Has anyone on the forum here actually had a OEM timing belt failure?

[Slammer]

I had mine replaced at by now almost 200.000 kms, the belt looked pretty slick and would have had to be replaced soon. The shop also replaced the pullys as one was not looking too good.
I have had a belt go on a Ford Courier and a LT1100 and don´t want to go through that again on top of a mountain. So now I have peace of mind for the next 100.000.

 

[Erdoc48]

Mine looked as new despite age (but lower mileage when changed- I think 35K on the 2000 and 38K on the 94), but as others have said, you can’t go by just appearances.

 

[Uncle Phil]

Mine looked as new despite age (but lower mileage when changed- I think 35K on the 2000 and 38K on the 94), but as others have said, you can’t go by just appearances.

But I can go by experience ....
Three times I have ran the original belts regardless of age to 100,000 miles with no issues so either I'm lucky or these belts are way over-engineered (which I think is the case).
But it ain't my monkey and it ain't my circus so I reckon a feller can change them if they are concerned.
BTW, I checked the brand new one I have from Honda and notice that there are no 'dates' on the only label on the package.
Do you reckon Honda is getting new ones made just to support the ST1100?

 

[dwalby]

BTW, I checked the brand new one I have from Honda and notice that there are no 'dates' on the only label on the package.
Do you reckon Honda is getting new ones made just to support the ST1100?

touché

BTW, my belt still shows the Honda part identification numbers in green, how about your older belts, are they also visible? If so, do they look the same as the new belt?

 

[Uncle Phil]

touché

BTW, my belt still shows the Honda part identification numbers in green, how about your older belts, are they also visible? If so, do they look the same as the new belt?

Good idea - I'll have to check and see. Given the fact that Honda has pretty much quit making parts for the ST1100 I would be surprised if they are having belts made since this one said 'Made in Japan'. I wonder if Gates who makes a replacement dates their belts.