Spare primary belt

[108]

Should I by a spare (1 1/2" 8 mm) primary belt now so I'll have it ready when the old one breaks, even though that may be years from now, or wait till it breaks and then order one ??

[james]

My personal opinion would be to wait. Depending on how many miles you ride. What is the life expectancy of a primary belt?
I think a primary belt would be similar to a tire where as the shelf life is a factor on it's deterioration. Maybe just replace it after a few years like a timing belt on a car.
Let's see what the other guys think.

Jim

[Bigincher]

I'm still running the original Phase-III belt I installed in my Panhead in 1975. It is showing a slight bit of fraying on one edge. Now, granted, the bike hasn't been ran continuously since 1975, but if the tension and alignment is set right, and you don't do a lot of hole shots, the belt should last a "good long time" (which could mean different things to different people, of course).
On the other hand, I know people that pack a spare belt on trips. If it snaps out in Bumfuk Egypt, you are certainly screwed.

[1450]

Should I by a spare (1 1/2" 8 mm) primary belt now so I'll have it ready when the old one breaks, even though that may be years from now, or wait till it breaks and then order one ??

yes 108 just for a peace of mind

[panhead]

I'm still running the original Phase-III belt I installed in my Panhead in 1975

Bigincher, I also have a Phase-III, installed in 1981, but the belt broke after 19 years. A spare one is handy....

[Panacea]

I was sure glad to have a spare one day when mine broke, but it's totaly up to you! mike

[john HD]

i had a spare and broke that one too.

then i went back to a chain.

never looked back!

john

[Schwee]

I had a spare in my saddle bag for at least eight years, along with the 9/16" box wrench and screwdriver needed to replace it (Open Primary, so it's really easy to replace - five minute job).

Glad I had it last month when my belt broke and I was on the side of the road.

Ordered a new one the next day from J&P. Seems like it was a lot less than 100 bucks, though.

[Panacea]

The only reason I run a belt is to avoid the oil mess on the garage floor, I wonder if anyone has ever broken a primary chain, I know I've ruined a couple being stingy with the oiler...Mike

[Bosheff]

If you could go to any parts store (Auto Bone, Action Auto, etc) and get a belt, I would say, no, don't worry bout a spare, but when a belt lets go, it's not only a major inconvenience, but once ya locate a belt you usually have to wait for it to be shipped (2-3 days at best). If you can afford it, buy the spare, that way you will always have it. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it....bosheff

[DuoGlide62]

I agree 100%. Get a spare as soon as you can afford it.
Last belt I bought has Kevlar in it. Going on 4 yrs.
I always carry a spare.

[fourthgear]

I have a spare ,but don't carry it with me . Now if I went on a trip , now then I would carry a lot of other stuff also.

[doug_heisel]

I agree carry the belt. I'll also be carrying a set of points, extra set of plugs, and Light bulbs. who knows some dark lonely night at the corner of bumfuknowhere and lost, they might come in handy. And they dont take up much room.

[indianut]

I've been running a belt for 20 years and I would Not leave the house without a spare!

[Underdoggie]

Should I by a spare (1 1/2" 8 mm) primary belt now so I'll have it ready when the old one breaks, even though that may be years from now, or wait till it breaks and then order one ??

I bought an extra for mine back in 88 when I put the belt drive on a 74 inch shovelhead, the spare went to one of my kid's buddies in 95, he was doing hole shots on a stroker. Replaced my spare belt, my kid used the second spare in 2004 doing hole shots on his shovel stroker. Then when I needed one last year, I had to order it. So, being organized and prepared only helped others, so I don't know what to tell ya.