If you get a worn-out drive belt in your Harley bike, this will cut a decent amount from your pocket. So, it’s crucial to know how much you will need to pay if you want to replace your faulty Harley’s drive belt.
So, how much does the Harley Davidson drive belt replacement cost? Well, on average, you can expect to pay $350-$700 for a new Harley drive belt replacement. This includes $150-$300 for the belt itself and $200-$400 in labor costs.
While that’s a sizable chunk of the cost, there are ways to reduce the pain to your wallet. Throughout this article, we’ll share insider tips to keep more money in your pocket, whether you DIY or have a shop do it. So, keep reading to make an informed decision.
How Much Does Harley Davidson Drive Belt Replacement Typically Cost? (Explained)
The total cost, including parts/hardware and labor to swap out the drive belt for a Harley bike, typically ranges from $350 to $700.
Generally, depending on your chosen brand, the expense of purchasing the drive belt will only be around $150-$300. And the rest is labor cost. Labor cost fluctuates depending on the complexity of hardware assembly in different Harley models. Remember that the replacement process of the drive belt takes up to 4 hours in total.
Average prices for different Harley models are listed below.
| Model | Belt Cost | Labor Cost | Total Cost |
| Sportster | $150-$200 | $200-$300 | $350-$500 |
| Dyna | $150-$200 | $200-$300 | $350-$500 |
| Softail | $150-$200 | $250-$350 | $400-$550 |
| Touring | $150-$180 | $300-$400 | $450-$580 |
| V-Rod | $150-$300 | $300-$400 | $450-$700 |
Note: Remember that these are only estimates based on average prices and rates in the US. If you live in any other territory, the actual cost may vary depending on your location, your bike’s condition, and other factors.
How Much Does the Harley Davidson Drive Belt Replacement Cost Vary and Why?
Several factors affect how much it will cost to replace a drive-belt for a Harley Davidson. The factors include as follows.
1. The Model of Your Bike:
Drive belts come in a variety of sizes and materials, depending on the model. For example, a Sportster has a narrower belt than a Touring model. A narrower belt will be more costly than a wider belt.
2. OEM and non-OEM:
The expense of buying the belt also varies depending on the brand and quality of the belt. You can choose between OEM (original equipment manufacturer) belts or aftermarket belts from brands like Gates or BDL.
OEM belts are usually more expensive, but they are also more reliable. Aftermarket belts may be cheaper, but they may not last as long as OEM belts.
See below for a breakdown of drive belt prices by make and model:
| Model | OEM Belt Cost | Aftermarket Belt Cost |
| Sportster | $150-$200 | $100-$150 |
| Dyna | $150-$200 | $100-$150 |
| Softail | $150-$200 | $100-$150 |
| Touring | $150-$180 | $100-$150 |
| V-Rod | $150-$300 | $200-$250 |
3. The type and brand of the belt:
There are different types and brands of drive belts available for Harleys.
Some are made of rubber with carbon fiber cords, while others are made of polyurethane with aramid fibers.
Some have teeth on both sides, while others have teeth on one side only. Some are reinforced with nylon fabric, while others are not.
The type and brand of the belt affect its price. The average cost of a drive belt by type and brand ranges from $50 to $300.
Here is a table that shows some examples of drive belts by type and brand:
Rubber with carbon fiber cords
Rubber with carbon fiber cords
Polyurethane with aramid fibers
| Type | Brand | Cost |
| Rubber with carbon fiber cords | Goodyear Falcon SPC | $145-$190 |
| S&S Cycle | $256-$308 | |
| BDL Panther | $171-$189 | |
| Polyurethane with aramid fibers | Gates Polychain | $154-$270 |
| American Prime Manufacturing Inc. Carbon Fiber | $166-$197 |
4. The labor rate of the shop or dealership:
Replacing/changing the drive belt on a Harley requires removing several parts and adjusting the alignment and tension of the belt. This can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours.
Given the difficulty of the task, the labor rate also varies. It depends on whether you go to a dealership or an independent shop.
Official dealerships usually charge more for labor than independent shops. Because they have higher overhead costs and offer more services and warranties.
The average labor rate for a drive-belt replacement on a Harley ranges from $80 to $140 per hour. It depends on the dealership, independent shop, location, the skill level of the mechanics, etc.
How to Spend Less Money on Changing Harley Drive Belts?
Drive belt replacement for a Harley-Davidson can be expensive, but there are ways to cut costs. Try to follow the following tips to cut down your Harley’s drive belt replacement costs.
1. Do It Yourself:
If you have the necessary tools and skills, you can replace your drive belt yourself. This can save you up to $400 in labor costs, but it will also take you more time and effort.
If you want to replace it yourself, you will need to start by taking apart the following.
- Primary cover
- Clutch hub nut
- Clutch basket
- Compensator sprocket nut
- Primary chain
- Inner primary bearing.
To install the new drive belt, follow the steps below.
- Step 1: Remove the rear wheel, rear brake caliper, rear pulley cover, and rear pulley nut.
- Step 2: After that, you can slide off the old belt and install the new one.
- Step 3: Adjust the belt tension and alignment according to the specifications in your service manual.
Heads up:
You may need to jack up the whole bike manually to do this. Knowing how much a Harley-Davidson weighs (typically from 550 to 950 pounds) may help you handle the bike more securely during this process.
2. Shop Around:
If you decide to let a professional accomplish the job, you can shop around for the best price and service. You can compare different dealerships and independent shops in your area and see what they charge for parts and labor.
Additionally, you can also check online reviews and ratings to see what other customers say about their experience. You might find a shop that offers a lower price.
3. Buy Online:
If you want to conserve cash on parts, you can buy your drive belt online from large marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart. These online marketplaces sometimes provide special sales on holidays.
So, if you keep an eye out, you can often buy OEM or aftermarket belts at a discount price. If you’re lucky, you might get a chance to save up to $50 on the belt cost from online shopping.
4. Consider Other Upgrades During The Replacement:
If you’re planning on upgrading your Harley, you might consider combining tasks to save on labor costs.
For instance, a Harley Stage 1 upgrade cost is typically between $400 and $1,500. By doing this in conjunction with your drive belt replacement, you could save on the labor of the belt replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now, let’s get to know some of the most frequently asked questions related to Harley Davidson drive belt replacement costs.
1. What’s the best strategy to avoid Harley-Davidson drive belt replacement costs?
The best strategy to avoid the cost is to extend the life of the belt as much as possible. This way, you’ll very rarely need to replace the belt.
To extend the life of your drive belt, you should:
- Clean it occasionally with a mild soap and water solution and dry it thoroughly.
- Avoid excessive heat from the engine, the exhaust system, or the sun.
- Avoid road debris and rough or uneven surfaces that can harm your belt or your pulleys.
2. Exactly when do I have to change/replace a Harley-Davidson drive belt?
The recommended drive belt replacement interval for most Harley-Davidson motorcycles is between 30,000 and 50,000 miles.
Harley suggests inspecting the belt every 10,000 miles and replacing it if cracks, fraying, or other damage is found. Regardless of miles, Harley recommends replacing the belt at least every 5 years, even if it looks good.
3. Can I install a second-hand drive belt to my Harley to save cost?
Installing a secondhand drive belt may save you up to $200 on the belt cost. Because a secondhand belt won’t cost you more than $40. But most range from $10 to $30. However, it may cost you more in the long run due to potential repairs or accidents.
Installing a secondhand drive belt to your Harley is not recommended. Because it may have hidden damage, improper fit, or incompatible type that can cause serious problems for your bike.
Conclusion
In summary, when it comes to replacing the drive belt of your beloved Harley, you can expect to pay an average cost of $350-$700. This might seem like a lot of cost.
However, there is a silver lining here. Opting for aftermarket belts, shopping around for quotes, and doing the work yourself can potentially chop hundreds off the total. And keeping up on maintenance to extend the belt’s lifespan means you’ll replace it less often.