Just curious to see how many riders are converting.

 

I have both flavors. Belts are no maintenance and are a HUGE job to change. Chains have to be adjusted, greased (or oiled) and are messy. I just hate to get my piddys dirty.

 

chains look much better no doubt, but belts are much easier and more practical, it's a trade off and not worth the investment for me to change. money is better spent in other areas or just sitting in the bank to be honest.

 

I'm running a heavy duty X-Ring chain on my 1989 FXST.

 

It's cheaper to do a chain conversion than to replace a belt (most of the time...) seems like a no brainer to me... My streetslob is the only rig that I have a belt on, BUT as soon as I break it (and I will break it..) I am converting this thing too...

Like I said before, I can cut through a belt with my kid's safety scissors... but they won't cut a finger... would you use a final drive made out of fingers ?

 

I'm running an X-Ring chain too, but not as a conversion, I just built it that way. The MOCO went to rear drive belts not due to any real advantage (for us) but to lower the overall noise level of their bikes to EPA accepted standards as belts are just quieter than chains.

Also, and probably more so, I do have to admit, a chain simply looks better to my eye. It's funny in a way, but many of us run primary belts and secondary chains, which is the exact opposite of what the MOCO does. I suppose it's just the rebel in us all . . . LOL!

 

When the belt snaps on the night train it's getting converted. Although I'm going to hardtail it this winter so I may do it then.

 

There are some people who still listen to CD or even cassette tapes.

 

For the lack of upkeep, the belt drive is the way to go, now if you are gonna abuse the CHIT out of one then neither is gonna last forever.
A belt breaks or wears out, you replace just that part, however; with a chain you should also replace the sprockets as well

 

Chains weren't a huge amount of maintenance or mess and if you could tolerate more mess that meant less maintenance.
None of our current bikes have chain drive. We have two shaft drive bikes and my Harley with belt drive. No problems with the belt still I prefer the shaft drives, but that choice wasn't listed.