How to change a drive belt on a Harley Davidson Sportster

How to do a Quick and Easy Drive Belt change for Harley Davidson Sportster in small space with limited resources.
Evolution Motor (Late 80's - Early 00's). PM for any specifics, Thank you for watching.
*Music Credit:
Mike Hosty
White Stripes

[@martinrottenkolber6567]

Thanx from Germany. I changed the belt today and your video is a helping blast.

[@kennethwiedemeier9116]

I was worried I had to remove the whole back end. you made that look easy too.

[@benmccardell9307]

Saved me a couple hundred bucks at least. Cant thank you enough!

[@chevid9015]

Just don’t do the cotter pin dirty like I did. ;)

[@kennylavay8492]

would have been nice to show how you actually put the new belt on.

[@BarebonesBerlin]

Thanks so much for your video, saved a lot money.

[@domcasas4079]

Love the video, thanks for the time you took making this for us. Dumb question, does the axle have to be pushed in on the drive side to slip the belt on?

[@chevid9015]

Yes, doesn’t take much room to get it on there. Use the leverage from the wheel turning to get it on.

[@sethp0411]

Great video!

[@redskiclayton]

Up until I saw that cotter pin @3:55, I thought you were a pro.

[@davescorneroftheworld1147]

Most people would not have understood your comment but I do!!!

[@EC-qj7sx]

You’re right a true pro doesn’t believe in use of cotter pins

[@chevid9015]

Lol, yes I was a rookie when I made this video. Don’t do the cotter like I did in this video! Belt is still going strong! Thanks for watching and the feedback. Edit: This was my third run of the video and that cotter had enough. Replaced. 👍🏻

[@redskiclayton]

@@chevid9015 lol, Good sport for sure under corrective criticism!

[@redskiclayton]

@@EC-qj7sx LMFAO!

[@robharrison1191]

Okies unite!!!! Great video, man.

[@chevid9015]

Thank you, stay cool out there this summer. 🔥

[@ShivJG13]

Great video. I'm soon to be owning an 02 Sportster 883R, with 3600 miles on it. I'm guessing the belt will be the original one and need changing at some point. It doesn't look as difficult to do as I imagined it would. I think the thing that worries me most is getting the wheel alignment and tension right afterwards. I've never had a chain/belt driven bike before, so never had to bother with it. How long roughly would you say it took to do the change?

[@chevid9015]

About an hour and a half. They are very easy to work on if you have a motorcycle jack or lift.

[@pack7677]

cool so much helpful

[@davescorneroftheworld1147]

I wish I have watched this video before I replaced my drive belt!!!!!

[@adamwhite207]

Same here! I just removed the entire back wheel like an idiot! When I saw him just loosen everything in the video it immediately clicked in my head “why the hell did I do that.” Let me tell you, it’s quite the bitch getting the axle out and back in with the shims, wheel and brake caliper that all get held in with that axle.

[@Kennethlittledeer]

Thank YOU SIR RIDE ON SIR

[@aaronlocksmith4645]

Thanks bro

[@vfigueroa9047]

Is there a direction ⬇️⬆️ for a drive belt

[@chevid9015]

There are no directional indicators on the OEM belt. Not sure what you are running, but it shouldn’t matter. I like to keep the logos going the proper way as if I were reading/writing them. Just watch your tension and be sure to mark it from factory before removing the old belt.

[@BrokeWinger111]

On some aftermarket belts there are directional arrows. Just make sure they point toward the front of the bike when on top, and yer good to go. As a side note, most of the belts with directional arrows are cheap and don't last.

[@mrmaczaps]

i got an 05 1200c that the belt came flying off of, while it idled in the driveway. 🤔 Can't find a replacement. it has under 30k miles and i've only had it for the last 3500 or so miles. not mechanically inclined either. how long total time did this take you, start to finish?

[@chevid9015]

About 90 - 120 min. Depending on your ability. May be the easiest repair that you will come across on a Harley, you got this!

[@mrmaczaps]

@@chevid9015 if I can ever find the belt I need in stock somewhere, I do plan on at least attempting this on my own... well, not solo but I want to do the work. 😂

[@chevid9015]

@@mrmaczaps an OEM belt from HD will keep you going for 10+ years. The cheaper belts will run maybe 5 years. Depends on how hard you roll as well. Good luck!

[@jillstroup4789]

Would this kinda be the same for a 2006 xl1200C Sportster?

[@chevid9015]

It should be the same process. Your exhaust bolts may be positioned differently, but you should be good to go!

[@revfarwell0139]

I replaced an broke again. But now clutch seems to be the culprit. Are these belts directional?

[@chevid9015]

Matthew, Are you running an 883 with the 1200 kit? I’ve personally seen these kits shred belts with an ill clutch. The HD belts are multidirectional, I cannot speak for any drag series belts. This particular bike had a 1200 kit and it’s been a wise investment to stick with higher quality belts. Good luck, Keep us posted C-H-V-D

[@revfarwell0139]

@@chevid9015 thanks for your response I have all original 883 engine parts with about 6000m. I'm in the middle of examining the clutch. And Check oil as well.

[@chevid9015]

revfarwell 01 Do you own a hugger sportster? Make sure you aren’t going past the half mark on your tension guide, over tightening is the number one cause of broken new belts. Second would be buying cheap belts. Even if your clutch is on its way out the HD belts would still be able to run 10k+ without any issues. Make sure your axle is aligned properly and the belt is fully seated. Let us know what you find out. Cheers!

[@sirthom3275]

@@chevid9015 What belts are higher quality?

[@chevid9015]

@@sirthom3275 oem Harley belts. I know there are some drag belts out there that are stout, but I don’t have an elongated swing arm nor do I need a specialty belt at the moment. Thanks

[@ДядяМиша-т1я]

Sportster is a simple motorcycle, but the designers tried very hard to complicate seemingly simple operations. Here's how to do it on the road yourself away from the service?🤬🤬🤬

[@chevid9015]

This is a quick and easy way to do it, even on the side of the road if you snap a belt. Always carry basic compact tools with you if you own any Harley.

[@ДядяМиша-т1я]

@@chevid9015 You are right. I just misunderstood a bit. It could be done on jiffy stand. Thanks a lot.🤝

[@MHolt13]

Great Video!