Are you thinking about replacing your Harley’s belt with a chain? Here’s what you need to know – Jalopnik

Harley-Davidsons are special. Aside from their unique “potato-potato” exhaust note, they are distinguished from most motorcycles primarily by their single-pin crankshaft design and their belt final drives. Some have built a reputation for being the coolest motorcycles around, while also being the most difficult motorcycles to ride. Harley-Davidson used chain final drives into the 1980s, with the belt final drive first debuting on the FXR Super Glide II. Considered low-maintenance and quieter alternatives to chain drives, belt drives quickly became mainstream in Harley-Davidson motorcycles, even on newer Harleys like the Nightster, which feels so good it must be wrong.

That said, some Harley riders still prefer chain drives. Those have been around since the dawn of motorcycles and have remained largely unchanged since then. That’s because chain drives are durable and known to last a long time. This leads to many questions. Why does Harley-Davidson insist on belt drives while some Harley riders insist on chains? And if you were to swap your Harley’s belt drive for a chain drive, what would you need to know? First, let’s look at the types of drives and whether belt or chain is better.

You need a medium to get the power from your engine to the drive wheels so that your vehicle can move. In four-wheelers this is usually done via a drive shaft or cardan shaft. Two-wheelers – especially motorcycles – usually rely on chain drives to get the job done, but some use belt drives instead.

Harley-Davidson made the switch from chain to belt drive because it was smoother and quieter. Belt drives use Kevlar or carbon reinforced belts with precision cut grooves, which fit perfectly with the gears in the pulleys for smooth operation. They are also relatively low-maintenance and cleaner because, unlike chain drives, they do not require greasy and messy lubrication. If properly maintained, a belt drive can last up to 100,000 miles.

However, it is easy to damage a belt drive. If small stones or stones get between the belt and the pulley, they can easily damage the teeth of the former. They can also be torn apart under impact loads, such as when you pull a wheelie or suddenly accelerate. Although the belt has good tensile strength, significant impact loads can easily exceed its strength.

Some Harley riders replace their motorcycle’s belt drive with a chain for a number of important reasons. First, a chain drive is more durable and less prone to damage, so it makes sense for someone who puts long miles on their motorcycle in less than ideal road conditions. Also, it is easier to repair a broken chain on the go than a belt, which cannot be repaired. Those who maintain their own bikes prefer chain drives because replacing a belt requires extensive disassembly, sometimes involving dropping the swingarm. Harley riders who modify their motorcycles for sports such as drag or dirt racing may choose to switch to the more durable chain drive. Custom bike builders may also prefer chain drives, as they offer a minimalist, sleeker look compared to the large and bulky looking belt-and-pulley system.

However, if you’ve modified your Harley to produce more horsepower, it’s a good idea to switch to a chain drive. Chances are the standard belt drive won’t be able to handle the extra performance. And if you ride aggressively, like to pull wheelies or perform stunts on your Harley, this is a modification you should look into. Another reason to switch to a chain drive is if you want to ride more in the mud. Harley’s own adventure bike, the Pan America 1250, uses a chain drive and does everything you doubted could be done off-road.

When switching to a chain drive, there are some factors to consider. You must purchase the correct conversion kit; it doesn’t fit easily, as belt drive Harleys are not designed for a chain drive setup. Choose the conversion kit for your specific motorcycle model and year. You need to make sure that your transmission gears and rear wheels are aligned straight; most conversion kits include the offset sprockets or spacers. You should also check that the chain is free, as the chain can rub against the passenger footpeg mounts or muffler mounts. You may even need to adjust or remove the belt guard for a proper fit.