HarleyTechTalk

I rode for years with a chain just like everyone else did.  Then, I bought a 2000 Heritage that came with a belt.  I built the motor to a high compression 95 incher & no problems with the belt.  Next I bought a RK & built another hot 95 inch motor & again no belt problems.

Then I built/installed a 124" motor in my current RK. I also run nitrous & an air shifter & I beat the cr@p out of my bikes (if I didn't, I would have left them all stock).  Now, the troubles began. The first year with the 124 I ripped 6 teeth off the belt. I figured maybe I had the belt too loose etc. so I replaced both pulleys & the belt using stock Harley parts. Then, I snapped the 2nd belt in 1/2 40 miles from home & had to call AAA to get the darn thing home.

At that point, I converted to a 530 chain & have not had a problem since.

~John

I like belts and my bike isn't modified nearly enough to insert me into this debate, but I'm surprised nobody's mentioned that apparently higher strength belts are available for high load conditions that eliminate the need for a full conversion to chain.  I knew a guy for a while who had an Ultra and a 120" motor that was highly modified.  He pulled wheelies and burnouts with regularity.  According to him he starting breaking belts along the way of his modifications but installed a HD "Sidecar" belt and had no further failures.  Apparently HD and some others make these higher strength belts to fit stock sprockets.  Anyone in the "from belt to chain" camp ever try one before making the switch?

Edit to add:  A quick search reveals that Harley belts have progressed from Aramid to Kevlar to (now) carbon fiber, and are apparently much stronger than they once were.  Don't know when they went to carbon fiber but I would think that would be plenty strong.  Also, it's worth mentioning that Boss Hoss bikes with V-8 engines, 400+ HP and TQ, use Gates carbon fiber final drive belts.  If it's strong enough for a V-8, I'd have to believe it could take whatever a modified V-Twin could put out.

And I also see that correct adjustment becomes even more critical as power goes up.

Quote from: Nastytls on February 05, 2021, 05:18:13 AM
Not sure why someone would care so much about what other people do to their bikes.

Where did that comment come from?

I don't see anyone picking on anybody for running a chain or a belt, just reasonable conversation, pros and cons.

Quote from: PoorUB on February 06, 2021, 06:11:21 AM

Quote from: Nastytls on February 05, 2021, 05:18:13 AM
Not sure why someone would care so much about what other people do to their bikes.

Where did that comment come from?

I don't see anyone picking on anybody for running a chain or a belt, just reasonable conversation, pros and cons.

Never said the OP was picking on anyone and never said that the response's to the original post were unreasonable, uncivil, or anything of the like.

In my posted response, "you" could mean anyone, not just the OP. Why would "you" care what I do to my bike? I suppose I could have made that more clear.

To me, the discussion is no different than asking: Why would anyone do any high performance mods to their bike? Leave it 100% stock and it's likely to be lower long term maintenance than with a hi-performance build, just like with the belt.  That is all.

I used the sidecar belt (on my '01 RK) when I changed mine in about '07 or '08, this the older wide belts. The don't think the new thinner belts offer that option.
That was replaced with a non sidecar standard belt this time, genuine HD. I'm sure it will be fine on my hot rod 95".

I like the idea of maintenance on a belt (or lack there of) but I've never owned a bike with one so it's always been a chain for me.

When you ride like me you need chain drive and a better transmission.. 3 belts later and 3rd gear will make you want to switch... Chains are no longer dirty... What are you guys putting on them?? 30 w car oil... The new chain lube sticks to the chain and does not fly off..

I got an o-ring chain on my shovel stays clean with spray lube.Also have a 97 ultra 120 with the old 1.5 inch belt.It holds up well.No hole shots but I dont baby it.

LOL, I have a pic like that also.  Took this before I slid in a new Baker Grudgebox....

I had just ripped about 6 teeth off 3rd gear in my 3rd tranny.....

~John

Quote from: scotman623 on February 07, 2021, 10:01:07 AM
When you ride like me you need chain drive and a better transmission.. 3 belts later and 3rd gear will make you want to switch... Chains are no longer dirty... What are you guys putting on them?? 30 w car oil... The new chain lube sticks to the chain and does not fly off..

Damn, you tore that belt up!

Quote from: scotman623 on February 07, 2021, 10:01:07 AM
When you ride like me you need chain drive and a better transmission.. 3 belts later and 3rd gear will make you want to switch... Chains are no longer dirty... What are you guys putting on them?? 30 w car oil... The new chain lube sticks to the chain and does not fly off..

I just took this pic. There's about 2,500 - 3,000 miles since cleaning and lube. Lots of high speed on the slab and still plenty of in town.  Took about an hour but I was doddling along and in no rush.  Notice there isn't a single spec of fling-off on the rim or tire. The same with the inside of the bag or fender.  No comparison to the old industrial chain we used to use.

Nice KD...

I went with a chain on my 2000RKC cause I went to 124 and I wanted a 150 tire. I don't believe I could have used the narrow belt to achieve the desired results.

                                                                                                                                                                  MIKE

Quote from: MikeL on February 09, 2021, 08:08:47 PM
I went with a chain on my 2000RKC cause I went to 124 and I wanted a 150 tire. I don't believe I could have used the narrow belt to achieve the desired results.

                                                                                                                                                                  MIKE

150 fits with your OE belt.

Quote from: Deye76 on February 10, 2021, 07:03:58 AM

Quote from: MikeL on February 09, 2021, 08:08:47 PM
I went with a chain on my 2000RKC cause I went to 124 and I wanted a 150 tire. I don't believe I could have used the narrow belt to achieve the desired results.

                                                                                                                                                                  MIKE

150 fits with your OE belt.

For some reason this bikes rear tire was not in the center of the fender. To get the tire on center I had to machine my own wheel spacers. By doing this I had to forfeit the belt for the chain. The tire alignment on this bike is correct and the chain has performed flawlessly along with the 150 tire. My 2002 Fat boy I installed a 150 tire on it also. I kept the belt.

                         

                                                                                                                                                                   MIKE