Convert HD to chain drive?

[Zamiam]

Okay before everyone screams at me yes I agree belts are better BUT as you all know our shitty roads have sharp edged stones and sticky bitumen. I have just dropped my drive belt at 8000kms - its about $800 to repair it. My brother has done two belts in two years on his Fatboy. And no - I don't want to go as far as changing my whole bike to another brand with a shaft drive - I like my antiquated piece of American junk!

Yes I know about the oil issues but O-Ring chains are a solution. So my questions are:

1 - Given NZ roads and the fact I am about to move to a new property where I will have to do 1/2 mile or so on gravel road to get to my house am I better to convert the FXDF to chain drive?

2 - What kind of life can I expect to get out of sprockets and chain?
(do around 4000-5000 kms per annum).

3 - Any recommendations/suggestions? Has anyone done this to a belt drive Harley?

Thanks

[Shadows]

Not sure if you're talking about a big block or not... a lot of people convert their Sporties to chain drive after breaking their first belt and it's an easy job with an off the shelf kit.
Not so sure about how easy it is to do with the big blocks though but it can definately be done.

[sinfull]

Similar sort of cost to convert as it is to do ya belt, but in my world thats 500 notes (not sure who's ripping you off) with the bonus of being able to fit a chain on the side of the road if need be ! (if you ummmm carry one)
Two sides to every story and i have a mate who has done 60,000 clicks on a belt and swears by em, recons its only the idiots who remove guards that have problems !
A/ Don't have ya belt too tight and small stones should roll on through and don't remove ya stone guard so the big ones get in lol
B/ Convert now and get a bible so you can take the primary off yourself when it comes time for a new front sprocket !

Edit : Mines been converted to chain prior to my owning it and have just done chain and sprockets, 15,000 k plus whatever was done prior ???? tell ya when i do the next one lol

[popelli]

converted my electraglide to chain drive about 15 years ago

fitted a scotoiler and quality o ring chain - maintenance is refilling the scotoiler every oil change

chains with a scotoiler fitted will last almost forever

would never go back to a belt

to fit chain and sprockets you will need to remove the inner primary, its not a big job only specialist tools you will need are a clutch hub puller and a means of undoing the sprocket nut, jims do a specialist socket $$$$$$$ but there are other less expensive options

to undo the crank / clutch hub nuts harley now sell at jamb bar $us44 - specs for this are all over the internet and it costs abour $2 to buy the steel and 2 minutes to hacksaw it to size

genuine factory workshop manual is useful as well

[Zamiam]

Thats for the replies.

[scumdog]

Hve replaced both our Harley belts, the T-Sport on at about 20,000km when I noticed a tear on the edge of the belt - got the dealer to do it as I wanted it done quick smart for a coming event.

The Sporty one had about 35,000km on it and same thing, a stone tear at the edge of the belt, imported a new belt and fitted it myself.

Both belts MAY have lasted longer but I wasn't prepared to risk it, I have now 'improved' the factory belt cover but stones can still get in I guess.

I know of one guy who did close to 100,000km on the same belt, it was riddled with stone-holes but still intact when he replaced it.

I've thought of going the chain route but it would take another belt replacement before I got serious.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Okay before everyone screams at me yes I agree belts are better BUT as you all know our shitty roads have sharp edged stones and sticky bitumen. I have just dropped my drive belt at 8000kms -Thanks

Is your bike still under factory warranty? If so...the belt should be replaced free of charge. Yes...even for stone damage.

[Big Dave]

Find or fabricate similar for the FB?

http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/gma_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444876579 2&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302290127&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302290127&bmUID=1180053180012&bmLocale=en_US

[Zamiam]

Is your bike still under factory warranty? If so...the belt should be replaced free of charge. Yes...even for stone damage.

You're a bloody legend! Had it all booked in with a local who services HD's but isn't factory. Contacted ANZA in Palmerston North and yes its covered by warranty (and mine runs out next Saturday - got to have a win occasionally). Called Harley Assist and they'll pick it up and deliver it to ANZA for me as well. :woohoo: :woohoo:

Bloody good service Harley Davidson - full marks. :yes:

[sinfull]

Brilliant result ! Top marks Crasher !

[Crasherfromwayback]

You're a bloody legend! Had it all booked in with a local who services HD's but isn't factory. Contacted ANZA in Palmerston North and yes its covered by warranty (and mine runs out next Saturday - got to have a win occasionally). Called Harley Assist and they'll pick it up and deliver it to ANZA for me as well. :woohoo: :woohoo:

Bloody good service Harley Davidson - full marks. :yes:

Good stuff mate...glad you're getting it sorted for free as it should be!

Pete

[YellowDog]

This makes up for all those "sorry but your warrantee expired last month" times :lol:

[BIG DOUG]

If it happens again I have just supplied a friend with the two sprockets and seals and spacer(which you need to change) and the cost was $225.00 but you would have to supply chain.

[onearmedbandit]

Nice outcome being covered by warranty, and even nicer timing!

[240]

I'm not riding a Harley at the moment but getting warranty for belt damage from a stone is bloody good service! I would imagine most other companies would tell you to shove it up your arse if it was not a manufacturing fault well done H-D:yes: