factory harley davidson open primary

2474 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Chief Illiniwek, Aug 14, 2014

caclark85

Discussion Starter · Aug 13, 2014

been looking around on the web and caint really find the info im looking for so i fig i would ask all yall. I want to run my bike with the factory harley primary set up minus the cover just cause it looks cool and and you dont see many people doing down here in texas. I know ill have to change the clutches to dry clutch but is there anythang eles i need to do? Has anybody done this or is running like this if so can you share how you made this possible? my scooter is 96' super glide. Thanks

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gtrman66

· #2 · Aug 13, 2014

Open Chain? Sounds a little dangerous. You might find yourself painfully pant-less at some point.

I'm thinking you will need some support system for the starter. The starter jackshaft engages the outer cover so it doesn't bend when engaging the starting ring gear.

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Thunder~Struck

· #3 · Aug 13, 2014

caclark85 said:
.....but is there anythang eles i need to do?

Yea. Change your mind.

As stated, a safety hazard for one. Switching to a dry clutch is only half the battle.
You will kill the life expectancy of the chain and tension`er. They are made to be run lubricated.

But your bike your choice. Just think it all the way through first.

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SCHMIDTY

· #4 · Aug 13, 2014

Not knowing how far back in H-D history you're thinking but from memory the H-D factory never offered an open primary. Even the primary belt drive Sturgis models had enclosed primaries which led to premature belt failures caused from excessive heat buildup.

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El Diablo

· #5 · Aug 13, 2014

The chain will be junk very fast. The oil is on them to keep them cool as much as lubrication. The metal will get hot and lose it's strength and will deteriorate rapidly. The tensioner could be replaced with a roller and bearings but it'll be a bit of engineering to make happen.

As a short answer of should to do it. NO

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ciscokid

· #6 · Aug 13, 2014

well there is a lot of no's for ya. ill no no it too. why not go to belt. understand it would be neet to see open chain but way too many bad things going wrong with that. how ever i think ive seen chain with o rings that hold the lube. could it be possible to to use a rear chain type setup up front. everything is doable if its thought through enough $$$$$$$$

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Thunder~Struck

· #7 · Aug 13, 2014

ciscokid said:
how ever i think ive seen chain with o rings that hold the lube.

Ran an o-ring rear on my Shovel. Loved it. Tough as nails.
But do`t know if a multi-row o-ring chain is even made.

Go belt if you want open. Or leave it alone.

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El Diablo

· #8 · Aug 13, 2014

Thunder~Struck said:
Ran an o-ring rear on my Shovel. Loved it. Tough as nails.

But do`t know if a multi-row o-ring chain is even made.

Go belt if you want open. Or leave it alone.

The primary also makes many more revolutions than the chain/belt on the rear wheel does.

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Thunder~Struck

· #9 · Aug 13, 2014

forty2366 said:
The primary also makes many more revolutions than the chain/belt on the rear wheel does.

Very good point. It`s always turning when the engine is running.
Have always loved the look of open fat primary belt drives. Just like all my parts, and pants leg more.

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Chief Illiniwek

· #10 · Aug 14, 2014

Custom open primary looks kick ass and doesn't come with all the pitfalls described above. I wouldn't change clutch and then run a stock primary open. Change to the belt and do it right if you want it open, IMO.

Sent from Motorcycle.com App

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