timing belt maintenance question

[Flat6Valk]

I am lining up my winter time (ohio winter weather is a bummer) Valkyrie projects, one of which is "do I need to change the timing belts?"  I know the service manual says change at 100000 miles but my Valk is getting into teenage years ('98) with only 28,000 miles.  Does age (years) play a part in this consideration?  I really would hate to dump a motor just because I did not consider this.

[TJ]

Have the same year and mileage... Changed mine because they were 12 years old
and everything wears no matter the mileage... Cheap ins. ..

[Bobbo]

My manual says inspect at 100,000 miles, but I replaced it anyway.  At 172,xxx miles now, it still looks good and hasn’t needed much adjustment.  I’ll replace it again at 200K.  Here’s a link that can be helpful:

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/ShopTalk/ValkMaintManAcrobatPDF.pdf

[R J]

I am lining up my winter time (ohio winter weather is a bummer) Valkyrie projects, one of which is "do I need to change the timing belts?"  I know the service manual says change at 100000 miles but my Valk is getting into teenage years ('98) with only 28,000 miles.  Does age (years) play a part in this consideration?  I really would hate to dump a motor just because I did not consider this.

REPLACE and save some $$$$ doing it.

Here is a universal belt that fits perfectly and it can be bought at almost any parts store.

I bought the Gates on my 1st change and am now running the NAPA belts.

http://www.jkozloski.com/generic_parts.htm

[John Schmidt]

Some years back I questioned an older Wing mechanic about the belts on my '92, mentioning that Honda said they should last the life of the engine. His response...."do what you like son, but remember if you break a belt that is the life of your engine."

That said, I follow TJ's approach re. age and mileage. My Tourer is twelve years old, that has to have some bearing on the lifespan and serviceability. So, I plan to replace them before next Summer's trip(s), regardless of mileage.

[PAVALKER]

Thanks for the reminder... I picked up a set of belts this summer when I won a Gift Card at a bike event, and that should be on the winter "to do" list for me as well.

[B]

Replacing mine as well... 42k ... But that 12 yrs has me uneasy.