be on the safe side.
Best Feature
Some drive belts have teeth made with poor-quality rubber. As a result, the air gets trapped between the pulley and the belts. These air pockets create a lot of noise and can potentially damage the drive belt.
With the Gates Polychain drive belts, you don’t have to face this problem. The neoprene rubber ensures a seamless fit between the drive belts and pulleys. You get a drive belt that functions smoothly and quietly.
Drawback
This drive belt comes in several sizes, which can be confusing. It is also designed for older Harley models, so it may not match newer bikes.
Pros
- Resistant to chemicals and rust
- Low maintenance
- A good alternative to OEM drive belts
- Made from neoprene rubber
- The design prevents air pockets
Cons
- No warranty claims
- It May is not fit newer Harley models
5. Youxmoto Rear Drive Belt
Looking for a drive belt suitable for classic Harley Davidson models? Good thing the Youxmoto rear drive belt fits most Harleys manufactured from the 1980s to the early 2000s.
That’s not the only thing working in its favor. These belts are made from top-quality carbon fiber and engineered by Goodyear. This material provides 50% more tensile power than basic aramid-reinforced drive belts. Also, the belts have high-temperature rubber for a longer lifespan. The teeth on these belts are reinforced with fabric for better protection against wear and tear.
Best Feature
If you have several older bikes, you’ll benefit from the versatility of this product. This is one of the most durable belts out there, thanks to its sturdy materials and excellent design. It is also resistant to debris and rust.
Drawback
This drive belt may not fit the latest Harley Davidson models.
Pros
- Fits most Harley models
- Cost-effective
- Carbon fiber framework
- Made with durable rubber compounds ensuring a long service period
- Teeth are reinforced with fabric, making them resistant to wear and tear.
- Provides 50 % more tensile strength than aramid
Con
- Warranty only covers 1 year
Buyer’s Guide – Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Final Drive Belt
Before purchasing a final drive belt for your Harley, you need to consider these factors:
Compatible Dimensions
Ensure that the drive belt you purchase is compatible with your bike model. Take accurate measurements of your previous drive belt and compare them with the new one you’re planning to buy. Don’t forget to check the number of teeth required.
If you’re uncertain about the dimensions, consult the user manual.
Durable Materials
Always check the material used in manufacturing the drive belts. Carbon fiber-reinforced and neoprene rubber drive belts are amongst the best in the market today.
Nowadays, drive belts are often made with carbon fiber, extremely durable material with high tensile strength. Older belts were usually made from aramid. However, this material has fallen out of favor with some bikers because it offers less tensile strength.
Drive belts that have rubber or fabric are less prone to abrasion. This means they don’t wear out that quickly. These drive belts function smoothly without noise. Also, neoprene rubber remains moist for a long time. As a result, drive belts made with this material won’t need frequent lubrication.
If you ever need to replace your drive belts, go for products made with these innovative materials. The initial outlay may drain your pockets, but it will benefit you and your bike in the long run.
Low Maintenance
Does your current drive belt need to be cleaned and adjusted often? There’s a chance you may have to replace it with a low-maintenance model. Belts made from neoprene rubber and carbon fiber fit the bill. These materials are resistant to abrasion, rust, and chemicals. You are more likely to hit 100,000 miles before needing a replacement drive belt.
Cost-Efficiency
It’s good to be on a budget. But sometimes, spending extra money on high-quality products is a wise decision. Ideally, you should invest in motorcycle parts made by trusted brands. Not only does it ensure your bike runs smoothly, but it also contributes to your safety.
If you’re on a limited budget, make sure you can buy a more affordable drive belt with OEM quality.
Cheap, flimsy belts may save you money at first. But in the long run, they can’t stand up to the demands of your Harley. They may cause an accident if they snap in the middle of a ride.
A top-notch belt can last for years. You’ll end up saving more money in the long run.
Why Should You Replace the Final Drive Belt on Your Harley Davidson?
Usually, this is obvious because your drive belt snaps and you have to halt your journey. But you also need to change your rear-drive belt under these conditions:
Before You Reach 100,000 Miles
A Harley’s drive belt usually requires less attention and maintenance compared with other bike parts. But that doesn’t make it immune to regular wear and tear. A good quality drive belt rarely requires lubrication and cleaning. But after a few thousand miles, you should check the condition and tension of your belt.
After Sustaining Damage
Do you like traveling over rough roads or gravel-lined lanes? Have you gone through a deep pothole recently? These conditions can damage your bike. A drive belt may also tear when a tiny pebble punches through it. When this happens, you have to change the belt.
You want to also make sure that the belt doesn’t have too much tension in it. This can wear out the drive belt faster. If that happens, then there’s a chance it can ratchet.
Odd Sounds from Your Bike
Some drive belts on Harleys tend to make a lot of noise while functioning. This is caused by the accumulation of dust and dirt. Other possible reasons are
- A misaligned belt
- Normal wear and tear
- Air pockets between the belt and pulleys
Usually, you can get rid of this noise with cleaning and basic maintenance. But if you still face this problem even after a thorough tune-up and cleaning, you may have to change your drive belt.
What Is the Difference Between a Chain Drive and Drive Belt?
You’ve probably come across these terms: chain drives and drive belts. The primary goal of both is to provide locomotion or move the bike. What’s the difference? The key distinction is in their structure.
Chain Drives
Theoretically, chain drives are stronger and more long-lasting than drive belts. That’s why they are preferred for automobiles, military tanks, and mining equipment.
However, the downside of chain drives is that they need to be lubricated and maintained more frequently. Chain drives are also notorious for getting stuck or tangled while the bike is running.
Drive Belts
Drive belts are now made from rubber and carbon fiber. Both these materials are extremely durable and low-maintenance. You don’t need to make frequent adjustments or put in lubrication when you have this part. Newer drive belts are also cleaner and quieter than chain drives. However, they are still prone to slipping or snapping.
However, you must not confuse a chain drive for a drive belt. Harley Davidson moved back to using drive belts in their models. They reappeared first on the Harley Davidson FXB Sturgis in 1980. Now, most Harleys employ drive belts.
Frequently Asked Questions
After installing the new drive belt, you should inspect it after your bike covers the first 1,000 miles. You can check the belt yourself or take it to a mechanic.
Check the tension of the drive belts. Make sure there are no visible tears or holes that can cause the belt to snap.
After the first inspection, you should get your drive belts checked after every oil change or after the bike completes 5,000 miles. These inspections ensure the smooth functioning of your drive belts.
If you want to have a look at the drive belt, all you have to do is rotate the back wheel and inspect the insides and outsides of the drive belt.
Check for tears, holes, broken teeth, chipping, and cracks. Don’t worry about a few scratches and nicks. But if you see major damage like holes or gashes, then you need a replacement.
Next, inspect the pulleys. If your pulleys are chromed, you want to ensure that the materials on the surface don’t flake off. Materials like rubber and carbon fiber make the belts durable and long-lasting.
Here are some ways to extend the life of your drive belt:
● When storing a new drive belt, never bend it backward. Do not loop the belt into a circle smaller than 5 inches.
● Check the user manual if you need to skip the lubrication.
● Inspect your bike if you pass through roads filled with debris.
● When reinstalled, old belts should rotate in the original direction.
The common reasons for a drive belt slippage are:
● Too much lubrication
● Misalignment
● Not enough or too much tension
● Wrong belt size for the bike model
If you have one of the latest drive belts, you may not have to lubricate it at all. The latest drive belts are naturally moist and stay that way for a long time.
Drive belts tend to slip off the wheel more than other belts. Therefore, adding unnecessary lubrication can make matters worse. Instead of lubricating, consider realigning or adjusting the tension of the drive belt.
Get a belt tension gauge to find out if your Harley’s drive belt has the correct tension. Loose drive belts tend to snap more easily. If your engine has a high horsepower, the drive belt may need to be tighter.
This would depend on the bike model and your source. Some bikers say that dealers tend to charge more, but you may get a discount as a frequent customer. You can find amazing deals for drive belts online.
If you take your Harley to a repair shop, you’ll also need to pay for the mechanic’s services. Replace the drive belt in your home garage to save money on fees.
Conclusion
Make sure to do your research before purchasing a drive belt. An excellent way to get genuine information is to browse reviews on motorbike forums and third-party sites.
Drive belts may not need frequent inspection or replacement, but they’re an integral part of your motorcycle. With this buyer’s guide, it’s easier to select the best product for your Harley.