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Drive Belts

Need a new belt? Side by Side Source carries a complete selection of replacement and upgrade drive belts engineered to outlast stock and handle way more abuse, from heavy-duty belts with aramid fiber construction that can survive portal gear lifts and 35-inch tires, to high-performance belts designed specifically for turbocharged machines that make serious power. Whether you're replacing a shredded belt on your CFMoto, upgrading to a severe-duty belt before tackling extreme terrain in your Kawasaki Mule, or installing a race-proven belt on your built Can-Am Maverick X3, we've got belt solutions from manufacturers who understand that premium materials and proper engineering make the difference between belts that last and belts that leave you walking
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Buyer's Guide for UTV Drive Belts: Helping You Shop!

When to Replace Your UTV Belt vs. When to Upgrade

Understanding the difference between routine replacement and strategic upgrading saves you from either wasting money or getting stranded. If you’ve simply made it to the end of the line with your existing belt (which is cracked, frayed, etc.), then there’s no reason to complicate it. Replacing it with an equivalent OEM-compatible option should be fine.

On the other hand, if you’ve modded your machine and/or constantly find yourself tearing through belts because of your riding style, then it may be time for an upgrade. Larger tires, lifts, and heavy-duty use place massive strain on your belt, which makes heavy-duty belts made from materials like Kevlar a much more attractive option.

Some UTV Belts Are Just Built Different: Here’s How

Standard belts use polyester cord reinforcement with rubber compounds designed for moderate heat and loads. And sure, this is all good and fine for more chill applications, but with heavy loads and more aggressive riding styles, that rubber is not going to hold up well for long. 

Heavy-duty UTV belts are made with tough aramid fiber like Twaron or Kevlar, and can take far, far more abuse than standard polyester belts. This includes high heat and intense strain from heavier loads. That means less cracking, less chunking, and a much longer life. 

If even that isn’t enough, then it’s time for a severe-duty side-by-side belt. These are what you need for portal gear lifts, turbocharged engines, or competition use where belt failure means DNF or worse. The price premium is real (some belts run $200-300), but when a belt failure could cost you a race win or leave you stranded 50 miles from the trailhead, the insurance is worth it.

How to Make Your UTV Belts Last Longer

Even the best belt will fail prematurely if you're not managing the things that kill belts. Namely, heat, dust, and improperly breaking in your new belts are the major culprits behind premature failure. 

Heat is no friend of rubber. Whether from clutch slip, poor airflow to the CVT area or just heavy use, heat buildup is going to break down those rubber compounds in your belt and weaken it over time. Similarly, dust and debris will sneakily wear away at your belt, one granule at a time. Each little particle is like sandpaper, corroding the material until finally, you’ve got a problem.

Finally, as mentioned, so many riders sleep on the breaking-in process. Newer belts typically need ten to twenty miles of moderate riding with different speeds and loads to help the belt surface get properly seated against the clutch faces. If you just start hammering immediately on a newly installed belt, it might glaze before it is properly seated, which is definitely not good!

3 Top Selling UTV Drive Belt Brands

  1. GBoost Technology engineers high-performance belts with advanced compounds and construction techniques proven in racing applications.
  2. EPI Performance manufactures severe-duty belts specifically designed for modified machines and extreme riding conditions.
  3. Aftermarket Assassins produces premium belts with their signature overbuilt approach, engineered to survive conditions that destroy lesser belts.

5 Top Selling UTV Drive Belt Products

  1. Get reliable all-terrain performance with this All-Terrain Drive Belt by GBoost, engineered to handle varied conditions without breaking the bank.
  2. Serious power demands serious belts. This Evolution Powersports Bad Ass Drive Belt by Geiser Performance handles turbocharged and heavily modified machines without flinching.
  3. CFMoto UForce and ZForce owners tackling extreme conditions need this Severe Duty Belt by EPI Performance, built specifically for heavy loads and aggressive riding that would shred standard belts.
  4. Keep your Kawasaki Mule moving with this Performance Drive Belt by Moose, delivering dependable performance for work applications at a reasonable price.
  5. Kawasaki Teryx KRX owners get race-proven reliability with this AA Stryker Belt by Aftermarket Assassins, engineered specifically for the demands KRX machines create.

UTV Drive Belt Frequently Asked Questions

How can I know when I need a new UTV belt?

The proactive approach is always best. Inspect your belt every fifty hours of riding or less. 

Is it really worth bringing an extra belt?

This is an easy one: yes!

Are belts from different UTV models interchangeable if the specs are the same?

You want to be really careful here. The soundest advice is to say no, even if specs line up. Different machines have different clutch designs, power characteristics, and load profiles that require specific belt compound formulations and construction.