[Rob L]

No luck involved, there is sufficient data to make a decision if its about horsepower, any other reason is also listed....everyone say goodnite...

If I decide to convert to a chain it's because it's my bike not yours. If someone wants to put a chain on their bike for "looks" when you cant see the fucking thing behind the saddlebag then so be it. I certainly wouldnt. I asked for the pros and cons not the why or why not

 

[168313]

If I decide to convert to a chain it's because it's my bike not yours. If someone wants to put a chain on their bike for "looks" when you cant see the fucking thing behind the saddlebag then so be it. I certainly wouldnt. I asked for the pros and cons not the why or why not

That's the crux of it man, your bike, you do you...plenty posts of pro/why and con/whynot...

 

[Rob L]

That's the crux of it man, your bike, you do you...plenty posts of pro/why and con/whynot...

I asked a simple question about a topic to people that have first hand knowledge of that topic. As usual, most of the comments are from people who dont have first hand knowledge. Kind of like the whole car tire debate. I'm not looking for anyone's opinion why they dont think it's a good idea.

 

[scotman623]

Well after snapping 3 belts last year I definitely needed to go chain... But I ride very hard and use all the power.... Belts don’t like rolling burnouts and wheelies.. TRUST me!!! NO more issues... Lube every 500-1000 miles and check tension, takes 10 minutes to adjust....

 

[scotman623]

I asked a simple question about a topic to people that have first hand knowledge of that topic. As usual, most of the comments are from people who dont have first hand knowledge. Kind of like the whole car tire debate. I'm not looking for anyone's opinion why they dont think it's a good idea.

Gotta love when people chime in that have NO knowledge on the subject!!! Just skip through the comments and don’t pay any attention to them.. They must be BORED..

 

[Rob L]

Well after snapping 3 belts last year I definitely needed to go chain... But I ride very hard and use all the power.... Belts don’t like rolling burnouts and wheelies.. TRUST me!!! NO more issues... Lube every 500-1000 miles and check tension, takes 10 minutes to adjust.... View attachment 425761 View attachment 425762 View attachment 425764

I haven't broken a belt yet but I know it's going to be a matter of time because I too ride the bike hard and I'm not a small guy. I use every bit of power the engine has

 

[Stoic Joker]

Well after snapping 3 belts last year I definitely needed to go chain... But I ride very hard and use all the power.... Belts don’t like rolling burnouts and wheelies.. TRUST me!!! NO more issues...

Sounds like my brother's Softail, he's snapped more belts on that thing in 3 years, than I have in a lifetime. Hell its been parked for over a year - while we've been playing on the baggers - waiting on a best option fix for the drive-line given his (lack of finesse) riding style; that fool need a chain drive off a dump truck.

So... (in summary) Trask, Zippers, and Vulcan have been mentioned as good options ... I'll go see what they got for a 98 Softail..

 

[Timber0472]

If you are racing or going off road then a chain may be ok. I had 2 bikes with chains...will never go back to that. My shovel chain broke at 65 one day and flew out like a bull whip on the freeway. Thank God Nobody was near me. I take care of my stuff but unless you like maintenance and checking stuff religiously I'd personally avoid it. If you have a torque monster or something then maybe and if you don't ride it all the time. My 2cents.
My 124 runs and pulls beautifully with the belt. Never had a problem and I tour. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[Rob L]

If you are racing or going off road then a chain may be ok. I had 2 bikes with chains...will never go back to that. My shovel chain broke at 65 one day and flew out like a bull whip on the freeway. Thank God Nobody was near me. I take care of my stuff but unless you like maintenance and checking stuff religiously I'd personally avoid it. If you have a torque monster or something then maybe and if you don't ride it all the time. My 2cents.
My 124 runs and pulls beautifully with the belt. Never had a problem and I tour. Good luck with whatever you choose!

Its not the most powerful thing on the road but my 124 is making 150tq and I beat it like a red headed stepchild. I think it's just a matter of time before the belt does grow wings.

 

[kevin.ford73]

Very happy with mine.. I like to cruise in comfort and beat the piss out of it when the urge hits... View attachment 425666

Is the chain loud

 

[RoosterMan]

My son recently converted his Sporty to a chain drive and you don’t even hear it. It flings crap all over the right side of the rear wheel, but its a Sportster so whatever, lol……..

 

[Bhill]

Rob,
I put 30k on a 124 with a belt with no issues.. The belt had 50k on it from the stock motor so 80K total.. I was also running a car tire out back as you are.. Pulled plenty of 3 gear holes hots on that bike and the belt was fine.. I wouldn't worry about the belt unless your going over 160+ Hp........

What about if I dump the clutch aggressively?