Actually...yes! You don't have to change primary fluid anymore. That advantage takes a HELL of a long time to pay for itself, tho, with the cost of adding an OP.

 

LOL you had to reach for that one. I could name pros and cons for both, but the real reason is LOOKS! ask the guys that bought em, thats why I would.

 

Another poster said there were other benefits on the related BDL thread. I think it looks badass, The belt moves even when the bike is standing still? My kids or dogs would be in danger...lol

 

The belt always moves. It looks cool, and is not really that noisy, either.

 

I got my setup (enclosed belt drive) for under 550 (forget actual amt paid just now) ....

WHAT!!!!! as far as i know the BDL kits go for about 2 grand.

am i wrong? MusicnBikes, do you mind telling us a ballpark of what you paid?????

if these are under 600 bucks im getting one next week!

 

if you make the change, you gonna sell your primary cover? if so id be interested.

 

Well, traded in the '04 Road King Classic two weeks ago (motor blew up after 138,000 miles - she died a hero). Here is the new scooter.

All I've done is:

Heritage Bars
Steel Braided Cables
V&H Sig Shots
Stage 1 with Harley Race Tuner
Move front turn signals to forks
Smoke all lenses including tail light
Lay down license plate mount

Only plans I have right now are to remove the reflectors and black out the bolts on the rear fender. I think it will look pretty damn sharp then.

The only thing I miss about the RKC is the stopping power of the dual disc brakes in the front.

A quick cell phone pic -

 

Slowhand, how did you relocate the signals?

 

dude if i can get a bdl for that prices i'll give you the damm cover!

 

As to the benefits of belt drives... opinions abound. But I can tell you the following from having one on my FXR for years - BDL 3".

1) Lower rotating mass as someone mentioned, and it is instantly noticable in the transfer of power, not even debatable. Think about it, you just lost about 20lbs of mass from the sprockets to the chain.

2) No more primary fluid changes. Maybe not a huge money saver, but time and effort minused over the years makes you smile when it's time. They are virtually maintenance free.

3) Dry clutch, rattles & whines a bit more (or a lot, depending on your tolerance level), but it grabs like hell when set up properly, and it is fully adjustable to your power setup.

4) Put 30K on mine before I sold it, never a hickup, not one adjustment, and half those miles were on Alaskan back roads. I'd like to hear more about these newer 2" belts, but my 3" was tough as nails.

5) If you ever did need to change the belt, it's about a 15 minute deal and can be done on the side of the road with minimal tools.

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To the musicn* bike above ... very nice looking setup !! I love that black case & cover with the polished contrasting aluminum. Not available when I did mine.