pulley change
pulley change
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 11,483
Likes: 39
From: Passaic County, NJ
Most of the members here have instead changed the trans pulley to a 31t. If you search on that, I'm sure there is a good reason why it's better to change the trans pulley rather than the wheel pulley.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,419
Likes: 1
From: Ashland Ore.
I think your belt will have enough adjustment. To answer Longhair, It's probably easier and less expensive to change the rear pulley opposed to the trans pulley. I assume the OP is looking for a higher gear ratio hence the 70-65 swap. The stock front pulley is 32 so a 31 would lower the ratio.You could go with a 34 on the front. 99% of us who have changed went with a 30.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
IF you need to change the belt, you might as well change the trans pulley since to change the belt you have to open the inner primary. To make that big of a change, it has been my understanding a change of 5 or more teeth on the rear will require a new belt.
The Andrews web site shows each tooth change requires a 1/8" adjustment on the belt. If you have an inch of play on your rear wheel adjustment, perhaps you can make the swap, otherwise you need a new belt.
The Andrews web site shows each tooth change requires a 1/8" adjustment on the belt. If you have an inch of play on your rear wheel adjustment, perhaps you can make the swap, otherwise you need a new belt.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,166
Likes: 4
From: la
My 08 was geared way too tall 32/66 so I did the 30T pulley and it put more power where I like it, I'm lookin for a 68 or 70 1" rear pulley to go lower. I hear the Sportster has them but I haven't been able to confirm the right one yet.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,166
Likes: 4
From: la
IF you need to change the belt, you might as well change the trans pulley since to change the belt you have to open the inner primary. To make that big of a change, it has been my understanding a change of 5 or more teeth on the rear will require a new belt.
The Andrews web site shows each tooth change requires a 1/8" adjustment on the belt. If you have an inch of play on your rear wheel adjustment, perhaps you can make the swap, otherwise you need a new belt.
The Andrews web site shows each tooth change requires a 1/8" adjustment on the belt. If you have an inch of play on your rear wheel adjustment, perhaps you can make the swap, otherwise you need a new belt.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Paul is correct, 2 tooth change should not require any belt change. Also a 2 tooth change on the trans pulley is roughly equal to a 5 tooth change on the rear pulley when it comes to gear ratio.
So if you make a 2 tooth trans pulley change, only thing you are replacing is the pulley itself (and gaskets). Saves money.
So if you make a 2 tooth trans pulley change, only thing you are replacing is the pulley itself (and gaskets). Saves money.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,789
Likes: 9
From: Double Oak, Texas
I went with a re-gearing from 32/66 to 30/70 and ran the beast 10,000 miles. With my engine mods, it made it a wheelie monster in first gear with a whack of the throttle. The pulley width was/is 1.125" but it was not an issue at all with my 1" belt. Going to the 30/70 shortened the wheelbase as well, which sharpened the already superb (for a cruiser) handling. As my engine puts out 100 foot pounds at 2500 rpms and builds, the combination also made for a rear tire braking loose and leaving a nice darky if the tire was not warm or if the road was very smooth. The stock length belt fit fine with the 30/70 setup.....but would not fit a 32/70 setup. I changed the bike to 30/66 stock belt, and now have the used 70 tooth lying around just begging to be sold.