The Custom Motorcycle Magazine

Bye Bye Belt! | Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion

Tech

By , Photography by
Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion Cover Spread
Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion Cover Spread

Diy
Though all late-model bikes come with belts, nothing looks tougher or lasts longer than a final drive chain. Chains also are better when increasing rear tire size or bumping up the engine's horsepower. Though our project '93 Sportster currently has none of the aforementioned qualities. When we saw the extreme wear that the stock belt had, we knew we had to do something quick. Knowing we wanted the look and longevity of a chain, we decided to call up the kings of sick Sportys, Led Sled Customs and get one of its Belt to Chain conversion kits ($275). The kit consists of a rear 48-tooth sprocket, a 23-tooth front sprocket, and a 530 O-ring chain. The kit is designed for all '92-09 Sportsters and is a simple and straightforward install. So simple in fact, that it took us a little less than two hours to do the whole conversion.

The Lowdown
Man Hours: 1.75
Difficulty: Easy
Aftermarket Parts Used: Led Sled Belt to Chain Kit and Zip-Ty Masterlink Tool
Total Cost: $289.95

  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 1
    01. This is how the bike looked with its stock belt setup. Not for long!
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 2
    02. The upper and lower belt guards, exhaust bracket, front pulley lock pin, and nut were all removed.
    Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 2
    02. The upper and lower belt guards, exhaust bracket, front pulley lock pin, and nut were
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 3
    03. The belt, drive pulley, and the rear wheel were taken off the bike.
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 4
    04. The old front pulley was replaced with the new drive sprocket.
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 5
    05. The old rear pulley was replaced with the new rear sprocket.
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 6
    06. The rear wheel was reinstalled on the bike.
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 7
    07. The chain was put on the bike, measured for proper length, and marked.
    Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 7
    07. The chain was put on the bike, measured for proper length, and marked.
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 8
    08. The chain was then shortened to size with the proper chain tool.
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 9
    09. Using our trusty Zip-Ty racing tool, which securely holds the link in place, we easily installed the retainer clip with a screwdriver without damage.
    Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 9
    09. Using our trusty Zip-Ty racing tool, which securely holds the link in place, we easil
  • Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 10
    10. Once the rear wheel was adjusted for proper chain tension, we were done!
    Led Sled Sportster Chain Conversion 10
    10. Once the rear wheel was adjusted for proper chain tension, we were done!

Sources

Led Sled Customs
(937) 879-4645
ledsledcustoms.com

Zip-Ty Racing
(760) 244-7028
ziptyracing.com

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