Drive chain swap

[Chris Garrett]

Okay, we finally have a rainy day so I decided to swap out the chain. I took off the rear wheel too, just to see what's what in there and it gives me a great opportunity to clean things up. As I expected, and you probably did too, I have a few questions.

1. When I lay the chains next to each other, and count out 102 rivets, they are the same length. Why? Shouldln't the old one be longer? Is it only longer when I stretch it with the adjusters?

2. The old chain is a much nicer chain. It is a much heavier duty, o-ring chain. I bought mine from Harley. I think it was a Diamond. Should I have gone with a heavier chain?

3. Should I grease the axle? It's dry.

More newbie questions to follow.

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by Chris Garrett

Okay, we finally have a rainy day so I decided to swap out the chain. I took off the rear wheel too, just to see what's what in there and it gives me a great opportunity to clean things up. As I expected, and you probably did too, I have a few questions.

1. When I lay the chains next to each other, and count out 102 rivets, they are the same length. Why? Shouldln't the old one be longer? Is it only longer when I stretch it with the adjusters?

2. The old chain is a much nicer chain. It is a much heavier duty, o-ring chain. I bought mine from Harley. I think it was a Diamond. Should I have gone with a heavier chain?

3. Should I grease the axle? It's dry.

More newbie questions to follow.

1.) I'm wondering if someone has swapped out the gears for smaller gears.... it would explaint the same 102 rivet length, yet too far back in the axle/swingarm adjustment. A smaller rear sprocket (3 teeth) will do this and make the bike feel "buzzy" at highway speeds.....

2.) HD sold you a 530 standard chain, not a 530 O-ring chain which is better. The o-ring chain keeps lube in the rollers and prevents heavy lubing and fly-off..... Also lasts longer in wet weather conditions and stays cleaner longer.

3.) Yes. Plain old grease or antiseize is good.

[Chris Garrett]

So in from what you're saying, I'm taking off a perfectly good o-ring chain for a standard chain when I possibly didn't need to. When I put on the new chain, I'm going to end up in the same place on the forks.
Do you know how many teeth should be on the rear sprocket? If it is a smaller sprocket, can I take off one more link? Or should I put the first chain back on?

[Chris Garrett]

Showing baby some love:

[Dave63]

1981 flh is *I believe* supposed to be pt#41470-78- a 51 tooth sprocket.

As for a "perfectly good" chain, that depends on if the O-ring chain has any tight links or not.

But yes, an o-ring chain is prefered over a standard chain.

[Chris Garrett]

Yeah, I found it in the manual. 51 teeth which is what I have.

[Chris Garrett]

Well, I already cut the darn chain, so there's no returning it. What do you think? Should I put the new chain on and see where it ends up?

[Dave63]

Well......since it's cut....... However....don't toss the O-ring chain......

[Chris Garrett]

Please tell me there's a secret way to get the clip on the chain. I've been trying for almost an hour and haven't even come close.

[Dave63]

A long piece of wire......