primary belt verses chain

willys · #1 03-20-2005, 02:27 AM

i have a 90 fxstc and the primary chain, and sprokets are shot, clutch could be replaced too. my question is, i have the chance to go to a 3 inch bdl system, its the $1400.00 setup. good idea or bad. my neighbor, who has a 93 says that ill hate it, it breaks, doesnt stay alighned, and is noisy. my motor is stock, except for S&S carb and vance and hines longshots, with baffels removed. im not so much thinking money on this, i know the chain setup will be cheaper to replace, but i dont want a belt setup that im going to have to be messing with all the time. i figure ill be putting about 2,000 mile a year on my bike, if that makes a difference on deciding on belt verses chain. any thoughts on this. the belt looks cool. but is it wouth it, thanks.

Markcuda · #2 03-20-2005, 03:14 AM

Stay with the chain, that is my opinion[8D]

Scout · #3 03-20-2005, 11:04 AM

It doesn't make much sense unless you are going to go for a high power or bigger displacement motor. Spend the saved money on cams, 95 inch or beer.

willys · #4 03-20-2005, 07:17 PM

yea, seems like all the posts to do with belts talk about keeping it running right, tracking and wearing out. you dont ever have to mess with the chain, well almost never. thanks for the replys

pococj · #5 03-20-2005, 07:32 PM

A 3 inch belt is for high HP motors, or for profilin'. It has to be run open and that means grit, dirt, cat tails, dog tongues, and rain get into places you don't want them. That means more maintenance. It's only noisier because it is in the open.

If you want a belt drive for the advantages it can offer, go for one of the narrower versions that is run enclosed. Do a little something about getting it a little air circulation, and it'll last a long time. It is also quieter and more efficient than a chain. And if properly installed, it'll track just fine. Never needs adjustment, either. You can run a dry primary and not worry about leaks, too.

Since you're only putting on about 2k/year, you're not going to see any real benefit from a belt. And I'd recommend a Primo over a BDL. I've seen several bikes, and read of numerous others, that have had problems with BDL units. Haven't heard of any with Primo. Ran a Primo for about 160k miles on an old '78 FLH. Broke one belt before I learned to ventilate the primary.

willys · #6 03-20-2005, 10:35 PM

ill be checking on the enclosed primo belt tuesday. thats the one i started out with asking for, but the shop told me they could sell me the 3 inch open for a couple hundered more. they look cool but for me it doesnt seem practable. thanks for the reply.

wild1 · #7 03-29-2005, 12:43 AM

The open systems cost a little more too for jeans.

Blue SOG · #8 03-29-2005, 08:31 AM

I use to run an 8mm Karata in a closed primary on my last bike ('72 FLH). I love it.

hawk · #9 03-29-2005, 05:15 PM

I think your situation calls for staying with the chain