Primary drive poll

Ongoing topics on interesting subjects, what did you do on/with your bike (or other things)?
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What primary drive do you use?

I run a chain primary without compensator
86
18%
I run a chain primary with compensator
104
22%
I run an open belt drive
82
18%
I run an enclosed belt drive
193
42%
 
Total votes: 465

58flh
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Re: Primary drive poll

#76

Post by 58flh »

LOSTBOY!---The pros--(A chain wont leave you stranded 500-miles from home!,-Also there is the Factor of Rotating weight!--Before IM slammed for this--I know that losing 10-12lbs. Wont make TO much of a difference in Taking-off Stored energy may be a lame wording but however small there is a loss of TOURQUE!.& I didmention you have ENDLESS RATIos running a CHAIN!.)--The Cons more Felling in the machine--Some call it noise or vibes ,Harmonics-We heard them all at one point or another!--Loss of oil for PROPERLY OILING your MACHINE THAT NEEDS IT!.=Stain in the driveway :roll: ,use a small cookie pan & DONE!.--THE BELTDRIVE!--PROS--VERY QUIET & Softer if I may say Launching of machine!,When properly set-up a BELT can LAST YEARS!-(don't leave home without a spare!)-No big deal,you can put it anywhere on the bike & carry!.--Never Having to ADJ. tranny once the Belt is set!-(nice)?,maybe!.--THE CONS---Wide range of ratio loss!-so a Rider can set-up a bike for HIS style of Machine!--At the mercy of Belt Manufacturer.I have seen it & I know many of you guys have seen it!,A big BLACK-BELT laying on the ground under a bike!--(SEEN IT ALOT).--I am building a bobber in the next 3yrs. & it will be open-belt!--My Funbike!,A Light-hopper!.Will I go on my LONG 5-day rides with Momma?--Hell no!--So I giess the thing is TODAYS BELTS are BETTER MADE!,As are BELT-DRIVES!--& If a guy wants one -Go ahead!--I like my compensator & chains!--Never seen a broken Primary on a run!--LOOSE OFCOURSE!,But never BROKE!.The Drag-Strip is another thing & not for this topic.My guess is You ride what suits your needs!-Im still running REAL star-hubs!--I don't Mind a Daily once over for 5-min. & weekly or 4-500,mile Routine ADJ. Just 1-Mans opinion from my Exp. on motorcycles since a wee one!---Respectfully---RICHIE 8)
Brave Dave
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Re: Primary drive poll

#77

Post by Brave Dave »

Thanks for that great article Richie,

I run an inclosed belt on both, my 1958 bobber and my 1983 FXSB. My 58 FLH has had a belt since 1985 and my 83 FXSB came from the factory with a belt.
Makes for a much smoother ride.

...Dave
lostboy
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Re: Primary drive poll

#78

Post by lostboy »

I am running a chain primary with compensator. I thought about swapping to belt drive as my buddy gave me a BDL set up. 1 1/2 belt so I can run it open or closed. I hear its smoother but if it ain't broke... why fix it?
And like Richie mentioned, if I want to ride an older bike I expect to spend a little time adjusting stuff, ie the tranny, the final drive chain, chain oiler, P-rods. It's part of the deal for me,
Eric
1948u88
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Re: Primary drive poll

#79

Post by 1948u88 »

I purchased my first inch and a half enclosed belt drive in 1990 and haven't looked at a chain since. I just recently replaced it with a new one a couple years ago because it was too worn. The only complaint I have is that I wish they made different size drives pulleys for the inch and one half style. I run a 26 tooth tranny sprocket gear things up a bit.
Greg
Pan58
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Re: Primary drive poll

#80

Post by Pan58 »

talkig about primary drives:
are there special tools to loosen and to torque the sprocket shaft nut and the clutch hub nut?

Pan58
58flh
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Re: Primary drive poll

#81

Post by 58flh »

P-58---Make a piece of steel from gear to gear on the pullies & JAM so they don't spin while you use a proper socket & breaker bar for removal & install.--The K-Base has plenty on this & some pics. of what guys do!---Richie
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Re: Primary drive poll

#82

Post by Pan58 »

Thank you Richie,

I did some homework. I think, I'm ready to torque...

By the way, I run a 1 1/2 belt with 40-62 kombination.

Pan58
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PanJud
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Re: Primary drive poll

#83

Post by PanJud »

58flh wrote:P-58---Make a piece of steel from gear to gear on the pullies & JAM so they don't spin while you use a proper socket & breaker bar for removal & install.--The K-Base has plenty on this & some pics. of what guys do!---Richie
Electric impact drivers (of the sort that will break one of these things loose) aren't cheap, but if I didn't already have a compressor, I'd buy one of those JUST for the once a year or so I need to do that
stroker
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Re: Primary drive poll

#84

Post by stroker »

chain gets me home every time
mbskeam
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Re: Primary drive poll

#85

Post by mbskeam »

I used to run an enclosed belt drive.
every year I had to replace as it had a tear on the edge (5000 miles or so)
most likley due to an 88" hot rod engine and frame twist.
and the price jumped form 50 buck to over 100,
NOW I run a chain....LOL
james
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Re: Primary drive poll

#86

Post by james »

Hey Mike (mbskeam) good to see you back again.

Jim
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Re: Primary drive poll

#87

Post by james »

Oh, sorry, BDL enclosed belt drive. So far so good.

Jim
docmel
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Re: Primary drive poll

#88

Post by docmel »

As said earlier by another poster, I've also run a 1.5 belt in my enclosed tin primary for years, no issues. I just bought a used 1.5 belt set up, comes with belt, front and rear (basket) and pulley, for KS only 4 speed, used, for 158.00 on ebay. It is is super shape and uses the stock clutch plate set up. For you guys on a budget, a score like that would save you $$$ if you dont have the coin for an inner and outer primary and complete chain set up. For me, Ill be running it as always: Enclosed in my tin primary
48Doc
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Re: Primary drive poll

#89

Post by 48Doc »

Enclosed BDL
george48pan
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Re: Primary drive poll

#90

Post by george48pan »

Enclosed BDL
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