When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Running 14" Ohlins rear shocks has led to drive belt clearance issues
Last year I upgraded the suspension on my 17' RG to BBP 2" over 30mm cartridges, and 14" Ohlins 159 on the rear. I have a Rinehart 2-1-2 system and the other day I noticed that the drive belt is resting on the crossover pipe that goes under the bike when it's on the jiffy stand. I haven't had a chance to see if it's rubbing when I'm actually riding or not. As a short term fix I used exhaust wrap to prevent the belt from direct contact with the pipe. I have a couple of questions for you guys
1-Anyone know what the spec is for the belt deflection with longer shocks? I'm wondering if the belt just needs to be adjusted and I read that the longer shocks change the spec.
2-The best way I see to solve this would be to go with a 2-1. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on something that would be in the same ballpark as the Rineharts are for loudness. I like pipes that are tame until you go WOT. I saw Rinehart has a 2-1 option as well, anyone have any feedback on them?
Another option I thought of would be to heat the header pipe up in that area and bend it with a ball peen hammer. This would only work if the clearance issue was minimal. This is not ideal but it would be the cheapest.
Last year I upgraded the suspension on my 17' RG to BBP 2" over 30mm cartridges, and 14" Ohlins 159 on the rear. I have a Rinehart 2-1-2 system and the other day I noticed that the drive belt is resting on the crossover pipe that goes under the bike when it's on the jiffy stand. I haven't had a chance to see if it's rubbing when I'm actually riding or not. As a short term fix I used exhaust wrap to prevent the belt from direct contact with the pipe. I have a couple of questions for you guys
2-The best way I see to solve this would be to go with a 2-1. I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions on something that would be in the same ballpark as the Rineharts are for loudness. I like pipes that are tame until you go WOT. I saw Rinehart has a 2-1 option as well, anyone have any feedback on them?
There should be witness marks on the crossover pipe if the belt is rubbing on it... probably even wear marks on the outside of the belt... In any case, the way you describe it would be too close for me..
I have a 2-1 Rinehart exhaust on my'03 Heritage w/95" big bore kit... the fit & finish is excellent. It has a nice deep sound at idle/cruise and a decent, but not offensive, bark at WOT... Sound is obviously very subjective, but I like it...
I'd see how close it is. A little hammer might fix everything like you said. Sorry Im not help on the belt deflection question, but I am curious since Im moving to 14" rears soon too.
For a mellow pipe that BARKS when you get on it, I couldnt have been happier with my fuel moto road and track 2-1 pipe. Made awesome power too. Had to get rid of it for my mid controls which really bummed me out.
My bikes a 16 RGU (original equipment was 13" air shocks ) with Rinehart Slimline Duals (2-1-2) and I have 14" SuperShox with their 1" lowering blocks. I just checked, bike sitting on jiffy stand and I have about 3/4" clearance between belt and cross over pipe. Also, no signs on the belt or the pipe that anything has/is rubbing. Might just be easier to see if you can get a set of lowering blocks for your Ohlins.
I'd see how close it is. A little hammer might fix everything like you said. Sorry Im not help on the belt deflection question, but I am curious since Im moving to 14" rears soon too.
For a mellow pipe that BARKS when you get on it, I couldnt have been happier with my fuel moto road and track 2-1 pipe. Made awesome power too. Had to get rid of it for my mid controls which really bummed me out.
Yeah I was down the rabbit hole one night and came across a thread talking about the different spec when going to taller shocks. I suspose I'm too late to the party to get your takeoff pipes 🤣
I was considering the Fuel Moto pipe, thanks for the feedback.
There should be witness marks on the crossover pipe if the belt is rubbing on it... probably even wear marks on the outside of the belt... In any case, the way you describe it would be too close for me..
I have a 2-1 Rinehart exhaust on my'03 Heritage w/95" big bore kit... the fit & finish is excellent. It has a nice deep sound at idle/cruise and a decent, but not offensive, bark at WOT... Sound is obviously very subjective, but I like it...
Yeah I was thinking if the belt was rubbing, the exhaust wrap would show signs of wear. I'm with you on the too close for comfort.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.