Note: This article does not apply to the FTR, which has a drive chain instead of a drive belt. Read 2019+ FTR Drive Chain Maintenance for more information.
Inspect the rear drive belt on your Indian Motorcycle at the following intervals:
- 500 miles (800 kilometers)
- 2,500 miles (4,000 km)
- 5,000 miles (8,000 km)
- 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
- 15,000 miles (24,000 km)
- 20,000 miles (32,000 km)
- 25,000 miles (40,000 km)
Replace the rear drive belt at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) and then inspect it every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) after that.
Replace the drive belt if it is cracked or has broken teeth or frayed edges. No matter its condition, the belt should be replaced at periodic intervals. For more on that procedure, see the Indian Motorcycle Service Manual or contact your local Indian Motorcycle Dealer for assistance. Examples of rear drive belt wear can be seen in the chart below.
| Belt Condition/Wear Analysis | Action |
Internal tooth cracks (hairline)
| OK to run, but monitor condition |
External tooth cracks
| Replace belt |
Missing teeth
| Replace belt |
Chipping (not serious)
| OK to run, but monitor condition |
Fuzzy edge cord
| OK to run, but monitor condition |
Hook wear
| Replace belt |
To view model-specific instructions and videos for drive belt inspection and tension adjustment, use the following links:
Indian Vintage/Model Year 2020 and Older Chief
Chieftain
Indian Challenger
Indian Springfield
Roadmaster
Scout, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Bobber Sixty or Scout Bobber Twenty
Do not attempt to check belt tension if the belt has been exposed to rain or washing within a 24-hour period or if the vehicle has been run at operating temperature within the last 4 hours. Allow the motorcycle to cool down to ambient temperature before measuring belt tension. Replace the drive belt and both sprockets as a set if the drive belt has more than 5,000 miles (8,000 km) of service at the time of damage or failure.
Cleaning Your Rear Drive Belt
Cleaning your drive belt will maximize belt and sprocket life and minimize drive line noise. Clean the belt at every tire change. Clean the belt more often if you are riding in dirty, dusty or high debris environments.
To clean your belt:
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with a cup of warm water.
- Use a soft nylon brush to clean the belt and sprocket teeth with the soapy water. Clean well in corner areas where road debris and belt dust can collect.
- Rinse the belt with clear water and then dry thoroughly.
For more maintenance information, including rear drive belt adjustments, consult your Owner's Manual.
To find replacement parts for your motorcycle, use the online parts catalog.
To find an Indian Motorcycle Dealer near you, use the Dealer Locator.
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