Harley rear wheel converted to chain

[Shotgun kev]

Hi
Just recently bought an unfinished project and wanted to put a 240 rear end. And out of shear impatience and lack of Uk based suppliers I ordered a 8.5 rear wheel from USA? Now on reflection didn’t think about the fact it was for belt drive and not chain ? Will this all go horribly wrong or am I overthinking by just bolting on a sprocket ? Zx1100 in a chop frame at the mo.?

[Benni]

I don´t think this will cause problems, as long as the bolt pattern fits.

H-D themselves changed from chain to belt within the 1984 Softail production year, I doubt they changed the hubs.

Pics of the project, please ?

[Shotgun kev]

Can't add pics at mo as thumbnail is down ?
Thanks for your reply
Pretty much as I thought just got a bit worried when took off stock wheel and hub contains rubber dampers ? And do realise frame will need adjusting to take Harley fittings ! But nothing is gonna be straight forward ! That would be too easy !!!!!!

[crofty1984]

It's not uncommon for people to convert a Harley to chain from belt.

[Mr2Mike]

The main concern is if the new wheel has no provision for a cush drive then a chain is going to give a harsh ride since all the torsional vibrations from the engine will be transfered into the wheel.

[Shotgun kev]

So is the crushdrive my only option ?

[Turn7]

Shotgun kev said:

So is the crushdrive my only option ?

I think you need something to take some of the initial torque. Way back , I ran a Katana drag bike with a Dymag rear wheel, the sprocket carrier had small bushes made of hard plastic instead of the big old lumps of rubber you maybe thinking of.

[Shotgun kev]

Hi
Just recently bought an unfinished project and wanted to put a 240 rear end. And out of shear impatience and lack of Uk based suppliers I ordered a 8.5 rear wheel from USA? Now on reflection didn’t think about the fact it was for belt drive and not chain ? Will this all go horribly wrong or am I overthinking by just bolting on a sprocket ? Zx1100 in a chop frame at the mo.?

[James 33]

I have Vrod wheels in my FJ1200 chop. Converted the rear to chain drive by making up an Ali sprocket carrier. Has no Cush drive now but have done over 15k miles without issue.

[Shotgun kev]

Thank you that puts my mind at rest a little

[DirtyHarley]

What Harley model and year is it?
Some are very easy to convert from belt to chain, others are a proper bd. Personally I'd stick with the belt, a lot less hassle than a chain and a lot longer lifespan especially when you put a lot of miles on as a commuter!
Only downsides to it though are of course the price, and the wait for parts (which is pretty standard for Harleys anyhow - I had to wait 3 weeks for clutch plates and basket).

[James 33]

No problem. Running a 240 rear though you will ned to offset the rear sprocket some how. Either offset sproket or a jack shaft. The V rod is only a 5.5" so only needed a 10mm offset on mine as standard FJ's only run a 5" rear.