Installing an open primary

[1524montana]

I'm thinking about installing an open primary on my Big Dog. I'm looking at Karata and Baker. Baker makes one specifically designed for Big Dogs but it's only 2 1/2" wide. I have a few questions please.

1. Are there any disadvantages to an open primary?
(not worried about torn jeans and that stuff)

2. How hard is it to install?

3. Are open primaries dangerous (aside from the obvious)?

Any other input is appreciated.

[1524montana]

TTT

Anyone?

[Wide]

If you dont line them up correct they throw belts.

I personally use chains for street but for a weekend machine why not

They do rev up much faster due to decreased weight

Not to hard to install, if your good with tools piece of cake

baker makes the best around right now

[1524montana]

Thanks Wide. I knew I could count on you for a good answer.

[Heretic]

I ran a belt on my pan for over 10 years...I loved it, and it is going back on as I rebuild. it is the narrow one that fits inside the stock primary cover. That was because the old kits for a wide belt were kicker only. The narrow ones had a starter drive. For my dad's shovel we designed our own inner bearing support/toyota starter mount so he could use a 6 speed tranny, with no inner primary at all, and have a newer tranny with electric start, a 3 inch drive, and still have a shovel engine (take note of this Wide......this is something that would work on your pan....I will give you pics and specs in trade for info on your billet swingarm build)

I just bought a 3 1/2 inch belt for the road king. if it will help you in any way, I can take pics of the install. I was going to do it this coming week (riding the bike this weekend instead of working on it)

be careful with drives though. Some are a different ratio drive than your chain. Just make sure to count your teeth, and know exactly what you are getting. I liked the higher ratio on my pan, but I was looking for lower RPMs on the freeway

[1524montana]

Here's a link to the drive I'm looking at. Just thought you might be interested as it's made specifically for Big Dogs.
Baker Drive Train- Synchronous Drive for BDM

[Heretic]

I prefer the 8mm teeth to the 14mm. I am not seeing a down size to more teeth and more surface area in the pulleys. Karata tried the larger square teeth, years ago...My 96 inch shovel ate them. I switched to 8mm teeth on a BDL drive, and the problem was solved

I have never checked the spacing on a big dog, but if it is the same as a standard softy, you might save a little money looking at other kits

[OldBikerGuy]

I always wondered how those things got oiled. If they run dry, how do they keep from overheating? And if they're bathed in oil, how does it keep from getting slung all over your pants leg?

And if it pops off as Wide suggests, wouldn't it take your foot off at the ankle?

[Heretic]

I always wondered how those things got oiled. If they run dry, how do they keep from overheating? And if they're bathed in oil, how does it keep from getting slung all over your pants leg?

And if it pops off as Wide suggests, wouldn't it take your foot off at the ankle?

you switch over to dry clutches. no oil.....They are more exposed to air, so cool better than a rear drive belt, and a lot better than the belts under the hood of your car.
I did have an issue with a broken belt years ago. it came loose from a bike in front of me, and hit my leg. That one went straight down, and bounced up, off the road.... That kind of hurt. Most people run a guard though. it is more to keep the cuff of your pants from rubbing than to protect your leg. The kevlar woven belts can withstand more pull than the chain. You could throw the old ones, but unless your engine and tranny are not lined up, you are not throwing a new one.
If you think about it, Boss Hoss uses a belt drive behind their V8s...I am not seeing many V-twins out on the road, making that kind of power

[OldBikerGuy]

See, I'm not so dumb, at least at "supposing" anyway. Thanks, 'tic.