Chain drive
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Chain drive
Hey all, just got an opportunity from zippers performance to get a first ever chain drive conversion kit for a 08 and up fat bob. Now I'm really thinking what to do...to go chain or stay belt. I'll be honest the sole purpose of wanting to go chain is to get that ol school look. Please any and all opinions are encourged and welcome.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,990
Likes: 9
From: Marina del Rey
?
Besides more noise and oily crud slung onto your bike, you will add a messy clean and lube chain to your regular maintenance. And you will destroy the value of your bike. Just to pose as old school?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
Might as well remove the fuel injection too. One of the greatest benefits oh HD is low maintenance. Putting a chain drive on seems like a big step backwards. It's your bike though so if you want it, have at it.
Club Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 14,564
Likes: 9,223
From: the 50s & the 60s
Hey all, just got an opportunity from zippers performance to get a first ever chain drive conversion kit for a 08 and up fat bob. Now I'm really thinking what to do...to go chain or stay belt. I'll be honest the sole purpose of wanting to go chain is to get that ol school look. Please any and all opinions are encourged and welcome.
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running with a chain on my 006 SuperGlide coming up on a year now.
it's quiet, no mess, no adjusting every week or so like the 1960s chains
easy to change drive ratios
as for *the look*, no one has ever noticed.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 667
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver Wa.
Hey Mud, I am sure people have noticed and just not said anything. Besides gearing options what other advantages do you feel the chain has?
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Banned
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
There are pro's and cons to both, but you can easily fix a chain, swap out sprockets for different gear ratios quickly and run higher horsepower than a belt.
As far as cleanliness, constant adjustments, and the other issues that seem to plague chains, there has been massive improvements to the chain in the past decade.
An O-Ring chain has little to none of the issues that many of you speak of. The new chain lubes of today also are cleaner and pick up much less slit and road grime than in years past.
Is a belt easier to deal with and cleaner than a chain? YES.
As far as I'm concerned to each is own, but I have a chain on both my softail and bagger (both with thousands of miles on them) and will be putting a 3-Guys Choppers Chain Drive kit on my Dyna when I swap out the primary.
As far as cleanliness, constant adjustments, and the other issues that seem to plague chains, there has been massive improvements to the chain in the past decade.
An O-Ring chain has little to none of the issues that many of you speak of. The new chain lubes of today also are cleaner and pick up much less slit and road grime than in years past.
Is a belt easier to deal with and cleaner than a chain? YES.
As far as I'm concerned to each is own, but I have a chain on both my softail and bagger (both with thousands of miles on them) and will be putting a 3-Guys Choppers Chain Drive kit on my Dyna when I swap out the primary.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Having had both I'd say... belt.
After the initial stretch the newer o-ring chains are pretty maintenance free except for periodic cleaning and lightly oiling (mostly to keep the rollers and side plates from rusting), but the belt requires virtually no maintenance, runs quieter and with less vibration.
After the initial stretch the newer o-ring chains are pretty maintenance free except for periodic cleaning and lightly oiling (mostly to keep the rollers and side plates from rusting), but the belt requires virtually no maintenance, runs quieter and with less vibration.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 172
Likes: 1
From:
I converted to chain 7 years ago and could not be more pleased. Like previously said, both chain and belt have pros and cons and its more of personal preference. I prefer chain. Never really hear of people that do convert to chain converting back.
