How long will the drive belt last on a motorcycle?

Question

The bikes like the Suzuki S40 that use a belt instead of a chain. Will it last 50k miles? Is it expensive to replace?

Answer 1

I've seen maintenance intervals of 24K miles or so.  There's nothing wrong with belts, although they can make changing gearing more complicated, and high-power applications require wider belts.  The new Buell 1125R is a belt drive, and puts out 120-130 hp.  That's probably the highest-power bike out there right now with a stock belt drive.  But the BMW F800S and ST use them, too.  They put out around 80 hp.

I don't think they're any more expensive to replace than a chain, especially since they last twice as long.  You will have to pull the swingarm to replace them, though.  They're quieter and cleaner than a chain, and require less maintenance.

Answer 2

While no manufacturer wants to promise a certain number of miles on a belt drive, they certainly have been going to belt drives for longevity. One news report claims Buell's target is 100k miles per belt!

Discussion groups report belt costs of under $100 per belt, and replacement costs up to $500. Bikebandit shows the OEM replacement belt as costing about $160. While this isn't an entirely reliable source, it certainly shows that the costs are relatively competitive with chain drives.

Anecdotal data shows that belt reliability is reduced through two major factors: significantly more power than the drivetrain was designed for, and grit/gravel/rocks being pinched between the belt and pulley. (this is mostly a problem for Buell and BMW bikes designed for dualsporting)

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

I have a 1993 h.d softail, hopped up motor,carb,ignition,pipe's. On my second motor 150,000 mi or so with the original belt

Answer 4

The last until you throw a bolt or rock through them.  I've changed a lot of chains and a drive shaft, but never a belt.

Magz is thinking of that junk they put on Harley final drives.

Answer 5

cheap and easy to replace, why else would they use such an inferior material?

seriously? neoprene belts, on something as critical as final drive? there must be 0 power there

Answer 6

I've got 45K on mine, 03 Roadstar and it still looks new.  I've heard of them lasting 70K or more.  Course it depends on how you ride.  You can't do burnouts and expect it to last.