Best Final Drive Belt For Harley Davidson Bikes – Reviews In 2023
The drive belt is used on Harley bikes because these devices are quiet and they require a lot less maintenance. Drive chains and shaft drives are harder to maintain and more costly to repair when something goes wrong with them.
We asked our expert technicians and mechanics what drive belts they recommended for use on Harleys. We compared their answers to the recommendations of a long time Harley riders for which belts performed best and were the quietest.
The following list is a compilation of their top recommendations.
Best Final Drive Belt for Harley-Davidson Reviews in 2023
1. Goodyear Falcon SPC Rear Drive Belt for Harley
This drive belt is a high-quality device that is comparable to the original equipment that is installed at the factory.
The belts are manufactured in the United States, and they are crafted from the finest materials available.
This is a carbon-fiber-reinforced unit. It is strong, quiet in operation, and less likely to ratchet than many other belt varieties.
The belt measures 33 inches x 13 inches 3 3 inches. It weighs one pound and is crafted by Goodyear. It contains 128 teeth. It is made to fit a variety of Harley Davidson bike models that were manufactured between 1991 and 2008.
It is specifically fitted to the cruiser or touring models, along with the street bike models and the adventure touring models. Check the width of your current belt and the number of teeth of your current belt to ascertain if this is a good replacement for your bike.
2. Gates-Polychain Final Drive Replacement Drive Belt for Harley Davidson
These belts are crafted with Neoprene rubber backing. The Neoprene rejects abrasion and reduces vibration and noise. It allows for a smoother ride.
This product measures 30 inches x 17 inches x 1.5 inches. It is specifically designed to be used on the cruiser and touring bikes, as well as street bikes, and adventure touring models.
This belt is made in the USA. The tooth profile is configured in such a way that it reduces the amount of air that can be trapped between the pulley and the drive belt. That gives you a smoother ride and reduces the possibility of slipping.
This belt is designed to provide great performance for several thousand miles. You should periodically check the belt for wear and tear when you do upkeep like oil and filter changes.
3. Panther Drive Belts Rear Drive Belt
This drive belt is fashioned from the Ultra-cord. Ultra-cord is designed in such a way that it will not stretch out and become loose like some belts do over time.
It also does not shrink and cause an increased pressure on the bearings and drive shaft of your bike. It maintains its integrity and this increases performance and durability.
An advanced polymer has been used in the tooth creation and design of this unit. The polymer increases the tensile strength of the tooth and reduces the tooth shear possibilities. This allows the belt to be more stable and reliable.
This belt is designed to fit a large number of Harley Davidson motorcycles created between 1997 and 2003. It is a replacement for the OEM part 40024-97.
The models of bikes it is compatible with are the FLHR Road Kings, FLHT Electra Glide, FLHTC Electra Glide, FLHTCI Electra Glide, FLHTCU Electra Glide, FLHTCUI Electra Glide, and some of the Heritage Soft-tails, Fat Boys and Heritage Springer models.
4. Gates Polychain Final Drive Belts For Harley
This drive belt will provide you with a quieter and smoother ride. It is designed with a Neoprene rubber backing that has a lower instance of abrasion.
It also reduces the vibration you feel while you ride. It does increase your pleasure while you ride. This is a long-lasting and durable device. It is made in the USA and can last up to 50,000 miles.
It is designed to be compatible with a large variety of Harley Davidson bikes. Including FLHR Road Kings, FLHRCI Road King Classics, FLHRI Road King, FLHT Electra Glide, FLHTC Electra Glide Classic, and FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic models from 1197 to 2003.
These belts do not swell or distort as easily as some other belts do. They provide consistent performance because they retain their shape and integrity better than many other belt varieties.
5. Rear Drive Belt Harley Dyna Fxd Super Glide Fxdl Fxdwg Repl 40015-90
This belt is specifically designed as a replacement for the original equipment drive belt with the part number of 40015*90. It is a high-quality item that is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It has the strength to perform without twisting, swelling, or shrinking. It retains shape and composition for longer periods of time.
This belt can last as long as 50,000 miles but the manufacturer recommends that every time you change the oil on your bike you inspect the belt to make certain that it has not been compromised in any way.
This belt is quiet and provides a smooth performance. It requires less maintenance that a drive chain or shaft would, and never needs to be oiled. It fits perfectly onto the DYNA FXD Super Glide models.
6. Belt Drives Ltd PC-136-1 1/2 Polychain Final Drive Belt
This belt is created with a Neoprene rubber backing so it resists abrasions, cuts and nicks.
The Neoprene is stronger than many other belt materials and it allows the bike to run smoothly and have less noticeable vibrations.
This is partially due to the tooth profile developed onto the belt.
The profile reduces the ability of air to get between the belt and the pulley so the belt rolls smoothly and the vibrations are reduced. This belt is made in the USA.
It is crafted to be used on a wide variety of Harley Davidson motorcycles manufactured between 1985 and 1999. It fits Electra Glides, Road Kings, Tour Glide Classic, Sport Glide Grand Touring, Low Rider Sport, Low Rider Chrome, and many other models.
Buying Guide of final drive belt for Harley
The right drive belt is crucial. You have to buy a unit that is going to fit your bike perfectly. It has to be the right length and width, and the profile of the teeth must be one that works on your system.
The other major consideration of these units is the materials they are crafted from. You want a belt that works properly and is not going to shrink, distort, swell, or be noisy while it is in use. The materials the belts are made from will increase or decrease the durability of the item.
Belt Dimensions
The length and width of the belts will make them either fit your bike perfectly or possibly be a fit for your bike. You want to get a belt that has the exact dimensions you need so it is easy to install and you know the belt will work efficiently.
Bike Fitment
The bike that the belt is designed to fit is very important. You have to have a belt that is going to fit your bike perfectly in order for the device to operate your bike properly.
Expected Durability
These belts can last 5,000 miles, or 50,000 miles, or even 100,000 miles. The newer technology that is being used to create these parts has drastically increased their durability and performance.
You want to check your belt about every 1,000 miles and see how much wear and tear it is showing. Also, listen for an increase in noise that may indicate the belt is starting to get worn.
Tooth Profile Considerations
The profile of the teeth on the belt can change the amount of air that can get between the teeth and can increase noise and slippage. Pay attention to the tooth profile considerations, and read reviews from other owners.
Materials it is Crafted from
- Neoprene Rubber Backing
- They have nylon covering on the tooth side of the belt to increase their strength.
- They provide excellent abrasion resistance.
- They produced lower amounts of noise.
- They have a lessened tendency to swell and distort.
- They may degrade quicker than a Polyurethane belt will.
Polyurethane
- These belts have less of a tendency to ratchet.
- They have a greater tendency to swell and distort.
- They are noisier than Neoprene.
Ultra-Cord
- The belts made of this substance have less tendency to shrink.
- Carbon fiber cords are used to reinforce the nylon teeth of the belt.
- They often cost more than the other belt varieties
Choosing your drive belt is important. You want to read reviews from the people who have actually used the item, and get expert advice from professional mechanics and installation technicians.
Final Note
If you are looking for a drive belt for your Harley Davidson that is made with a Neoprene rubber backing, we suggest you consider the Gates-Polychain Final Drive Replacement Drive Belt 1in. (14mm pitch) 140 tooth for Harley Davidson 2009-2013 FLT, FLH. It is a durable and smooth operating belt that provides fewer vibrations and long-lasting performance.
If you would prefer a drive belt that is fashioned from Ultra-Cord, we suggest the Panther Drive Belts Rear Drive Belt - 1 1/2in - 139T 62-1178. Ultra-cord belts retain their shape and size better than most other belts.
The belt you choose is very important. You want to make sure that the dimensions are right, and that you get something designed to last for years.
