Drive Belt Problem!

[MDF48]

I made a very nice 165 mile ride today. The weather was great with temps in low 60's to 75 in the afternoon, just a great riding day. After returning to my home I gave the 2016 TGU the usual walk around and inspection. When I looked under the rear end I immediately noticed something wasn't right about the belt. The belt has a "groove" cut in it about, 1/4 inch wide and a good 1/8 inch deep, running around the entire length. I am enclosing a picture made from the left side to illustrate the problem. I have not had the time to jack it up where I can see a little better, but I can not find anything visually that could have caused this. I first thought it might have been a rock that was thrown up and lodged somewhere, but there is nothing to indicate that. Also, if you look at the picture it almost looks like someone ran a drive belt around two pulleys, spun it and used a chisel, or something similar, to cut a perfect 1/4 inch wide channel in it.

Now, before anyone ask me this question, NO, I did not hear anything unusual during the ride. However, I do have a hearing loss and wear a pair of the small hearing aids, mostly for the higher frequencies. When I am riding the hearing aids are not used, but I ride with a high quality pair of ear plugs that block a lot of noise. This is the result of previous hearing loss from C-130 engines and years of shooting. I always tried to wear hearing protection but obviously it didn't totally work. So, whatever cut into the belt probably made some noise but while riding I just didn't hear it.

I will jack it up tomorrow and have a better look, but there is not doubt in my mind....the belt has got to be replaced. Depending on what caused this, it may or may not be covered by warranty. I have not done any kind of work to the bike that I feel could have caused this. I installed a new head pipe, mufflers and AC system shortly after I bought it. I also installed a DK oil cooler and filter relocation kit that all works fine and absolutely has nothing that could cause this. There is no signs of any oil leak or any other damage that could do this.

Have any of you ever seen anything that looks like this before? The rear end and basket all look fine, no loose bolts etc. I can't see the front sprocket real well until I get the trike jacked up, but from what I can see with a good flashlight looking at it from the rear, it looks fine. Anyone know what a HD shop gets for changing a belt on a TGU? I know "it ain't cheap". HA HA

I apologize for the big picture, should have made it smaller before I uploaded it.

[Bikerbozo]

Here's an idea for you. Wrap a piece of duct tape around section of belt. When it is jacked up, rotate wheel to see if tape catches on anything. If not, then maybe it was just some road debris that was stuck up somewhere and now gone.

[MDF48]

Here's an idea for you. Wrap a piece of duct tape around section of belt. When it is jacked up, rotate wheel to see if tape catches on anything. If not, then maybe it was just some road debris that was stuck up somewhere and now gone.

Bikerbozo, you are dead on with this. I didn't have time today to jack it up, but I have already laid a roll of painters tape out. If it shows anything I will also try the heavier duct tape. I just can't imagine what could have cut such an even looking channel like this. Oh well, s*** happens. This is the first "bad or expensive" thing I have ever had with any of my bikes. I usually do all of my own work, but with this being a pretty hard repair (time and aligning rear-end etc) and the bike still in warranty, I might have to let the dealer do it.

[hddocfl]

I have seen this happen on other bikes, Most of the time it was a dropped bolt that got caught up behind the drive sprocket and inner primary. Sorry but you will need to replace the belt if there is anything still there it will show when the new belt is installed. Doc

[rhino 2]

That happens sometimes, A rock, bolt or some other road debris got thrown up in there..

Its not an easy job to replace, The body has to come off... On another forum something simmlair was replaced under warranty....But and a big 'But' that was a rare case....

[Fearless]

I would check around possibly an independent may give you the best price. Special tools needed for clutch etc. compensator. good luck Fred

[HDB0B]

Not sure who posted this to give them the credit due.

[MDF48]

Well the trike is under warranty. I purchased it 2/27/16. However, I don't think HD is going to fix it under warranty unless something is found to have caused it other than a road hazard like a rock etc. I do know, without a doubt, that it was not caused by a bolt or screw that was dropped in the opening by me. I learned a lesson about finding dropped bolts and screws long ago. If I drop a bolt, nut or screw, I look until I find it! Has anyone ever heard of something causing this that was caused by something on the bike? I will be tickled to death if they do cover it under warranty! I am going to let the local dealer look at it see what they say, then go from there.

[rhino 2]

Well the trike is under warranty. I purchased it 2/27/16. However, I don't think HD is going to fix it under warranty unless something is found to have caused it other than a road hazard like a rock etc. Has anyone ever heard of something causing this that was caused by something on the bike? I will be tickled to death if they do cover it under warranty! I am going to let the local dealer look at it see what they say, then go from there.

Thats all you can do at this point....Let us know how it works out...

[MDF48]

[/COLOR]

Thats all you can do at this point....Let us know how it works out...

Yes, I will keep this updated. I am trying to decide now if I want to ride it to the HD shop with my Wife following behind me or let them come get it with a trailer. I don't have a trailer, but I am sure they will want at least $100.00 just to come get it. I live about 16 miles from the HD shop. Anyway I will keep you updated.

[HDB0B]

If it was a stick / stone / or other debris it will not be covered under warranty. If it is something on the cycle that came loose and caused the problem you may have a chance at a warranty claim. I'm pretty sure the Member who posted the bill that I re-posted had a stick get caught in his. The need for belt protection was also discussed.

[rhino 2]

Yes, I will keep this updated. I am trying to decide now if I want to ride it to the HD shop with my Wife following behind me or let them come get it with a trailer. I don't have a trailer, but I am sure they will want at least $100.00 just to come get it. I live about 16 miles from the HD shop. Anyway I will keep you updated.

Those belts are tough, If what ever caused the damage is cleared , You'll be safe ride the 16 miles ......

[peddler95]

I think it would be worth at least a call to my insurance company.

Don't see much difference in a rock taking out a drive belt and one breaking a windshield.

[Papa Zook]

This should definitely be covered under insurance.

[LadyonaMission]

The belt on my 2003 Road King broke and fell off in the road the second time I left home on it. I did buy it used in 2004 with very few miles on it. The HD dealer I bought it from fixed it at no charge to me. They did make sure to tell me that it wasn't covered under warranty, but they felt bad because the belt should have lasted 100,000 miles.

[Larry Sobczak]

The HD dealer replaced the drive belt on my 2011 Tri Glide at 98,000 miles. Said it was starting to show signs of wear and that there would be no additional labor charge because they had it tore down for a top end rebuild of the engine under the extended warranty. I did have to pay for the cost of the drive belt.

[1dn5up]

While your inspecting, also look for rear pulley damage or wear I've seen the belt cogs wear out smooth with slippage. I believe the front pulley is steel and rear is aluminum.

[DK Custom Products]

I was just talking with a guy this last weekend that had the two bolts from the retainer on the front pulley come loose on him. Factory had forgotten to put threadlocker on them.

If it is something like that, it will be covered by warranty. If you picked up a rock, I would definitely do an insurance claim.

When my front tire picked up a rock and messed up my front fender, my insurance paid for the repair.

Kevin

[MDF48]

I talked with my State Farm agent Tuesday afternoon (27th) and he hooked me up with a claims agent via telephone. After about 30 minutes on the phone (with a real nice lady) and answering questions and explaining what happened, she gave me a claim number and said someone from the main claims department would contact me. So, on the morning of the 28th I received a call and was told how to proceed. I received an email with a form to print out and take to the Harley Dealer. It appears it will be covered by my insurance. They just want the dealer to look at it and decide what happened, take pictures and go from there. They advised payment would be made to me and I could pay the dealer. The local HD shop picked the trike up at my house yesterday morning. They stay pretty busy so I will probably be without it for awhile. I will let you know what happens next. I hope this kind of thing just comes once in a lifetime.. ha ha. I guess the odds of something off the roadway causing this is pretty low. I am just glad I will not have to pay the whole amount.

[Bikerbozo]

98-100k for a belt??? What the hell am I doing wrong that the best I ever got was 60,000 miles on any belt. Last one 32k. Over a year old so dealer said not covered. I've never done a wheelie, so not sure why wearing them so fast. My 2-wheeler goes same miles before replacing belt.