I have noticed that some people convert to chain drive and I'm not sure why. From the first time I saw belt drive I thought it was a huge improvemant over chains, I am happy not having to lube the chain then clean all the lube splatter off the wheels & side of the bike, am I missing something?

 

Very simple, an old school look. Right Balley?
I don't want to lube the chain weekly so I stick with drive belt, almost no maintenance.

 

I run a chain because my bike is so dam old. The new hi tech lubes of today are dry after 10 minutes when applied. With these lubes,my chain runs as clean as a belt.This stuff won't even get your fingers dirty. A friend of mine kicked up a stone with his belt drive sportster and it went between the belt and the pully and shredded his belt. I would say thats at least one plus for a chain. And the look , ya can't beat the look

 

A lot of people with sportsters change to a chain to be able to put on a wider tire.130-150 Unless you are running 150+ hp and need to , it's all for looks. mark/.

 

It's interesting to note that the first Harley's, if I remember correctly, were all belt drives.

 

Nope, My bike has had some work done to the motor.It kept popping the belts. No splatter, Have the O-ring chain which helps.

 

 

chain drives are stronger for the big inch builds plus they are narrow allowing for fatter tires

 

Chain offers more efficient power transfer over belt.

 

Chain drives are more popular with racers because they're lighter than shaft drive. Shaft drive is the most maintenance free drive system there is. Belt drive is better for the average cruiser than chain is because it requires alot less attention (maintenance).