1984 healthy running Shovelhead FXSB with dual plug heads.

Running the factory final belt drive and chain primary.

Bike has gobs of torque. Runs out well at 65 mph on the highway. I feel past 4000rpm for long periods the engine is strained. I can do bursts of 70-75 but for long periods of time no good.

I hear 23 or 24 front and 48 rear is a great combo on the shovels with chain drive.

I would love to keep the factory belt setup but I can't seem to find much for gearing changes for the belt drive. Plus, that would leave problems with finding the correct belt length.

If I gotta convert to chain I will but is there anything else I can try?

 

Belt drive inner will get you a steeper ratio. Think FXDG or twin belt Sturgis.

 

Doing some research I also found stepping up the engine sprocket to a 25tooth (along with a new longer chain) helps. I will see what size I have now. I wonder if there are any clearance issues to deal with for the bigger engine sprocket....

 

65 tooth softail rear pulley...130 tooth belt HD# 40017-94.

 

Gonna gnaw on the starter housing until it has a Hole in it certainly...see them all the time. I always go smaller on the rear with a chain...less chain to throw and no interference...

 

He's talking about doing a 25 on the comp sprocket not the tranny.

OP, far as clearance issues in the primary shouldn't be any but I think your year has had the bosses relieved already.

 

Oh...OK Carry on ...I was in another Place!!!!

 

Thanks for the replies.

Looks like a new option to consider with the smaller sprocket on the wheel and a softail belt as suggested by Tom84fxst...