Just trailered Bluebelle back from dealer. Rear sprocket was getting gradually eaten down, the belt was fraying and the noise was incredibly loud. Undrivable.
Front sprocket is steel and about a month ago a flange was added to that as the belt was drifting off too much and getting frayed. Took the car back after the noise started to really get obnoxious. Lost about 1/16th inch of aluminum on the rear end and that will change the belt tension which will aggravate the noise as well as eat the aluminum faster.
They replaced the rear sprocket as well as the rear spindle that holds it all together, added a flange and changed the belt. Good as new. Actually better as I can hardly hear any belt action and the bevel box seems quieter as well. So, basically, I have the new upgraded 2013 parts on my 2012.
The rear wheel appears to be closer to centered now instead of offset.
I am hoping that the next time I am at the dealer, it will be to change out all the tires next year. I have over 5500 miles on them and they are easily able to double that and a bit more. They are wearing evenly but I like to punch it here as the roads are nice and twisty and there are a few very nicely graded turns where drifting is easy and much fun!
Oh yeah, I swapped out the alternator/rectifier almost immediately and replaced it with the H-D unit WITHOUT rubber bushings. They are not necessary. The Cycle Electric unit is known for being delicate, or, as I would sum up, a P.O.S. 'Nuff said.
That is aalllllllll........
