Belt Vs Chain?

[thundercatken]

At what point (How much TQ/HP) do you need to switch from the standard belt drive to a chain? I had myself set to do this 113" SE Kit, until I found the REV Performance 124/131" kit (4.25" Bore). Been seeing numbers anywhere from 140-160 for TQ/HP. Began thinking ... as long as I'm boring the cases ... mght a well go all the way. The question I'm now asking myself is ... How much is too much? Now hearing horror stories about shredded belts on big builds.

For that matter ... will there ever be an issue with breaking spokes?

Thanks in advance,

Ken

[Mike]

Depends on who you talk to. The consensus seems to be 120 ft lb torque as a conservative number. We have put close to 150 ft lb in several without breakage to date. The problem is that the belt gets narrower with later model years. We are doing a couple of 110 and 113 builds on 07's with the very narrow belt. H-D says the new narrow belts are as strong as the old and if this proves to be true then I have no problem with 140 ft lb tq. I would really rather not go to chains if it can be avoided. It's also a function of how the bike is used. The heavy shock loads that go with drag racing would dictate a chain conversion (also easy ratio changes). All the above would apply to the spokes, when properly tensioned and maintained. This is where inferior aftermarket products can show their faces. Good qaulity spokes and belts will make all the difference here. To date, none of the aftermarket belts we've used or seen stand up as well as the H-D belts.
Thanks, Mike

[thundercatken]

Thanks ... I have a 2003 FXDWG ... considering I have never even done a "Burnout" with this bike, I'm hoping I'll be safe and won't be shredding belts ... Although, I do bang the gears when accelerating hard. I guess I'll find out next spring.