Timing Belts

[Harryc]

Just looking  for some advice. On a '97 Tourer with 21k miles...maintenance history unknown, would you consider replacing the timing belts based on age? I know the manual says check them at 100k, but doesn't mention age of the belts.  I can get the Gates T275 belts on Amazon for $15 bucks each so cost is not the issue. It's just whether or not it should be done considering the belts might be 19 years old.  I'm leaning towards yes, but was wondering what you'd do.

[flash2002]

I bought a 98 with 42000 km I didn't want to take a chance because of age so I change them. They might be good for a long time but why take a chance. Belts are cheaper then a head rebuild.

[Beardo]

Yes. I replaced my original belts with 40,000 miles based on age. They looked fine but I like to replace things before they break, especially when it's $50 and a nice couple hours in the garage to give you a lot of price of mind.  

I've replaced things like wheel bearings that were just fine, while I had everything apart, and I plan on doing the u-joint this winter during my rear end maintenance just because I don't want to wait for them to fail a couple thousand miles from home. I'd rather spend $50 or $100 on preventative maintenance here and there vs having a costly breakdown on the road.

[Itinifni]

I picked up a 97 with 30k this past spring, I'll do the belts this winter. It doesn't really have to be done but it's an easy, inexpensive job for piece of mind.

[Harryc]

I picked up a 97 with 30k this past spring, I'll do the belts this winter. It doesn't really have to be done but it's an easy, inexpensive job for piece of mind.

Yup, I'll probably do the same ... winter project. Thanks guys.

[Woton]

I feel what you are reading here are similar comments to what I received when I considered doing this around 53K.  Probably not necessary, relatively inexpensive if you do it yourself, and not that difficult - and all for peace of mind.

Changed both the tensioners and belts - everything looked fine and the bike was running fine when I changed them.  Probably not necessary, but it was something else I could do for the old girl for relatively little money as well as that that feel-good sensation.

Good luck - lots of past technical posts on this subject for your assistance and viewing pleasure.  So, do a search if needed...

[Relax]

Just looking  for some advice. On a '97 Tourer with 21k miles...maintenance history unknown, would you consider replacing the timing belts based on age? I know the manual says check them at 100k, but doesn't mention age of the belts.  I can get the Gates T275 belts on Amazon for $15 bucks each so cost is not the issue. It's just whether or not it should be done considering the belts might be 19 years old.  I'm leaning towards yes, but was wondering what you'd do.

"21' k miles....unknown history ,,,," ,,,on a 97 Valk ...?
How come you know it's 21' miles.?
Don't worry ....but do check the timing belt , oil, filters and rear end  ... then brakes,,
That's what I would do 


( To replace the belt is no big deal )

[Chrisj CMA]

Just looking  for some advice. On a '97 Tourer with 21k miles...maintenance history unknown, would you consider replacing the timing belts based on age? I know the manual says check them at 100k, but doesn't mention age of the belts.  I can get the Gates T275 belts on Amazon for $15 bucks each so cost is not the issue. It's just whether or not it should be done considering the belts might be 19 years old.  I'm leaning towards yes, but was wondering what you'd do.

There are things to check that would indicate that its really 121,000 miles, in that case, really needs new belts if really never done.

[98valk]

if interested, I believe this the actual Gates belt design the timing belts are.

http://www.gates.com/products/industrial/industrial-belts/synchronous-belts/powergrip-timing-belts

PowerGrip® Timing Belts have a trapezoidal tooth profile, making this belt well suited for use in positioning applications, such as office machines, machine tools, postage equipment, sewing machines, vending machines, agriculture, outdoor power equipment, food processing, HVAC, oil fields, wood, paper, sand and gravel applications.

    Fiberglass tensile cord provides high strength, excellent flex life, and high resistance to elongation.
    Neoprene body provides protection against grime, grease, oil, and moisture.
    Nylon tooth facing provides a durable wear surface for long service life.
    Eliminates lubrication and re-tensioning to reduce maintenance and labor required on drives.

the design manual can be used to see how overly designed the honda belt actually is.

http://www.gates.com/~/media/files/gates/industrial/power-transmission/manuals/powergripgt3drivedesignmanual.pdf

[Harryc]

"21' k miles....unknown history ,,,," ,,,on a 97 Valk ...?

Well, I should probably clarify. I have one maintenance record from the first owner done at 10k miles (tires and fluids), and that was 3 years ago, and I know the guy I bought it from so I'm pretty sure the Odo is accurate. When I say unknown maint record, it is because I didn't speak to the first owner and the second owner is mechanically challenged so I did not get any meaningful info out of him. Judging by the condition of the maintenance items on the bike when I got it, all he did was change the oil....once maybe. That and the cosmetic condition was consistent with a bike that didn't see much road time. I have gone through every maintenance item on the bike except for timing belts...thus my question. Nothing in the things I went through made me suspicious that the bikes mileage was reported incorrectly on title transfer.

@Chrisj CMA, what would those items to check be out of curiosity? The only things I can think of are maybe worn rubber on the foootpegs or a worn seat. Both of those have minimal wear.  I can tell you this, I did remove the tank and the air filter had never been changed, and I could also tell the tank had never been removed because of the condition of the bolts and connectors. In fact all of the bolts on the bike looked unmolested except for the ones needed to change tires. You could eat off of the engine, it's that clean.

[Patrick]

I'm a believer in peace of mind and maintenance. For either one, I don't have problem with wanting to change the belts.

All the timing belts I've seen or replaced over the years, all look good right until the second they decide to break.

Just clean up the rubber buildup on the idlers and check them for smoothness. I also set the set freeplay a bit looser than the manual says. I set them at 3/8" which keeps them a bit quieter. Some will say to just use the spring on the tensioner, I don't.

[Bighead]

"21' k miles....unknown history ,,,," ,,,on a 97 Valk ...?

Well, I should probably clarify. I have one maintenance record from the first owner done at 10k miles (tires and fluids), and that was 3 years ago, and I know the guy I bought it from so I'm pretty sure the Odo is accurate. When I say unknown maint record, it is because I didn't speak to the first owner and the second owner is mechanically challenged so I did not get any meaningful info out of him. Judging by the condition of the maintenance items on the bike when I got it, all he did was change the oil....once maybe. That and the cosmetic condition was consistent with a bike that didn't see much road time. I have gone through every maintenance item on the bike except for timing belts...thus my question. Nothing in the things I went through made me suspicious that the bikes mileage was reported incorrectly on title transfer.

@Chrisj CMA, what would those items to check be out of curiosity? The only things I can think of are maybe worn rubber on the foootpegs or a worn seat. Both of those have minimal wear.  I can tell you this, I did remove the tank and the air filter had never been changed, and I could also tell the tank had never been removed because of the condition of the bolts and connectors. In fact all of the bolts on the bike looked unmolested except for the ones needed to change tires. You could eat off of the engine, it's that clean.

If I were you I really wouldn't be concerned of the mileage 21k-121k or 221k these bikes can do it  I have seen many with over 100k that you would swear we're new. Chris' is one of the cleanest you will see ( very anal about it,it seems ) nothing wrong with that.
I get comments all the time about how new my Bee looks and people can't believe she is 19

[Harryc]

If I were you I really wouldn't be concerned of the mileage 21k-121k or 221k these bikes can do it 

Yeah that's not really the issue, But I think you'd agree that on a Valk with 120k vs one with 20k it would be good for the owner to know which it is because some parts just wear out at 120k. I might want to replace said parts now vs when they leave me on the side of the road. Make sense?

[Bighead]

Sure but just inspect the rear diff and drive line and not much more to really wear out.
Other than the usual bearing brakes and so forth.

[Harryc]

Sure but just inspect the rear diff and drive line and not much more to really wear out.
Other than the usual bearing brakes and so forth.

Yup, well that's another story well worth discussing over a brew next time I am near Madison Alabama.

[Bighead]

Bring it and ai will buy I have ridden in your state many times and enjoyed the country side of NY the City not so much

[Valk12183]

I just bought a 2003 with only 19k on it.  Went thru and did all maintenance and pondered about doing the timing belts also. I figured for a little bit of money it gained me a lot of piece of mind. Just did them last week. Went with the gates belts. Also did anti freeze and new plugs while I was at it. Now I feel I can ride her across the country without any worries...

[Bighead]

Go for it  I have a couple of times