I'm hoping that some of you can advise me on the reliability, durability, pros, cons etc of having a Primo brand 8mm belt drive primary on an '82 FLH as opposed to the OEM primary. This particular model does not have a belt tensioner on it. The bike I'm looking at hasthis system installed& I'm thinking about having the original system put back in before I finalize the deal. I think all of the original parts that were removed are still available for reinstallation.

Many thanks for any info you can provide. This forum is the greatest!

Ride safe,

John

 

I don't know about the Primo brand, but my 83 shovel has the factory belt drive in the primary and I really like it. Very dependable, I check it every year in the spring and forget about it. I did break the belt one time, but that was after many, many miles.

 

Ran a Primo on a '78 FLH. Good service from it; two belts in ~160,000 miles. Second belt went over 100,000 miles 'cause I got smart and ventilated the primary to allow it to cool.

Running a Primo on my '87 Sloptail now. Noisy clutch, but otherwise lookin good.

 

Pros and cons. the belt drive is smooth, and quite, but a chain drive primary will always get you home.

 

Don't know 'bout that.
I've poped my share of primary chains.
Been running a Primo for years.
But haven't broken a belt yet.

 

jp...my 65 is running a chain, my chopped 50 runs a primo belt. Chains,I believe, are a little more forgiving when it comes to alignment and tension. Today they also make an automatic chain tensioner that replaces the primary chain adjustment part. A little pricey, but might be a good idea for long hauls.

Haven't had problems with either belt or chain tho. Think its a personal preference. Do agree w/ poco, if you run a belt ya gotta ventilate the primary to help keep it cool (cool being a relative term of course when it relates to calssic bikes)

 

can anybody share ideas on ventilation?

 

Thanks everybody for the help. I think I'm gonna stay with the OEM drive. I like the sound it makes anyway. Plus, if it breaks,I maybe can get parts at a stealership to get home. Here's hopin' anyhow.

John