Timing Belt question...

[Crobii]

Ok all....this is probably a stupid question, but here goes:
I removed the radiator and engine guards to get to the timing belt covers and do an inspection. The covers are horrible (they'll be polished shortly). There are no marks inside as to when the belts were last changed, however, the belts actually look pretty new and have bright Honda stamps on them. I bought the bike about 2 years ago and have put maybe 2K miles on it for a total of 26K on the odometer. The guy I bought the bike from said they had a dealer do a complete maintenance on it about 6 months prior to my purchase but I didn't ask about the belts. Would you guys go ahead and change them now? or leave them? I don't have any way to check timing at present.
Thanks for any advice
-Crobii

 

[joedrum]

it is probably wise to read up on everything you can about changing belts ... and then go after it ... the dangers here are huge ... so a good look into things is smart first move to me ..

 

[mcgovern61]

Not knowing the history of the bike otherwise, I would change the belts now. Cheap insurance!

Also, what Joe wrote is correct! Read up on all of the timing belt threads here BEFORE you start and save yourself a lot of aggravation! :laptop: :read: :yes:

 

[Steve83]

The belts are very inexpensive, and you have it apart anyway, so go for it. +1 on everything above - be patient and careful, double and triple check all the timing marks, and you'll be fine.

You can pick up a basic induction timing light cheaply for the ignition timing, if that's what you were referring to. You don't need one for the belt replacement.

 

[brianinpa]

$20 for belts or $200 for a new to you motor... Not knowing anything for sure, I'd spend the $20. While you are at it, write the date and the mileage on a piece of tape and stick it to the tool tray so you know when the belts were last changed.

 

[Joep]

Those may be original Honda belts based on mileage... but at this point you still have ageing.. replace the belts, Mark the covers.. (nothing to mess up the makings.. ie no oil/antifreeze normally in there) .. what you did to get tho this point to check them you would have to do it again.. so only little move time and money.. cheap insurance..