This guide will walk you through converting your Sportster’s belt drive to a traditional rear chain setup, helping you save money and customize your bike’s performance.
Now, you can swap the belt for a conventional rear chain setup. Many companies offer kits, but ordering individual parts can save you a lot of money while allowing you to adjust the chain pitch and gear ratio to your preferences.
It’s generally recommended to use a 520 pitch chain instead of the standard 530, but the choice is yours. Many riders prefer the lighter 520 setups. The number of teeth on the rear and front sprockets depends on your riding style. If you ride in traffic frequently but don’t spend much time on the freeway, geared acceleration is an option, but it’s better to avoid low RPMs on highways.
You can save a lot of money by ordering the chain from J&P, the 21t Sprocket, and MCSuperstore on eBay. You will also need the following tools:
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Chain Breaker/Riveter
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Red & Blue Loctite
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Jack
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Mechanic’s Hand Tools
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Torque Wrench
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Factory Service Manual
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1-7/8” Transmission Nut Socket
Lift the front wheel of your bike and place it against a fixed object or wall. This is necessary when removing the nut from the main-shaft. Next, remove the sprocket cover and lock ring. Use a wrench to remove the large nut from the large socket. If it doesn’t come off with the wrench, use a breaker bar.
Lift the bike and remove the rear wheel. You can use an easy lift gear to help raise the bike effortlessly, which is easier to maintain than a bulky motorcycle jack.
Remove the wheels and axle, then take off the pulley. After that, remove the old belt by cutting it. However, if you wish to avoid wasting parts, take off the right shock and pull the belt off immediately.
Place the original sprocket on the bike wheel and Loctite it. The new sprocket weighs less than a pound, so it is easy to Loctite. For the next step, you’ll need the oil seal, new spacer, quad-ring seal (similar to an O-ring), sprocket, and the nut.
To remove the oil seal, gently insert a flat screwdriver into the tip. Ensure you have enough space to pull out the old seal without damaging it with a screwdriver or pick.
Before placing the spacer, fit the quad-ring seal onto the main shaft. Grease the edges of the oil rings and wheel bearings to ensure smooth installation. Use a soft rubber mallet to fit everything in place. Install the sprocket and place your chain. Align the chain with the breaker. Adjust the axle to position it as forward as possible, then double-check the alignment before final assembly.
Sources
- TC Bros. - Belt-to-Chain Conversion Kit for Sportster 2004-2022 - kit contents, sprocket sizing, and fitment details for late-model Sportsters
- Lowbrow Customs - Dyna & Sportster Chain Conversion Kits - USA-made conversion kits with gearing ratio options
- YouMotorcycle - Sportster Chain Conversion: Pros and Cons - overview of benefits, drawbacks, and gearing ratio customization
- Sprocket Center - 520 Chain Conversion Kit for Harley 1200 Sportster - 520 pitch kit specifications and chain options
- J&P Cycles - Harley-Davidson Sportster Parts - sprocket and chain component sourcing
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