Chain or belt

Opinions (chain od belt) are divided

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panhead
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Re: Chain or belt

#76

Post by panhead »

I had my first belt 19 years. How much play did it have?
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Re: Chain or belt

#77

Post by PanPal »

Cadillacman58,

I hear they make 5 speed gear sets that go in your 4 speed case. I am looking into a set myself.
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Re: Chain or belt

#78

Post by cadillacman58 »

Hello Panhead .The play of the belt is so much that i can move thew belt up and down about 3/4 of a inch with cold engine and about 1/2 inch with the engine warm, is that maybe to tight. I drives with 1-1/2 inch BDL kit with the original tin cover so i can have the original look.Hello PanPal , I heard about the 5 speed gear sets too but have not find out who made those. Here in Sweden it is winter now so we have a lot of time to repair and service our machines so it been nice to put one of those in when we waiting for the summer to come. Drive safe everybody.
1950bobber

Re: Chain or belt

#79

Post by 1950bobber »

Post by Go to SPUTHE web site...makes the best 5 speed and uses stock Harley gears...it also can come with a kicker and fits the Shovelheads ($2500 approximately)...can't see why it wouldn't fit on a pan...might have to question the tranny mainshaft length for electric vs. kick start only...give Sputhe a call..he'll answer the phone most likely and he's smart as hell about this stuff..he's an engineer and been doing this stuff for ages!
"1950 Bobber"
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Re: Chain or belt

#80

Post by panhead »

BDL info: proper tension of belt is 1/2" total up and down on top of belt and 1/4" on each side of idler.
So the tension you mentioned should be OK.
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Re: Chain or belt

#81

Post by PanPal »

50 bobber
Thanks, I couldn't think of the name Sputhe. I heard you could put 5 or 6 speed gears in a 4 speed case with kicker. The gears have to get pretty thin though. Wow, that's some bucks for this set up!!
1950bobber

Re: Chain or belt

#82

Post by 1950bobber »

PanPal....actually the gears DON'T get thinner...the tranny has a spacer between the tranny case and the kicker cover...I'm guessing an inch or so. This obviously sticks the tranny out a bit further on the bikes right side (kicker side) but the good news is you will clear most if not all exhaust pipes...letting you have the added clearance to run the stock kicker arm of the early Pans AND have a better choice of exhaust pipes to run. If you think $2500 is big bucks...try Baker's price for a 6 speed at $3500 or so! Sputhe is much more economical and I 'd say 5 speed gearing is more than you might need in our old Pans...should give you at least 200 RPM or more RPM's top side using the stock Harley 5 gears. Combine that with a low geared first gear and a 25, possibly 26 tooth tranny sprocket...that should be a good top end! I'm only theorizing here, haven't done it myself...but I bet Cotten, Panhead or Jack could help us out!
Jim in Seattle "1950 Bobber"
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Re: Chain or belt

#83

Post by Panacea »

If the pan spins too fast, (option A) slow down (option B) gear-up. Is it the motor thats whining?
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Re: Chain or belt

#84

Post by reddog74usa »

Look up supermax belt drive.net and call Phil. He takes the time to talk to you about your specific application and has different ratios available for tapperd and splined shaft engines.
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Re: Chain or belt

#85

Post by oldschool »

Hi Guys I was told if I go over 24 T trans sprocket it will not clear the trans case cover! Im running a 24 on the trans and the Motor after getting rid of my belt and my top speed is still about 55 - 60 Does anyone know if they make a longer primary chain then 82 links! I know the primary chain wont work with a 25 0r 26 tooth sprocket unless its a little longer Im not looking for 75 mph just 60-65 range for my '59 Pan thanks Jerry
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Re: Chain or belt

#86

Post by davester »

Chain for sure.

d.
jwbodine

Re: Chain or belt

#87

Post by jwbodine »

my stock 49 runs best with 24 trans sprocket, I have a 51, 24, with 11/2'' belt drive, I have all the gears and have treid them, 25 is to tall engine lopes at 60 mph, this has been tried and test long before we came along, go with the 24 and ride it.
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Re: Chain or belt

#88

Post by mrpanhead »

i had a primary belt for 7 yrs now i love it no more adjustment runs smooth and tranny shifts better
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Re: Chain or belt

#89

Post by stroker »

chain will get you HOME
pan58head
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Re: Chain or belt

#90

Post by pan58head »

Hello All i have been reading this chain vs belt drive and decided I was going to covert my 58 to belt to eliminate an oil leak. We'll as fate would have it, the swap meet gods blessed me with a great deal. I bought a complete belt drive setup (new no box) for $50. I was tols it was late pan or shovel. The front pully fits fine but I'm going to have to machine the starter ring flange off to fit in my stock primary. We'll why I'm asking is I would like to know if any body know who makes this kit. the front pulley is 29 and the rear is 45. The only makings on the pulleys are 1G3 , but the belt I would like to replace(A litte dry cracked) has the number 400s11m 81-3 phase 3 super torque by good year. 96 teeth 1 1/2 wide about 42 1/2 long. Thank in advance SSB
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