Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2005
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Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
I have wondered how many riders have installed gear driven cams in their bikes. A really good mechanic currently doing a big bore conversion for me doesn't feel they offer a significat advantage versus a well maintained motorcycle with tensioner checks every 10,000 miles. He also raises the point that gear drives need maintainance and to be checked as well and the fact they can be noisey. What do you all run? It will be interesting to see how prevalent the gear drives are. Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: pinchatooly
RE: Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
What exactly do you want to do with the bike???Street,, usee the chain!Hot rodin street against the limiter,,, gears..You hot rod ,,,you pay the price..Either way there is maintance.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: St George, UT
RE: Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
Did the 02 Ultra at 55,000 miles after replacing the chain tensioners at 44,000 miles (on the road too.). I put the Mackie ones in, and they really upped the torque, but pretty loud whine noticable below 50 mph. I kind of liked them, but looking back, I think I would have just left well enough alone. Now that I have a 07 with the 96" motor, I ain't messing with it.
But then, I'm not hungry for more performance. Just want the bike to pull a 6% grade in high gear two up, with a headwind, and still accelerate a bit. The current ride does all that, so I be happy.
But then, I'm not hungry for more performance. Just want the bike to pull a 6% grade in high gear two up, with a headwind, and still accelerate a bit. The current ride does all that, so I be happy.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 386
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From: Huntsville, AL
RE: Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
I went with the SE 204 with a mild 95 build after 30,000 miles on the stock. I'm happy but would have no aversion going with a gear driven cam.
I'm now getting 80 hp/100 tq and am very happy with that.
I'm now getting 80 hp/100 tq and am very happy with that.
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Cruiser
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RE: Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
More explanation. We are doing the "1550 High Output" just about identical to Calibration #4 ofthe SERT calibrations. 1550 cylinders, high compression pistons (22868), Performance Heads (16952) and 257 Cam. The thought was what about the gear drive? I have two bikes. This '05 Fatboy with a bunch of chrome, custom paint, etc. and it is my "hot rod". My '06 Springer FX is more of a normal, nice ride and will be kept pretty much stock although it has Stage I with V&H Big Shots. Frankly, my mechanic is not big on the gear drive cams and prefers well maintained tensioners.
RE: Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
The chain is working fine for me. I don't mind checking the tensioners every so often, either. It's not a big job. I may switch to gears down the road, but I see no reason given the type of riding I'm doing, to run out and switch them today. I seems to be a lot of expense just to have gear drive bragging rights.
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RE: Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
The mechanic wants you to keep the chains so he can keep you coming back for follow up visits.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From:
RE: Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
A gear drive conversion costs over $500. That's a lot of insurance to pay to keep from having to check your tensioner pads once a year or so. Some people say you get a few more horsepower but again $500 is a lot pay for a couple of ponies. Put the money into better heads and you'll get much more return on your investment.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Acworth
RE: Cams Stock Chain Drive or Gear Drive
I would like to know, what maintenance do a gear drives require? I understand gear noises and eventually, the gears wear out but, not a check at each 20k miles.