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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Why convert to a chain?
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Message started by George Palickar on 05/04/17 at 17:47:38

Title: Why convert to a chain?
Post by George Palickar on 05/04/17 at 17:47:38

I have had chain bikes, shafties and belts. Chains were always the most problematic and time consuming. Why do some of us convert to chain?

Title: Re: Why convert to a chain?
Post by norm92de on 05/04/17 at 17:50:26

Dam fi no?

Because we can? ;D

Title: Re: Why convert to a chain?
Post by Dave on 05/04/17 at 18:06:09

The gearing on the Savage is not very friendly to interstate speeds, as the engine is wound up a bit higher than it needs to be, and a few hundred rpm less makes the bike seem to be a lot more relaxed.....we really could have used a 5th gear with a better ratio - or a 6th gear.

The final drive gearing can be adjusted by converting to a chain and adjusting the size of the sprockets to match your gearing needs. Some folks have had chains on all their motorcycles and don't find them bothersome.....the new sealed chains are much better than the old chains were.

It is also possible to install a Kawasaki pulley to change the 23 tooth front pulley to a 25 tooth pulley. The pulley must be machined to fit on the Savage - but it does allow you to keep your belt.

It is also possible to

Title: Re: Why convert to a chain?
Post by Ruttly on 05/04/17 at 19:04:49

Dave you forgot to mention you sell them.
I like chains due to ability to dial in the gearing for my needs.

Title: Re: Why convert to a chain?
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 05/04/17 at 19:35:37

I recently changed my 520 roller chain for a 520 XRing chain. It's much cleaner and will require very little maintenance. I have X or O ring chains on all 3 of my bikes.

Title: Re: Why convert to a chain?
Post by Dave on 05/05/17 at 04:20:32

6E49484850453C0 wrote:

Dave you forgot to mention you sell them.
I like chains due to ability to dial in the gearing for my needs.

Yep, it is certainly a personal choice.....like using dino or synthetic oil - either one will get the job done.

Most folks can do the chain conversion themselves - the only difficult part is getting a spacer for the front sprocket. The Kawasaki pulley requires finding a good used pulley....and somebody with a lathe or milling machine to do the necessary machining.

Title: Re: Why convert to a chain?
Post by piedmontbuckeye on 05/05/17 at 15:36:04

Any of you who have changed over to a chain, if you want to sell/give away your belt/drive sprockets, please give me a ring!!

Title: Re: Why convert to a chain?
Post by Ruttly on 05/05/17 at 21:45:42

I gave the rear one to a friend , he made a clock out of it !
Have no idea what happened to the front one.

Title: Re: Why convert to a chain?
Post by old.indian on 05/06/17 at 07:06:04

I converted to a chain to reduce engine RPM. The 17/43 sprockets equal a 14.5% reduction in RPM @ 60-65 MPH (my comfortable cruising speed).