Should I Go Chain Drive?
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5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey
Should I Go Chain Drive?
Hey fellas,
I am planning to upgrade my Stock 88" Dyna Super Glide to a 97" or a 100" this coming winter.
My question is, should I also upgrade from the stock belt drive to a chain?
Also, I plan to use the S&S kit to upgrade. It comes with a cam chain tensioner and cams. What else should I upgrade?
Thanks for you time.
I am planning to upgrade my Stock 88" Dyna Super Glide to a 97" or a 100" this coming winter.
My question is, should I also upgrade from the stock belt drive to a chain?
Also, I plan to use the S&S kit to upgrade. It comes with a cam chain tensioner and cams. What else should I upgrade?
Thanks for you time.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 1,068
From: Ohio
After the time spent , money wasted and headaches that came with the chain drive I had on my 04, I wouldnt recommend it.
I get the look and the cool guy dyna thing (thats why I did it), but if youre thinking about doing it strictly for performance Id say its not worth it. Theres plenty of 130hp bikes running around with stock belts on them, no issues. If you want the look (gold chain chrome sprocket sorta thing) then go for it because they do look bad ***.
I get the look and the cool guy dyna thing (thats why I did it), but if youre thinking about doing it strictly for performance Id say its not worth it. Theres plenty of 130hp bikes running around with stock belts on them, no issues. If you want the look (gold chain chrome sprocket sorta thing) then go for it because they do look bad ***.
Last edited by brownie4412; Oct 13, 2020 at 03:52 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 711
Likes: 143
From: .
After the time spent , money wasted and headaches that came with the chain drive I had on my 04, I wouldnt recommend it.
I get the look and the cool guy dyna thing (thats why I did it), but if youre thinking about doing it strictly for performance Id say its not worth it. Theres plenty of 130hp bikes running around with stock belts on them, no issues. If you want the look (gold chain chrome sprocket sorta thing) then go for it because they do look bad ***.
I get the look and the cool guy dyna thing (thats why I did it), but if youre thinking about doing it strictly for performance Id say its not worth it. Theres plenty of 130hp bikes running around with stock belts on them, no issues. If you want the look (gold chain chrome sprocket sorta thing) then go for it because they do look bad ***.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 2,574
Likes: 1,068
From: Ohio
Overall I cant stand behind that statement. It depend on how you ride. If you gonna cruise and take it easy(by easy I mean minimal on hard acceleration from near zero or clutch dumping), youll be fine with belt. If riding HARD and using the full available torque, belt will not be strong enough, even with small engine upgrades. Go with chain if you have the chance and ride without worrying.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 711
Likes: 143
From: .
Rhetorical question(I dont have interest in knowing your answer, no disrespect):
What is hard miles for you? Do you think you put enough stress on the belt on your riding style?
A perfectly healthy belt is good and strong, no doubt, but a small tear could end its life.
You need to take in mind that belts are made out of reinforced rubber, and rubber flex. Power loss right there. Its just a shame if one are upgrading their engine for power and lose the gains right there. The throttle response is better also.
Im not hating on belts and I like the maintenance free aspect of them. If belts could be near as strong and has the performance of chain and super easy to replace on the dyna(primary) I for sure gonna switch back to belt.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 815
Likes: 292
From: Uptown Bay Area, Cali
Whether or not to convert depends on how you ride. If youre going on trips (800+ miles), leave it with a belt. If this bike is your local in-town hot rod, put a chain on. For your power level, a chain is not required.
Dave
Dave
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Stage I
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick, ME USA
I'm putting an S&S V124 in my 98 FLSTF and I was wondering if I should change my belt to a chain drive. I just don't want to deal with the maintenance but it sounds like I may not have a choice. I could go with an S&S V111 but Ive always wanted a 124.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,761
Likes: 953
From: Out West
...My question is, should I also upgrade from the stock belt drive to a chain?
No, I don't believe you should, I don't believe it is necessary. Those belts are damn strong, weigh less than chain, are quieter than chain, are cleaner than chain, are maintenance free 'cept for periodic adjustment, and if anyone claims of breakage ask for proven/verifiable statistics/proof.
...What else should I upgrade? Wholeheartedly agree with Bob-fxdb on this, start with great rear shocks.
Thanks for you time.
No, I don't believe you should, I don't believe it is necessary. Those belts are damn strong, weigh less than chain, are quieter than chain, are cleaner than chain, are maintenance free 'cept for periodic adjustment, and if anyone claims of breakage ask for proven/verifiable statistics/proof.
...What else should I upgrade? Wholeheartedly agree with Bob-fxdb on this, start with great rear shocks.
Thanks for you time.
Agreed!
