Belt advice

Hey Guys and Gals , My burning question is all the different answers I am seeing on belt . I have seen replace at 20 k I have seen a manual say at 10 K ouch . My next question is for those that own the bike .
What mileage when change belt light comes on ?. And what damage to bike other than belt breaking if that happens ?.
Thanks to all

The "V" light comes on at 16,000 miles. Nothing happens if you don't change the belt at that time. i've extended the belt change as much as 21,000 miles and that belt showed no signs of damage or wear at that point. However most of the time I'll replace the belt somewhere between 16k and 20k, whenever it was convenient.

There have been rare reports of belt failure (shredding) but those incidents haven't seemed to coincide with failure to replace the belt at a recommended interval.

The belt is relatively easy to change with a few basic metric tools and an easily fabricated special tool to hold the variator pulley. Best parts prices I've found are from Partzilla.com

Tim

As Tim said the Honda recommendations are for the belt to be replaced at 16,000 miles. Quite a few people have extended that to 20,000 miles and more with no reported problems. I usually replace at Hondas reconditioned 16,000 because I feel $125 and 45 minutes of work for 16,000 miles worry free riding is worth it. After all most people will get two to four years out of a belt. The 2007 I bought used only had 7,500 miles on it so that's almost eight years already and if you wanted to stick with Hondas recommendations that rider could have went 14 to 15 years if he trusted the rubber that long.

I just did my winterizing , The belt was still on specs after 44 k kl  .I did replace the belt with a OEM belt.I think the secret for long belt life ,is to engage slowly then do the acceleration . It will also increase the clutch life of the secondary clutch pads. If your V light keeps coming on replace the primary clutch sheaves,and your V light will not come before it's time . I had to replace mine at 30 k kl due to aggressive riding.

I replaced mine at 15K and there was very little wear.  Probably could have got 20K easily but I seldom push items like that too far.  Replacing a belt on the side of the road is not my idea of "fun" while on a trip!!!  And yes, play it safe and use an OEM belt.  I agree with the above that Partzilla is the way to go for the best prices.