Drive chain adjustment
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
Sounds dangerous...
Last edited by T^2; May 2, 2018 at 04:05 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I've owned a few old bikes with chains and did have one break once. Fortunately no harm came of the experience. There was a time when some bikes came with a completely enclosed chain, to keep the noisy dirty messy things out of sight, which was a much more satisfactory arrangement. 
Then we got toothed belts and the rest is history.....
Then we got toothed belts and the rest is history.....
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
The pejorative statement is: "Chains are for motorcycles; belts are for holding up pants."
They both have their benefits and drawbacks. I think chains get a little too much hate in the Harley crowd (ironically enough), but like most stereotypes it's all based in some truth.
As a guy with chain bikes, let me say that belts are nice. No maintenance, no work, set it and forget it really describes them. In argument, I can say that nothing on my right side will ever rust. hahaha
They both have their benefits and drawbacks. I think chains get a little too much hate in the Harley crowd (ironically enough), but like most stereotypes it's all based in some truth.
As a guy with chain bikes, let me say that belts are nice. No maintenance, no work, set it and forget it really describes them. In argument, I can say that nothing on my right side will ever rust. hahaha
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
The pejorative statement is: "Chains are for motorcycles; belts are for holding up pants."
They both have their benefits and drawbacks. I think chains get a little too much hate in the Harley crowd (ironically enough), but like most stereotypes it's all based in some truth.
As a guy with chain bikes, let me say that belts are nice. No maintenance, no work, set it and forget it really describes them. In argument, I can say that nothing on my right side will ever rust. hahaha
They both have their benefits and drawbacks. I think chains get a little too much hate in the Harley crowd (ironically enough), but like most stereotypes it's all based in some truth.
As a guy with chain bikes, let me say that belts are nice. No maintenance, no work, set it and forget it really describes them. In argument, I can say that nothing on my right side will ever rust. hahaha
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Belts aren't reliable enough for my riding. Lots of out of town, hard commuting, and cross country. Rocked one for 40k miles, but when it gave up the ghost (thankfully at home) I made the switch. Not a single regret.
Had a buddy that lost a belt and spent 3 days waiting for a fix. I can run down to any moto shop or ag shop in the US and get a chain to last me. The motor shop in San Jose, CA had the same **** I use at home.
As far as maintenance goes, regular lubes are the main pain in the ***. Cleaning is done when I feel like it, and adjustments are few and far between with modern x ring chains. Ran a standard 530 for about 4k miles unitl it was completely shot. Never again.
Had a buddy that lost a belt and spent 3 days waiting for a fix. I can run down to any moto shop or ag shop in the US and get a chain to last me. The motor shop in San Jose, CA had the same **** I use at home.
As far as maintenance goes, regular lubes are the main pain in the ***. Cleaning is done when I feel like it, and adjustments are few and far between with modern x ring chains. Ran a standard 530 for about 4k miles unitl it was completely shot. Never again.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,598
Likes: 4,032
From: San Diego, CA
John
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Been riding belt drive Harleys/Buells for over twenty years and only suffered damage (not a break) on one belt. Have had a chain break! Haven't owned a bike with an exposed chain since the 1970s - why would ya?! 
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post