I know some of the basics but for those that have converted their bike to a chain drive, what are the advantages and disadvantages to doing it? are they noisy?
Chain drive conversion ????s
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Rob L
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Not noisy at all!!!
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@scotman623 Scott, which Chain Drive Conversion did you go with?
Yours looks awesome Brother.
Mike U.
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I think he said it was the Trask kit on the thread he posted about it.
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Trask my friend...
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That's which one I thought it was just wanted to make sure, thanks Scott.
If I ever go with a Chain Conversion, I would definitely go with Trask Performance, their parts are exceptional in my opinion.
Mike U.
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301 Posts
Folks- if belts are up to the task for bikes set up for performance wouldn't all race bikes of all forms have them? Even Buell"s changed to chain drive for the track. Chain drives save weight, let you change gearing to suit your application, and handle more power. Go to a dyno contest sometime that has high HP V-twins , you will see belt driven bikes smoke and skip the belt.
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1,064 Posts
I’m a chain guy myself. I run a Zippers on the RGS and a Vulcan on the CVO. Vulcan is half the price of Zippers and there’s no difference in quality.
The RGS is armed with an S&S 124 and the CVO is S&S 128. Both are north of 140 hp and TQ. I’ve had no issues with either. I clean them both at 1000miles and lube them up.
Chains for me are better for adjusting gearing and handling high loads. When the CVO chops, I cruise 90 + all day. When I ride with a little gal pal that races Dyna’s I’m closer to 130-140 to keep up with her out here in the desert. The chains are quiet and are easy to adjust.
I added a dark horse comp to the CVO and I can tell a difference in how smooth and immediate the power is compared to stock and the RGS. If you’re going to do a chain conversion I would consider doing the comp as well. If you decide to do it PLEASE let me know. I have a code that will get you about $58 off the purchase price. Just DM me if you go that route.
As a side note, I ran a breather line and filter from Fueling and mounted it over the chain. I dont have an exhaust can on the left side. The drip will help keep the chain lubed up.
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![425723]( "425723")
The RGS is armed with an S&S 124 and the CVO is S&S 128. Both are north of 140 hp and TQ. I’ve had no issues with either. I clean them both at 1000miles and lube them up.
Chains for me are better for adjusting gearing and handling high loads. When the CVO chops, I cruise 90 + all day. When I ride with a little gal pal that races Dyna’s I’m closer to 130-140 to keep up with her out here in the desert. The chains are quiet and are easy to adjust.
I added a dark horse comp to the CVO and I can tell a difference in how smooth and immediate the power is compared to stock and the RGS. If you’re going to do a chain conversion I would consider doing the comp as well. If you decide to do it PLEASE let me know. I have a code that will get you about $58 off the purchase price. Just DM me if you go that route.
As a side note, I ran a breather line and filter from Fueling and mounted it over the chain. I dont have an exhaust can on the left side. The drip will help keep the chain lubed up.
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13,172 Posts
That vent over the chain is a great idea. May as well use the expended oil for something
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16,041 Posts
Where's the pics of it?I got a 1983 Shovel with a Andrews B grind, 10.5 to 1 pistons, 2002 fatboy carb and a Barnett Clutch that still running the original Factory belt final drive and the belt primary has be replaced once do to drag racing a KZ1000 Kawasaki (had him beat until the primary belt broke).That wide glide is one bad ass MC.
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4,178 Posts
IMHO to be sure, there are only two reasons to replace a belt with a chain.
1) Your scooter has enough power to snatch a belt apart, so you are forced to run a chain.
2) You want people to think that your scooter has too much power to run a belt. And you think that chain makes it look awesome.
1) Your scooter has enough power to snatch a belt apart, so you are forced to run a chain.
2) You want people to think that your scooter has too much power to run a belt. And you think that chain makes it look awesome.
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1,064 Posts
I got the idea from a guy that stunts baggers out here. He had his mounted at the very rear of his bag and I asked him why he did that. Like I suspected it was so he wouldn’t get oil potentially on his rear. I thought why not over the chain and let the little that does drip, fall onto the chain. I guess this stuff isn’t rocket surgery.
Here’s a link to the Vulcan works kits. Been very happy with it.
Harley Davidson Chain Conversion Kits for Touring, Bagger, Dyna, FXR XL, Customs
American Made Parts for Harley Davidson Motorcycles
secure.vulcanworks.net
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1,064 Posts
There’s definitely people runni
I have a sporty that my dad gave me recently. It’s a 1250 with a race cam and bench flowed heads. It’s north of 100 hp and he slapped a chain on it. It’s super fast for a sporty. I don’t think the belt would have held up on her IMO. I’ve hurt some feelings ripping that thing because of the weight to power ratio.
Now, let’s talk about what the best oil is out there and get this party started. 🤣😂
Gonna go rip the 525SX in the desert today. You guys have an awesome day. At least you chain drive guys. 🤭🤣🤣
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Don’t talk to me come July 🤣
Theres definitely people running chains for the “floss factor,” no doubt. I’ve seen belts snap on guys that really bang on their bikes. I’ve seen guys wheelie and do rolling burn outs on belts and they hold up just fine (for awhile at least). Absolutely nothing wrong with keeping a belt drive, so no belt hate here. 💪
I have a sporty that my dad gave me recently. It’s a 1250 with a race cam and bench flowed heads. It’s north of 100 hp and he slapped a chain on it. It’s super fast for a sporty. I don’t think the belt would have held up on her IMO. I’ve hurt some feelings ripping that thing because of the weight to power ratio.
Now, let’s talk about what the best oil is out there and get this party started. 🤣😂
Gonna go rip the 525SX in the desert today. You guys have an awesome day. At least you chain drive guys. 🤭🤣🤣
Don’t talk to me come July 🤣
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So SE's half brother...LoL
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Well since my scooter has 150lbft of torque and I use every bit of it when I feel like it, it certainly isn't because i "want people to think" it does
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4,178 Posts
I'm good with that. But I see a lot of scooters that the heads have never been off of running chains these days. Usually big wheels.
I still have one with a chain on it, but Harley built it that way.
Simmer down! The HD 131 kit doesn't require or recommend a chain...think about it...but there's ample knowledge that's posted, you get up to 150 or so, it might be something to think about... it's like back in the day, you bumped up your hotrod, but didn't run slicks, as it was badass, but not that badass...
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I'm not sure what the torque rating on the belts is for real. But I never had enough to break one. I have snatched chains apart.
I've been putting a little north 125 pound foot through mine for going on three years now, and it's held up. The clutch didn't, and the rear axel didn't, but the belts is fine so far. I just upped the anti a little with a 30 tooth motor sprocket, but I don't think it will raise the load on the belt much.
Ed Zachary!!
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I'm sure it's all about luck really. My buddy has an old shovel head that blows chains and belts lol
No luck involved, there is sufficient data to make a decision if its about horsepower, any other reason is also listed....everyone say goodnite...
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