BDL open primary-Pros and Cons Harley Transmission, Harley Clutch & Harley Primary Discuss BDL open primary-Pros and Cons in the Harley Tech & Harley How-to forums; I have a 2000 FXR4 with a 3" BDL open primary system that was installed by the previous owner of the bike. I guess it looks kinda gnarly but, man, ...

I have a 2000 FXR4 with a 3" BDL open primary system that was installed by the previous owner of the bike. I guess it looks kinda gnarly but, man, it seems so vulnerable hangin' out there like that and with the wide belt it seems there would be a lot of tensioning force when you get on it. I've noticed the more expensive systems have bearings on the outboard ends of the pulleys that are mounted on the cover plate.

Anyway, I'm thinking I might want to change it back to a nice aftermarket enclosed system if it's not too outrageously expensive, hopefully less than $1500.

My questions about the BDL system for y'all are:

1. Are these systems longlived? How long? I think this one has 10k on it.

2. Are those unsupported pulleys going to cause problems with the engine and trans shafts?

3. Would it be worh it to install the BDL retrofit end bearing kit?

4. Is my estimate of $1500 for a nice enclosed system realistic?


Oh, by the way, the engine dynoed at a little over 90 hp (stage III)and pulls like a freight train. And I can live with the open primary if it's going to be reliable and not cause any problems down the road.

Thanks,

Big Mike (milindh)

[frisco-rigid]

I don't mean to offend but a 3" belt is a double-jack to drive 6 penney nails..
And real expensive if you go down on what used to be the "cheap" side..

I installed my first belt, a ah, jeeeze, I can't remember the name of it, back in
the 70's and it's been belts on every sickle I've built since.. In my experience the longevity is crazy long.. I've only broken 3 belts and never worn out a pulley..
I can only offer my experience..
I ride my sickles hard with countless hole-shots and the 1.5" (4-spd) Kevlar belts have no probs.. Currently on the 93" shovel I built in 1978 with waay over 200,000 miles since it's build to 93" in '84 and the 120" I built in '02..
I happen to run Primo at this time but I'd have no hesitation with BDL..
The 1.75 BDL set-up I bought for the sickle I've not finished yet was about $400, both pulleys and kevlar belt.. From Jireh Cycles I'm pretty sure..
I suggest you run an open stock-style inner primary, with a well modified and opened up outer, you can do that yourself.. Then you got cooling and strength if you go down on that cheap side, a few scratches maybe but not beau-coup bucks for a fancy set-up..

Frisco.......

Very glad to see you back. Merry Christmas. Botz

I agree with the double jack to sink a 6p nail anology and I do worry about what happens if I go down on that side. On top of these things it forces you to use front controls. I'd like use mid controls and maybe have some highway pegs up front to stretch my legs once in a while. And then there's the metallic rattling noise that comes from the clutch when you're sitting at a light with the clutch pulled in. BDL says that's normal but still...Anyway, the main reason I'd like to change back is to get the mid controls.

There's an E-Bay store that's actually located not too far from me that's selling complete, brand new Revtech enclosed systems for $575. It includes absolutely everything; Inner/outer(chrome) cases,sprockets, primary chain, kevlar clutch and supposedly everything I'd need. Of course it's all offshore (korean) stuff and I think Revtech might be one of the companies that will be soon done in by the new EPA rules squeeze that's already taken a big bite out of the aftermarket stuff. The other route I can go is to buy used HD inner/outer cases off Craigslist and put a mix of new HD and Barnett parts in it.

[frisco-rigid]

I understand better now, you meant enclosed chain primary,, for some reason I thought you meant enclosed belt..
I have no experience with Revtech primary drive systems, chain or belt.. Price sounds good though.. And yes, the clatter of clutch plates is total normal with dis-engaged clutch and open case,, I can't sneak up on anyone..!!
I'm a belt guy,, less trouble, maintenance, weight and cost.. My guess would also be more power too (slightly-teensy) cuz of less machinery being thrown around..
OK, off the top of head suggestion.. Let's say you got a similar belt set-up for 460.00, that's what that set-up I got is up to now in Jireh Cycles,, #58-331..
It also includes clutches.. Well, you would have to get an inner and outer, after-market or OEM, your choice..
Anyway, you could be enclosed, with less noise but still some, and install your mid-controls.. There would be almost NO noise if you did not vent the outer but the outer SHOULD be vented, heat is a belt killer..
Well, just a thought,, good luck..

Hey Botz and BB..!!

As it turns out the Revtech kits are for Softails. They retail for $1300 at Custom Chrome. So it's either back to living with the open setup, which doesn't sound so bad after all, and maybe rigging up some sort of custom mid controls. The guy I bought the bike from said he thought there was some sort of off the shelf set up available for that. I'd then just have to cover at least the top of the belt to protect my pant legs. Or, like I said,just accept it as it is. I bought this bike knowing all about this possible can of worms but I got a good deal on an otherwise very nice bike.

[frisco-rigid]

Not knowing exactly what you have, I looked at a set-up I think may be similar in Jireh Cycles for $1400..
Again just tossing an idea--- have you considered selling your set-up and buying what you'd rather have..?
As I'm sure you know, good condition used parts have traditionally sold for 50%, +- sooo, 700-800 bucks might just do it..
Just wingin it...

Yeah, Frisco Rigid, I've definitely thought about that or maybe even trading, even up, for a nice chain system. Craigslist and Ebay have really opened up a lot of new ways of getting what you want these days. Ain't cyberspace great? The proliferation of ideas and advice is so easy with these computer thangs.

I have to admit that your endorsement of these open belt drives has made me a lot more likely to just leave the bike as it is. I just bought the bike around Thanksgiving and you know how it is with a new bike (especially one that has been customized). You start thinking about molding the bike to your wants and needs. At first I wanted to change the seat(a little too flat and hard), the handlebars(too much rise), exhaust (too loud), and the tires(wrong profile for my kind of riding) as well as the primary drive. But then I sat down and kinda told myself, "Hold on there cowboy! This is a bitchin' bike just as it is. If you cool it for a while you might just get to like most if it anyway and save yourself about two grand in the process." The previous owner had already put 30 g's into the bike.

I am going to get a different type of tire; from ME 880's to ME Lasertec's. The old ones are beyond worn out anyway. I'm going to keep my eyes open for a chain system and let this whole primary thing percolate until spring. Thanks for your thoughts.

Big Mike (milindh)

[47knuck]

Sorry guys, but I never understood the appeal of an open belt drive system. Easy to get things caught up in it like your pants! And for what? If there is value to it I'd like to learn it. Not trying to be a jerk, but simply don't get it.

[frisco-rigid]

Hey 47

I would guess that running a totally open (no cover at all) Primary would expose you to getting caught in the works and I too never thought it was a wise thing to do..
I see it mostly with guys that think it's hot looking to have a 3" belt drive behind a stock motor, like I said earlier--- a double jack to drive a 6 penny nail.. Also, now, that's no longer the cheap side in a go down..

However, it is wise to run a belt drive "open" for cooling.. I chop up the outer cover to give total access to air but also keep my digits and pants safe..

In 30 years of running "open" like that and waaay well over 300,000 miles I've never had a prob.. Hey, rocks and crap gets in but has not ever bothered anything..
Have you known anyone that got caught in an Open Drive.?