Why switch to a chain and sprocket?
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 2,206
From: Midlothian, VA
Why switch to a chain and sprocket?
Hello Forum Members,
I'm basically asking for opinions. A buddy is currently looking at a 2017 RKS online and the bike came from TX to a wholesale dealer many states away. The bike has been heavily modded with external goodies and has 13k on the clock. Here's where I have a question the owner went through the expense of changing the belt and pulley to a chain and sprocket drive. Since we have no idea if internal engine and clutch mods were done what other reason would someone go to the trouble of doing that? I was under the impression that you did that sort of mod when heavy engine work was done or maybe the guy didn't like the belt system?
I'm basically asking for opinions. A buddy is currently looking at a 2017 RKS online and the bike came from TX to a wholesale dealer many states away. The bike has been heavily modded with external goodies and has 13k on the clock. Here's where I have a question the owner went through the expense of changing the belt and pulley to a chain and sprocket drive. Since we have no idea if internal engine and clutch mods were done what other reason would someone go to the trouble of doing that? I was under the impression that you did that sort of mod when heavy engine work was done or maybe the guy didn't like the belt system?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 825
Likes: 711
From: N/E Indiana
Most do it if their going to Stunt Ride. I don't know why you'd put a Chain Drive on a Bagger (personal opinion). Why would you replace a non maintenance part with a Maintenance part? Had to rescue a Brother last year when his Drive Belt Broke, it was 27 years old. I would keep looking, there's Thousands of Used Bikes out there.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
it is one thing to mod your own bike and understand the how and why of doing it, buying someone elses project is always a gamble.
When was the last time you heard of a belt failing for any reason other than a rock getting between it and the rear sprocket?
The belts have proven reliable, even with high HP and torque.
Personally I am glad none of my current fleet requires me to keep a can of PJ-1 lube on the bench and O-Ring safe solvent for cleaning the chain, swing arm, rear wheel, etc.
Keeping the chain adjusted and replacing worn sprockets is a royal PITA
It is not a bike I would consider buying unless it was short short money, because replacing the chain with a belt is not going to be cheap, especially since the swing arm has to come out to do it.
Then there are the unknowns as to what else has been played with.
When was the last time you heard of a belt failing for any reason other than a rock getting between it and the rear sprocket?
The belts have proven reliable, even with high HP and torque.
Personally I am glad none of my current fleet requires me to keep a can of PJ-1 lube on the bench and O-Ring safe solvent for cleaning the chain, swing arm, rear wheel, etc.
Keeping the chain adjusted and replacing worn sprockets is a royal PITA
It is not a bike I would consider buying unless it was short short money, because replacing the chain with a belt is not going to be cheap, especially since the swing arm has to come out to do it.
Then there are the unknowns as to what else has been played with.
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 2,206
From: Midlothian, VA
Not too mention the bike probably has the first gen oil pump installed from the moco and the primary case probably hasn't had the vent tube mod done to it. I don't think either issue was a recall but only if ur bike experienced problems. I might advising him to skip this one.
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 2,373
Likes: 2,206
From: Midlothian, VA
I wonder would it be a space saving mod for a wider tire but that's not mentioned in the write up. He did install Enforcer wheels but that shouldn't matter. Plus no pax pegs or pax seat comes with it but it has the docking station for a pax backrest. Here's the link to it.
https://www.roadtrackandtrail.com/--...il?id=10089759
https://www.roadtrackandtrail.com/--...il?id=10089759
Last edited by Cornpipe; Mar 5, 2021 at 09:00 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,524
Likes: 57,080
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Most do it if their going to Stunt Ride. I don't know why you'd put a Chain Drive on a Bagger (personal opinion). Why would you replace a non maintenance part with a Maintenance part? Had to rescue a Brother last year when his Drive Belt Broke, it was 27 years old. I would keep looking, there's Thousands of Used Bikes out there.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 592
Likes: 482
From: SE PA
Ive got Harleys with both belts and chains. I dig them both, both have their place. Im guessing PO potentially wanted chain for the almost unlimited gearing options. Maybe looks? Maybe PO is just a diehard chain guy.
Chains get an unnecessary bad wrap. A good quality setup like PBI sprockets/RK chain or the like thats properly adjusted and maintained is quiet and trouble free. That said, belt setups are nice for the more set it and forget it approach.
Chains get an unnecessary bad wrap. A good quality setup like PBI sprockets/RK chain or the like thats properly adjusted and maintained is quiet and trouble free. That said, belt setups are nice for the more set it and forget it approach.
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Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 49
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From: High Ridge Missouri
I would stay away from any bike that was modded unless I knew the person who did the work AND it was priced cheap. Too much chance on buying a nightmare for me to mess with. Im not against modding things at all, just not into buying unknowns.