I want to convert to chain on the rear of my XL883/1200.
What size sprockets are needed to retain the stock gearing (28-68)?
Rear tire is standard width so no not need offset front sprocket.
Anyone with a good source for these parts? Part numbers?

Thank you.

John

 

well you current gearing is 2.32...you get that by dividing 65/28...so to keep that you could buy a 23 tooth front sprocket from PBI (direct bolt up and an American company) and a 53 or 54 tooth sprocket on the rear...53 would give you 2.3 and 54 would be 2.34 to create a little lower rpm at highway speeds you would want to lower your final grearing so it would be less than 2.32.

good luck

 

OS,

Thank you.

Just what I was looking for.

John

 

Is this for the look?

Just curious, because I freaking hate chains.

 

No I do a little off road riding and pebbles rip up belts.

John

 

I'll entertain this...why do you hate chains?

I'll tell you what, I used to hate chains with a passion...whats the ****ing point of putting something that requires more maintainence on your bike...its like going backwards in technology...right?




well technology has come so far it only took 4 hours to get my bike trailered home after my belt snaped about 10 miles from my house...had i had a chain I could have fixed it and been back on the road having fun in no time. Now I know someone will chime in with well how often do you seen a guy broke down on the road with a belt compaired to a chain or belts only fail after thousands and thousands of miles...All I can say is this experience for me turned me from a chain hater to a person who is excited to be more independent on the road with a chain and the tools to fix it on me.

 

To the OP: That is a badass reason to go to a chain conversion!

Old skool, I hear you on the potential to fix a chain. I've never done it myself, but I know that sometimes they can be fixed by the very savvy.

Personally, I dislike chains for the maintenance, the potential to rust, and the sprockets that wear and need to be replaced.

I've had three belt driven bikes and one chain bike, and I really do prefer belts, but that is just a preference, I'm not saying that one is superior.

 

Anyone want to chime in on the pros/cons for belts vs chains? ....the only maintenance for a chain is oil, right?

Off-roading a sporty! ...sweet! A lot of back roads here in Vegas I'd like to take!

 

Yeah, keep the chain lubricated (I prefer chain wax to oil), and replace the chain and sprockets when they need it.

Belts stretch more than chains, so you have to stay on the adjustment, but belts don't need lube and they don't wear out their sprockets/pulleys.

Oh and this is a minor concern, but chains are often noisy and belts are whisper quiet.

 

I have had a belt breakdown far from home, expensive pita.
I can change a chain on my dirt bike in five minutes ( less really, center stand is good to have ) with a preset spare chain.
I am really thinking hard about converting to chain on my FXR.
Just for ease of repair. Also, I do ride some stretches down dirt roads and a pebble can kill a belt.