Posted by Frank Moss on January 27, 2003 at 23:13:12:
In Reply to: How many miles should a belt do ? posted by Andrew on January 27, 2003 at 00:45:46:
Hello Andrew; I have a 99 with 11,000 on it and the belt still looks new. I don't use the gauge that is supplied in the tool box, I simply keep about 1/2 inch (american) slack in the belt and make sure it runs on center. My riding is a lot like yours, mostly out in the hills and country areas of Pennsylvania with very little hard acceleration and moderate speeds of 40 to 50 with occasional "bursts" into the freeways where you must do 70 just to keep from getting ran over.
I know what you mean when you say it sounds like a bad idea to ignore factory recommendations, but the oil recommendation of 2 1/2 qts (american) is entirely too much oil and takes it above the line on the sight glass, which has resulted in seal leakage with several on this forum. I don't think the "book" is always the best information. (my opinion) Frank M