DOC HARLEY: CHAIN DRIVE CONVERSION
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Doc Harley from the Service Clinic at Low Country Harley-Davidson to help you with the health of your motorcycle! This week he shares important insights on the change from belt drive to chain drive.
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Doc Harley is a motorcycle technician at Low Country Harley-Davidson with over thirty years working on motorcycles. Over the years at the dealership he has worked on Harley-Davidson, Buell, and Triumph motorcycles with a few other brands here and there from trade-ins. There are thousands of how-to videos out on youtube and other websites across the world. Doc’s goal is to help solve problems that people run into when using their service manual, share insights only found as a certified Harley® technician, and some of the tips he’s picked up over the years.
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I've learned a lot just by watching your videos. Very educational and without it I'm not sure I would have been able to do half the stuff as easily then reading it step-by-step in a manual which I still do
Damn this guy should be doing videos for everything on the planet🤘🏼
Na , you really wouldn't want that.
Somebody is getting ready to rip some wheelies 😎
Thanks doc!!! I bought a 2016 sportster 72 that had been converted to a chain drive by the dealership. The chain would hit the frame when rolled on the throttle the frame was not designed for a chain it looked great but had to convert it back otherwise it would of created more issues plus maintenance and adjustments better off with belt drive. Thanks again doc always look forward to your next video
Hi Doc, I have a question for you. Why would a person go back to chain final drive? I'm not trying to stir something up it's just that almost a year ago I finally left the 70's and made the jump from a shovel to a 05 Heritage. Not a stock Heritage, (although none were. Most I build from basket case status). This bike has a lot of money in it. 103 SE kit, 6 speed kit, thundermax, thunder header and so on. It still has the belt and I love it. I have owned and wrenched pans, shovels, and iron sportsers since '77. This is #8 Harley and first belt. I don't get it, I am loving this belt. Thank you for the video and ride safe.
Ron Hunter sometimes higher horsepower applications can break a belt where a chain can stand up to more abuse. Also if you’re looking to change your gear ratio there are more options with a chain drive.
It’s for kids that want to do wheelies really.
John Potter Get a little stone flick up and get between the belt and sprocket and the belt can snap. And yes, it does happen.
124CI that's why I bet
@@Coltnz1 I don't know how old you are. I remember guys back in the 70s and early 80s carrying extra chain links. That was when pans and shovels were running the roads. Don't see cross country guys carrying extra belts today. Not saying a rock can't break the belt. Anything can happen. It's just not probable. I live in a sandy environment. Never lost a belt. And I don't just ride on sunny weekends.
I have two buddies that converted from belt to chain. Both spent a lot of $ and both converted back to belt.....
They musta bought a cheap chain , I'd never go back to a belt , garbage always breaking off .
why would you go from belt to chain?
Because when a belt goes you have to take the entire primary off and dick around trying to get the belt looped back through.
Great video Doc! Belts are cool for touring and bar hopping but chains are a must for drag racing. All the fast Harleys at bike night at our local drag strip have chains.
Doc Harley has the best Harley you tube channel.
What are the advantages of going to a chain vs belt drive doc? What are the disadvantages, besides the obvious maintenance and lubing of the chain?
The string trick is cool and seeing it here first. Thanks Doc
There is no freaking way I would EVER convert to a chain drive, I absolutely hated all the maintenance associated with chain drives back in my metric bike days(cleaning, lubing, tension adjustment, alignment & replacement of worn chains & sprockets), when I purchased my first Harley years ago I fell in love with the belt drive system, a lot less maintenance, less messy and quite too.
but a rock will stuff it up in a second,so if you are going to ride on lotsa dirt and gravel roads and want peace of mind the chain wins by a country mile
@@varahabutterfly3782 True, but not exactly the conditions belt drives were designed to operate in, if those are the conditions someone ordinarily operates in, I would suggest a different type of motorcycle is needed such as an off-road, dual-sport or adventure touring motorcycle. If a belt drive fails due to those conditions, I would say the fault lies with the decision of the rider/owner to operate the vehicle in those conditions not the belt itself. Motorcycle cruisers and tourers on paved roads are where belt drives shine.
I've owned 5 Suzuki GS 850 g's, shaft drive, unburstable motors, not chain issues;
The belt drive is ok, my first 1100 sporster had an 'o' ring chain, I added a scottoiler, and adjusted the chain twice in 13000 miles, that's pretty darn good,
My own pet dislike of belts is the lack of forwarning, they just break, but apart from that, I like them
@@robbiem1961In all my years of riding, I've never seen a belt "just break", if it breaks it's because of a reason, lack of visual inspection maintenance(broken/cracked teeth etc.), incorrect alignment, incorrect tension, worn pulleys etc. I've actually seen belts with missing teeth and little rocks stuck into them and function until they could be replaced.
As I write this there is one downvote...it just be that whipped snapper Doc mentioned!! As usual great video!
all the brand new models should come with Chain Drive
Love your Old School thoughts....Doc
Could you do a pros and cons of motor breaking. Thanks for all the great videos.
Joe Sears chain breaks = crank shaft breaking and big problems. Belt breaks = you can’t put it in gear until the belts replaced. Belt damage is a lot cheaper.
@@gregoryferguson3575 one of my mentors big Jim Ferguson. Fround on it. I think it is cheaper and easier to replace brake pads. But I grew up on farm with a tracker. So that's where I learned to down shift.
And at what hp/tq should we be considering a chain drive as opposed to the oem belt drive? The new Road Glide ST CVO’s are still using a belt drive. I gotta assume the oem belt drive has to be good up the 160hp/160tq realms….. which most of us will be under.
In my opinion to convert to chain has nothing to do with how much HP or T your motor produces. It has Everything to do with how You ride. Check into George Bryce’s belt driven bikes….Doc
Two of the reasons I bought a Harley is so I don't have to lube and adjust a chain or adjust valves.
Nice! I almost didn't watch this video I thought you were switching from chain to belt
the string would need to be under the chain at both sprockets and stretched tight to show the alignment
Thanks for adding this tech tip...Doc
What are the benefits of converting to chain drive?
To replace chain on fxbb softail streetbob, do you have to take off the whole primary again?
No, the whole trick is to connect the New chain with the old chain and pull it through....Doc
This is a very informative video. The components you used are top shelf. Ride safe.
Properly set up belt drives are strong.
@Wayne Smith I replaced my belt drive at 96K miles on my 2015 Road Glide CVO only because I was having the 117” Stage 4 Harley kit installed. The belt could have lasted well over 100K miles if I remained at Stage 2 on my 110” motor.
Easley SC here!
While all that Doc has to say is valid, who would convert a belt to chain drive? Unless there's been a marked power increase, technically it's a step backwards. Belt drive is far ahead of a chain drive.
harley62t more power... just that.
I would say a chain will take more of a beating with high-performance
@Ben Deko Reliability of the belt is way better when you consider the excess maintenance needs of a chain. My belt on my 2008 CVO lasted 105,000 miles. I've seen chains wear out in less than 20,000 miles.
Your 2008 CVO does not put out enough power for a conversion. Put in an S&S 124 and you’ll snap that belt overnight
@@RedEmpire36 isn’t amazing that Boss Hoss bikes putting out over 350 HP still uses belt drives...
Thanks for the Vid, quick question. Is there a difference between the M8 and Twin Cam when taking out the outer and inner primary including all bold and torque pressures? I have a FXBB and considering the change? Thanks
Yes there is a difference. Always use the correct parts, Service Manual and Torque specs for your year and model. Thanks ~ Doc
Hey Doc
Hi Pepe...Doc
Good video doc zippers Pro-Formance is down the street from me they know what they are doing
What are the pros and cons to this conversion
Great video. I have a question. At what horsepower do you think is too much for a belt drive? I'm looking at replacing the motor in a 90 Heritage with a crate engine. Either a S&S v111 or a Ultima El Bruto 120. HP should be around 125 at the most. Should I have a chain drive for the much HP?
Really depend on how you ride. Star Racing George Bryce has drag raced a 180hp with belt. We have the HD 120R on the street with belt. And yet Moonshine HD converts most of their builds to chain...It's your choice.....Doc
Is that brand of chain comparable to a Ek or X-chain? I bought sealed Ek chain for my Ninja 250. It requires less maintenance being a sealed chain and they say it's lighter than a standard chain. I also went with a super sprocket that's half the weight of standard oem sprockets. But not available for Harley on aftermarket websites.
Thanks for sharing. Remember, lighter does not always mean better for the street....Doc
Hey Doc; I am doing the Zipper's conversion kit for my 1993 HD FLHS, not because it easy, But because it is easier to fix a Chain than a Belt out on the Road-Side. I don't think that'll happen, but if for some reason it does, I'll be able to fix it with a Master Link (hopefully), Belt don't have Master Links (yet), if the belt breaks that's it. Now Where's that #%*%Tow Truck?
Plus with Chains and Sprockets you can adjust your gear ratios to your needs. Belts no options.
My Dad would keep a few gallon of use motor oil around so when it was time to service the M/C chain he'd take and put the chain in a old tin can cover it with oil then sit it on the hot coals of a fire. After the oil had come to a boil for a few minutes he'd hang the chain up in the shop with the tin can under it to catch the dripping.
This works great on chains without the O-Ring, which is why I'm thinking about the Drag Chain from Zipper's
Thanks for all your Video Doc, your the Best on UA-cam.
Thanks Doc! I really enjoy your videos!
My bike 02 sportster was originally designed with a belt drive so now that I converted it to Chain how do I know the proper amount play in the chain. My Manuel won't have any chain info so where can I find this info. I have it at about an inch play right now and I can see it semi bouncing when I'm riding and I don't know if I should be worried or not. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. 🙏🏽
-Dre
looking back in a 91 XL Service Manual. HD suggested finding the tightest link. Then sitting on bike, upright, have someone measure deflection up and down. adjust for 1/4 inch distance...Doc
@@LowCountryHarleyDavidson thank you!
Doc, can you clear up the air for me please? I have a 2000 RK, my manual says the rider needs to be on the bike to adjust the belt. You on several occasions have said that the rider does not need to be on. Is this something that changed for later year twin cams? Thanks!
i would always follow your manual.. also, get a service manual.. one for that year would be very cheap online, ebay, etc. that would tell you all of the steps to do it in even greater detail..
TylerFJ24 yea I got one, but I know there’s updates. Better to make sure then bust a belt
@@beardedwonder8864 whatever it says for ur bike should be that way
Thanks as always Doc!!!
Whats up with that chain ? At least 4 clip links and 1 rivet link ?
Good thing you covered the license plate. Lol.
Get the kit😂😂got it
Forget the correct bolts, just buy a fuck ton of washers and use them problem solved right?
Why would anyone want to put a chain drive on instead of a belt?
Those that want to lift the front and burn the back tire...Doc
So the owner decides to put a set of $15 dollar Chinese Burley slammer shocks 🤦♂️
See, this is what I’m talking about.. money in all the wrong places. Dude must not wanna live long. Hopefully he’s got a good set of leathers
Are you try to scare people? That job is so simple. Came on Doctor...
Those young whipper snappers talk the talk after a few beers but only a handful can walk the walk
Doc sounds like Chris Hansen from that catch a predator show.
I appreciate Docs technically ability but the hell wants to take that backward step? To each his own and all but all I can figure is if you want to do front brake locked, completely wear out a back tire at bike night burnouts? Doc is brilliant but this customer? Not so much
Put a shaft on it, Fred Flintstone.