| Author | Message | ||
     Robinpeck |
How do I convert the belt to a chain drive?...I like chains, my other motorcycles all have chains, and with a chain I can change final drive ratios...Is there any sort of kit out there? | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
check with Zippers Its really just two sprockets and a chain Though on my 99 I had to grind the swingarm some so that the chain wouldnt hit it This was with 19/51 gearing (drag) Older, steel arms wont have that problem. http://www.zippersperformance.com/catalogue/showpr oduct.asp?cat=822&prod=2167 | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
I cant remember off hand if you need a dished sprocket or flat for the buells, I can check when I get home later if no one else pipes up on here | ||
| Greg_cifu |
It would help if we knew why you want to change it. A one-time gearing change (you want it higher or lower)? Or are you racing and need to match local track conditions? The chain consumes more power than the belt. The only advantage the chain has is quick change-out for gearing changes and overall strength. The factory belt was carefully chosen for the power, weight of the bike and normal riding conditions. Admittedly, if you exceed any one of those, the belt quickly gets out of its design limits. You can go from the stock 27/61 pulleys to 29/55 using factory parts and the stock belt. They're in your parts manual as 'international' parts. I've seen them listed on Ebay under Sportster parts. The Harley crowd seems to prefer the taller gearing and lopey sound. If you want to go the other way (lower gearing, higher numerically), the choices are more limited. There was at least one company making pulley sets. Tell us what you want out of it and you'll get better suggestions. It certainly can't be for cost reasons. You have to replace sprockets every time the chain wears out and Buell sprockets won't be 'cheap' since they're specialty items. I don't think you can just ring-up Sprocket Specialists and expect them to be on the shelf. I'm a fan of chains (over shaft) but, since they went to the trouble of putting belts on these bikes, there doesn't seem to be a solid reason to change it, except for racing. IMO, one less chain to clean and lube in the garage is a GOOD thing. One of my Buells IS chain drive and if wasn't a collectible, I'd change it to belt. | ||
| Rick_a |
I broke a belt and it's been a chain ever since. The chain will stretch long before breaking if replaced when it's due. One belt+stranded=chain gang for life. I've been getting PBI sprockets from Western Powersports. The sprockets/sizes are not in their catalogs. I looked them up online then cross referenced the manufacturer #'s. American Sportbike has them as well. Use the spacer and seal from the chain drive Evo XL's. Mine required a 1/4" rear sprocket spacer to line up correctly. I made a chain block for the swingarm mount and a rub block over the top of the swingarm. Unless the bike is lowered, the swingarm angle necessitates a lot of chain slack. There will be a lot of driveline lash unless under a constant load. Baker had a nice 530 conversion kit with a chain guide...not sure if they still offer it. | ||
| Hybridmomentspass |
to the OP - if you do have an alum swingarm bike, I am not sure if the wheelbase is the same on the steel armed bikes, I have a chain that will fit perfect. Not used too much, less than 150 miles 530 chain, RK Trying to sell it If interested let me know, letting it go fairly cheap, like 20 bucks + shipping (shipping will probably be 5 dollars) | ||
| Greg_cifu |
You've got another problem if you go to chain drive: the bike has no cush drive in the rear hub (like all chain drive street bikes). Your transmission and the rest of your driveline will not be happy without the shock absorption of the belt. | ||
| 46champ |
I may be wrong but I don't remember any Sportsters having a cush drive at least the ones I have had. Big twins had a compensating nut on the engine sprocket. | ||
| Greg_cifu |
What year Sportsters? They went to belt in 1993 so anything after that would rely on the belt to do the shock absorbing. My Westwind (1991) has a cush drive in the hub of the PM wheel. | ||
| Harleyelf |
My 1958 - 1968 XL book shows compensating drive sprockets on the primary chain; the 1989 book does not. Both show the final drive sprocket firmly bolted to the hub of the rear wheel. No cush drive. Nothing inside the rear hub. | ||
| Gmaan03 |
Chain? Why? I love the belt drive! No oiling or chain wax, cleaner than a chain, never needs adjustment, easy to replace. I have two other bikes with chains, since my Buell came along I love the belt. I broke a belt on my Buell took me 1/2 hour to replace it and I didn't have to loosen my back wheel. I ride my buell hard, but have an extra belt in the garage(used from ebay). My kawasaki gets around 30k from a chain so once a year I am stripping off the swingarm, sprokets and rear wheel to replace it. The built up chain wax is a mess! Stay with a belt drive. | ||
| Guell |
um, a belt change isnt a 30 min job on a s1. | ||
| Cyclonecharlie |
Still trying to figure out how you can put a new belt on any bike without dropping the rear wheel. They still have to go around the rear sprocket don't they? Hmmm...maybe a diagram would help.  | ||
| Charlies_s1 |
+1 on the belt!!!!! | ||
| Greg_cifu |
Use the frame spreader tool (referenced in the manual), remove the swingarm brace and the belt should slip right in. Of course, he may still have valid reasons for wanting to go with a chain. Like many around here, he did a drive-by post and disappeared. | ||
| Gmaan03 |
Removing the side plate belt slides right through the frame. Sorry I forgot I have a X1 | ||
| Gmaan03 |
I am not knocking a chain! But I love the belt due to the ease if use. | ||
| Rick_a |
That's not true. In my experience with 25K miles on chains is that the primary chain stretches a little quicker...that's about it. | ||
| Loki |
In my case...... I need to go chain, unless someone makes a longer belt. | ||
| Loki |
that 180 is a real tight fit with a Metmachex swing arm and oil tank | ||
| Blake |
Are there not longer belts available? Thought I saw some from one of the manufacturers some time ago. Made for sportsters. Was an aftermarket brand that touted better durability and efficiency. My Dad's S3 has one. Will see if I can identify tomorrow. How's things? Missed ya last month. Get my text? | ||
| Blake |
http://www.stony-point.com/karata/replace.htm Up to 136 teeth. | ||
| Road_thing |
Speaking as a guy who lives a couple of miles down a gravel road, I can see valid reasons for switching from belt to chain... rt | ||
| Greg_cifu |
In that case, I could make an argument for knobby tires too. Not too many of us in that position.  | ||
| Greg_cifu |
Interesting that they sell emergency replacement belts. I didn't know they still made those. Might be a nice thing to toss in the saddlebag. It would get your trip back underway--probably get you home if you could keep your wrist out of it. It's not like anybody is going to press a link out of a modern chain and repair it on the side of the road. Pins don't just press out of a premium chain. | ||
| Buellfighter |
 |
