Life Expectancy of the Belt

[TomB985]

Good morning everyone.

Was thinking about the belt lately. Only 14,500 miles on our '13, but I'm new to this so I ask a lot of questions. I read a few weeks ago that sprocket replacement is recommended when you replace the belt, which makes it an expen$ive endeavor to undertake. What's the average life expectancy of a belt assuming you don't pick up a rock?

Our belt looks great so far, but of course it's always nice to know what to expect.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

250,000 miles + or - ............... Mike

[irvin48]

so, who has actually replaced one because of long life only? an did
you replace 1 or both sprockets? inquiring minds want to know.
irv

[Jester]

I have to ryde on less than perfect roads and a rock can get wedged in the sprocket. My Spyder caused wrist disease makes my hand twist too hard and sometimes I need a new belt! Sprocket is always fine!

[Bob Denman]

You might want to talk to Ann (SpyderAnn01) about this. She's either at, or getting close to: 90,000 miles on her 2014 RT-S

[SpyderAnn01]

I'm at 88,000 miles on my 14 RT and I just changed my rear tire and inspected the belt. It looks great.

[TomB985]

Wow, that's great to hear Ann!

So the big issue is rock damage. Do you guys typically replace sprockets when you replace the belt? I read somewhere that it's recommended.

[Chupaca]

It will out last you... under normal conditions as you said both sprokets and belt will last 100's of thousands. Most folks have a new spyder begore the belt wears out...

[Roadster Renovations]

Since you have a '13 the belt is different from the the '14's. So your life on the belt may vary. Just periodically inspect it for cracks, check the sprockets for rocks (belt killer for sure). Our State does chip seal and anytime I get caught on one of those roads I will pull over when off of it and check the sprockets. The combination of sticky tar-covered rocks and the sprockets can get one lodged pretty quick. Do the same thing if I have to do gravel also. I have 31k and still perfect on my '14 RT.

[murphybrown]

I have to ryde on less than perfect roads and a rock can get wedged in the sprocket. My Spyder caused wrist disease makes my hand twist too hard and sometimes I need a new belt! Sprocket is always fine!

Spyderpops ROCK GUARD....I also live on gravel road....so far the rock guards have saved me...plus I drive reallllllly slow in and out...6 years and lots of miles...just sayin'

[cuznjohn]

my friend changed his belt on his Yamaha, and in a week it broke on him when we were riding. so you never know

[ARtraveler]

Belt longevity should be over 100K in regular use. See Spyder Ann above.

I have replaced two belts. Both due to rock damage. One rock picked up going on a gravel drive to inspect a campground, and the other in my driveway when I buried the rear wheel trying to get unstuck in my eagerness to get out during early spring breakup.

Both times around $350 to replace. The tow from my home was extra.

Spyderpops belt guard is a helper. Driving slow through rocks is also recommended.

[Jheck]

I'm at 88,000 miles on my 14 RT and I just changed my rear tire and inspected the belt. It looks great.

Ann, if you don't mind me asking, how many rear tires you been thru.? And what size and kind are you using?

[asp125]

Spyderpops rock guard did not prevent our belt from picking up a stone. It may have delayed the inevitable. Still, that's the only reason most belts get replaced; or from too many drag launches. Age of the belt is rarely a factor in replacement.

[otter28169]

I ride my RS-S like the rear fender is on fire, and I am currently on my fifth rear tire. When I replaced the rear the last time, I checked the belt and it looks good. These belts must be pretty sturdy, because I ride like an most of the time.

Just sayin'............

[PistonBlown]

Do you guys typically replace sprockets when you replace the belt? I read somewhere that it's recommended.

No you dont have to replace the sprockets when you replace the belt.

You do on chain driven bikes but not belt ones.

[SpyderAnn01]

Ann, if you don't mind me asking, how many rear tires you been thru.? And what size and kind are you using?

I believe that I just installed #9. The first tire was the soft Kenda that didn't last long. I also tested 3 Arachnid tires and got poor mileage out of them. I've had 2 Kumhos and 2 General Altimax and 1 Yokohama S drive, and a partridge in a pear tree.

[Roadster Renovations]

I believe that I just installed #9. The first tire was the soft Kenda that didn't last long. I also tested 3 Arachnid tires and got poor mileage out of them. I've had 2 Kumhos and 2 General Altimax and 1 Yokohama S drive, and a partridge in a pear tree.

So Ann, what has been your favorite for handling/mileage?? We are going to need to replace our Michelin Hydroedge in 5k miles, or so. It has 26k on it and has worked very well, but can't get anymore of them.

[WEB-WVR]

I believe that I just installed #9. The first tire was the soft Kenda that didn't last long. I also tested 3 Arachnid tires and got poor mileage out of them. I've had 2 Kumhos and 2 General Altimax and 1 Yokohama S drive, and a partridge in a pear tree.

SO......the big question is which tire did you like the best ?

[Ron2andia]

Awesome to know the belt is that good... Wow to Ann!