Online: Retroman

Opinions on sporty belt drive vs chain, pro's/cons?

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  • Jim329
    Jim329
    10 years ago

    Hi guys,

     

    Any options on this as I'm torn between the two..

  • GT 1200
    GT 1200
    10 years ago
    You might need to explain? What's wrong with the belt drive?
  • Bonkerz
    Bonkerz
    10 years ago

    I think he means opinions of belt vs chain, not options. Imo the belt is way superior - or at least that's what I've been told over the years. It's biggest seller for me is it's less likely to break without obvious warnings and a lot less liekely (<--WTF KIND OF SPELLING IS THAT?) to damage the bike on it's way out.

  • allde
    allde
    10 years ago

    ^ +1 what he said, also no Chain Lube all over your ride.

  • Nomada
    Nomada
    10 years ago
    Belt is also quieter and less likely too stretch therfore less time spent adjusting.


  • 883n Harley Convert
    883n Harley Convert
    10 years ago
    Belts are better for a number of reasons, but chains just look fucking cool............hahah!!

    You can also run a large wheel/tyre with a chain..............................
  • skirtster
    skirtster
    10 years ago
    If you pick up a small stone or something between the belt and pulley it's not going to give you any warning it's going to break. I prefer a belt, less to maintain and quieter
  • Jim329
    Jim329
    10 years ago

    Hi guys, thanks for the opinions....food for thought. I just bought my first HD today....awesome. Tell me what you think.


  • 98superglide
    98superglide
    10 years ago
    Looks good mate, what did you pay for it?
  • Jim329
    Jim329
    10 years ago
    $6600, just got to gat a RWC on Monday then should be GTG....
  • 98superglide
    98superglide
    10 years ago

    Good stuff....looks like an 04 -06 sporty?

  • 98superglide
    98superglide
    10 years ago

    Xy

  • Jim329
    Jim329
    10 years ago
    Good eye 98, she's an '04, planning to make her a little more Matt though pipes etc...but she's my first so for the moment just going to enjoy the ride....
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    10 years ago

    Chain is stronger, & if it did break ( never broke one myself ) you can carry a joining link. & keep riding if your way out in the sticks. belts just snap, especially if like has been mentioned they get a stone between belt & pully. then you see a black snake in your rear view mirror & your revs go up the bike stops moving. hope your not out in the sticks. chain is the best. but belts are cleaner just can't take as much power & torque as a good chain can.

     

  • careyman
    careyman
    10 years ago
    replacing chains, sprockets meh, belt for me...
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    10 years ago

    01 Dyna changed from belt to chain in 02 as was riding to QLD to drag race then riding home to Sydney , well got best made in USA sprockets & best chain i could get, 90,000k12 years latter did bottom end in motor went through three cam chain adjusters in motor ( twin cam ) went to gear drive in cams ( like a stock sporty ) but the original chains & sprokets still going strong, saw a lot of snapped belts on the startline drag racing. now bike has new owner & chain still going so are same made in USA sprokets. but if you take the made in asia cheap sprokets they probably wear, if you buy a cheap chain would probably stretch. but i oiled and cheaned chain a lot. but i know guys that did 300,000k on a belt but kept it adjusted & stone free.

  • Bonkerz
    Bonkerz
    10 years ago
    I should have mentioned if you plan to race/drag race I was told always go with a chain over a belt. I believe Krash K above has pretty much covered why.
  • judgelj
    judgelj
    10 years ago
    I know someone that has gone from belt to chain on a custom heritage softy
  • BBYHD
    BBYHD
    6 years ago
    Resurrecting an old post here, did a search, couldn't find any other related posts....

    Anyone got any more recent opinions/advice/experience with a belt to chain conversion for Sportsters?
    Worth the cost? (what is the cost roughly?)
    Example:
    http://www.zippersperformance.com/chain-conversion-kits-xl.html

    Extra maintenance, unless theres a sealed o-ring chain that suits?

    Thanks guys.

    Chris

  • oneup
    oneup
    6 years ago
    i have belt  mrs has chain.. one chain advantage we like is we can use a tow dolly and connect and disconnect the chain easily
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