Final Drive swap to Chain

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Jan 20, 2009 | 06:31 AM

#11

juscoop

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From: Corpus Christi,TX

I had broke two belts on my bike before i switced to a chain.If you have high HP or ride hard it is worth it.My bike was a 97 softail so I was able to buy a rear spocket from a old style sporty and the trans sprocket was from a early softail.I like the comfort that if I am going to crack the throttle I dont have to wory a belt breaking.Make sure you get a o-ring chain does not require to be oiled all the time although it will be messy at fist until all the grease get whiped off.I have had to tightin the chain 2 times in 4000 mile
I like the ability to be able to change gear ratios easly

Jan 21, 2009 | 01:51 PM

#12

crzrdude

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I picked up a rock which pierced through the belt right dead smack in the center of the width. I am running the belt gaurd and really like the belt versus chain. But to snap a belt in the middle of nowhere sucks. My motor is putting out over 100hp/100tq. I just want something stronger. If there is a different, stronger belt for sidecar application, then thats the one I want. Just bad luck picking up rocks.

Jan 21, 2009 | 02:14 PM

#13

TexasSG

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Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 695

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From: Kingwood, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpooch00

If you really have to go to a chain drive, just figure the tooth count to give you the same final drive ratio as the belt had. The bigger the diameter of the cogs, the better, as long as they fit into the space available and give you the ratio that you want. Personally, I think belts are better in every way other than ultimate breaking strength.

Good luck,

John

Wow! Finally........ a constructive answer to the question asked!

Got a buddy of mine that loves doing wheelies on his '03 deuce, I've
replaced 3 belts for him so far, prolly do a lot better with a chain.

Jan 21, 2009 | 02:32 PM

#14

Jrsess

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Joined: Aug 2007

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From: Wesley Chapel Fl.

Why would you want to do that!!!!!!!!

Jan 21, 2009 | 02:44 PM

#15

TexasSG

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Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 695

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From: Kingwood, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jrsess

Why would you want to do that!!!!!!!!

Got a buddy of mine that loves doing wheelies on his '03 deuce, I've
replaced 3 belts for him so far, prolly do a lot better with a chain.

Jan 21, 2009 | 03:52 PM

#16

steveh326

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Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 1,548

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From: Mt. Airy, MD

if you go chain and ride any miles you'll be replacing worn out sprockets pretty often.

my roadstar is 100hp/125 tq and I kept breaking belts. I ended up with a Gates Polychain belt, which has been great. I would venture to guess its way stronger than the stock hd belt.

Jan 21, 2009 | 08:58 PM

#17

cfoster80

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Joined: Jun 2008

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From: Southern MD

Perfomance Machine makes a chain conversion for baggers so you can put 200 mm tire on dont know if that would help you out at all.
http://www.performancemachine.com/swf/home.html

Jan 23, 2009 | 11:37 AM

#18

crzrdude

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Thanks for the helpful answers and replies. Just asking a simple question. I had already thought it out and with the way I ride a chain is better suited for me. Didn't really need all the criticism. And like the guy doing wheelies, I ride it hard and often. About 13k p/yr also.