going from belt drive to chain
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 88
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
going from belt drive to chain
I was thinking about going from belt drive to chain drive on my 11 wideglide. only reason i want to is because i think it would be different...so i was wondering if anyone knows of a good kit to do this or at least point me in the right direction...thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 4
From: Kennewick, WA
Maybe others can point you to a good source, but I strongly suggest that you find another way to be different. A trick paint job comes quickly to mind, it won't take any more maintenance, even a 3 yr old could tell the difference, it will cost about the same, and a year later you won't be regretting it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
Have you ever owned a chain drive motorcycle? You have to lube it every fill up, you have to clean it with a brush and kerosene every few fill ups which is a dirty task, you have to live with and constantly remove greasy fling off from the rear rim a swing arm. You have to replace the chain and front and rear sprockets about every 15K to 20K miles at a cost of $200 for the parts. You have to measure and possibly adjust the chain slack frequently.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,736
Likes: 1,524
From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
It isn't quite as bad as the naysayers are making out, modern chains and lubes are really quite civillised but they do generate more vibration and a bit more mess....doing it because it is different is like taking a crap with your trousers still on...different yes, sensible, no....unless you live somewhere up a gravel road with stones all over it and then a chain would actually make sense because it is less likely to break and a whole heap easier to fit a new one if it does.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 172
Likes: 1
From:
I converted to chain in 2003 and have zero regrets. New technology in chains have resolved most of the issues riders had in earlier times. Seems most people have strong opinions about converting to chain but many negative comments come from riders who never have run a newer chain. This was discussed on another forum and it might help in your decision.
http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/index....c,38394.0.html
http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/index....c,38394.0.html
Chains are only good for BIG INCH motors that don't go very far or do much road time and can hangle a 124" sidewinder... on a VERY different bike usually. The naysayers will probably continue... the modern chains are NOT civilized as was reported a few posts ago, they are quite the pain in the ***.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,465
Likes: 15
From: Corona, Ca
im sure he didnt want to hear all of your BS opinions....
search the forum and youll get what your looking for.
search the forum and youll get what your looking for.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: Oregon
I come from a motocross background, I found the 520 chain on my 450 mx'er to be quite durable, been on there for about 3 years now, adjusted it after the first ride/initial stretch and hasn't needed it since. modern four stroke MX bikes are now running just a few hp's under our stock 96's also. I'm not sure if this info even relates but I thought I'd throw it out there. modern chains are also o-ring or x-ring designs and do not require nearly as much maintenance.
EDIT: that being said, I would not convert to a chain drive on my SB.
EDIT: that being said, I would not convert to a chain drive on my SB.
Last edited by MXerwithaBob; May 23, 2011 at 09:55 AM.
