From a belt to a chain?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 10,114
Likes: 29
From: Vancouver B.C. Canada
lol
Where do I get a hexagon wheel? Anyone?
Where do I get a hexagon wheel? Anyone?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,477
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
The old rule of thumb was to change sprockets every 2 chains. I use to go through at least 2 and sometimes 3 chains a year, usually getting about 10k miles on 'em. Never seemed to matter too much if I spent the bucks for the fancy o-ring jobs, or went with the cheaper ones. Most times I hit a farm implement or industrial sales joint and bought Diamond chain in bulk. Then all the boys-in-the-band had access to a new chunk whenever needed - count the links, cut the chain and go. Mostly used a Kawasaki brand lube; it was cheap, but did a great job. Used to try to pull a chain at about the half-way wear point, degrease it, then relube, reinstall.
One thing to remember is a chain never quits stretching; it'll stretch 'til it is slap worn out or breaks. I can remember some road trips where we were adjusting the chains every day.
One thing to remember is a chain never quits stretching; it'll stretch 'til it is slap worn out or breaks. I can remember some road trips where we were adjusting the chains every day.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 2
From: South Carolina
OK, we've all heard the chain is needed for HP, but has anyone here ever had their belt break, and if so, under what conditions... I've been riding for many years and have never heard from anyone, or know anyone, that has actually had their's break.
Last edited by LH; Apr 24, 2009 at 07:11 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 816
Likes: 10
From: Southern, MD
My buddy had a 99 softail with a S&S 93", he did a burn out as he was taking off one day and a bunch of rubber was flying around we all thought he burned up the tire but it was the teeth coming apart. Im converting to chain when I can afford everything.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 455
Likes: 2
High horsepower engines demand chains but they are also the hardest on chains. My Hayabusa with engine work dyno'd at 178.8 hp and it eats chains and sprockets for breakfast. They stretch like crazy and demand constant attention. I lube the chain every time I fill up the tank and have to change both sprockets every time I change the chain which is about every 5,000 miles. Lots of money and time just for a frickin chain. And don't even get me started on the rear tires...high horsepower bikes are money pits.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 210
Likes: 1
I know it's a bit of an older thread here, but I've noticed that pretty much all the sports bikes (crotch rockets) have chains. Not really being into that scene myself, do they have to do all kinds of maintenance all the time on their chains? Seems like if it was that big of a pain, the manufacturers would have gone to belts.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 341
Likes: 0
From: Ft Leonard Wood
gravel
I have to ride in on gravel everyday to get to work. The guys with chain bikes don't even bother riding in because of the maintenance involved. Maybe just have your daily driver and eventually if you can afford it get something with a chain if you want the cool factor...some older rigid that will play hell with your back and kidneys. I like'em, they look cool, but don't really feel the need to ride'em.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 3,234
Likes: 106
I know it's a bit of an older thread here, but I've noticed that pretty much all the sports bikes (crotch rockets) have chains. Not really being into that scene myself, do they have to do all kinds of maintenance all the time on their chains? Seems like if it was that big of a pain, the manufacturers would have gone to belts.
I have been riding since 1966. I went from chains to belts and have never looked back.
Chains require more maintenance that belts. Recommendation are every 1000 miles. They need to be removed checked for slack and lubed. Once they are lubed they sling that crap for miles.
Belts can be visually inspected without removal.
Chain pulleys are cheaper than belt pulleys. that's probably why manufacturers uses them to save a few bucks.