I want to put a dry, open primary on my Softail.  I have a couple of questions...

 

1) Any tips or things I should think about to install it.

 

2) Are there any real disadvantages to a dry primary vs a wet (stock) primary?

 

Any input is appreciated.

Hey GoFur, I was looking for something else and came across this article at StreetChopper...

http://www.streetchopperweb.com/tech/0505stc_installing_belt_drives/index.html

 

I must say I do agree with RexTheRoadDog though...they scare me.  As a matter-of-fact here is how the article on installing them starts...

 

There are dangerous moving parts with covers over certain areas to protect the ignorant. The open belt primary appears naked because of the exposed springs, rubber, and pulleys. The sound is different, too. As the motor is revved there is a subtle whine that sounds intimidating like the belt on a blown V-8. Glancing at the other motorcycles in the parking lot, it isn't hard to notice that all their primaries are covered, as if they aren't proud of what's underneath. What are they hiding under all that chrome?

 

An open beltdrive is a commitment. It is dangerous because you know that belt is moving fast and can tear your pants apart if they're caught in the pulley. You have to understand how it works so you don't hurt yourself when you're near it. The next time your woman hops on the back of your bike you have to tell her to be careful and respect one more part of the motorcycle -- the hot pipe on the right and the spinning beltdrive on the other. You can't just ignore the machine, you have to know its behavior to avoid injury. The bike is suddenly more alive than it ever was.

Thanks Lucky. Actually doesn't seem that hard after reading that article. After reading some of the bad stuff, now I have to think about whether I really want one.

Ok, decided to go for it. Going down to pick up the kit now. I will upload some pictures when I get r done

Hey GoFur, did you ever get that open dry primary on your softail? Waiting to hear how it went and see some pictures.

GoFur, I'm sure this is to late judging by your last post, but just in case it's not. I had a rigid chop. that I ran a closed dry belt setup that worked very well. It was a 1.5" belt that sat insde the stock primary cover, I vented it by spacing out the inspection cover about a 1/4". it was very easy to work on cause you did not have the oil mess so you could take the cover off if needed any where with no worries. This setup never let me down. I know it's not the sexxy look of an open but works just as well.

Hey Lucky, got the kit just have been so damn busy at work that I haven't had time to put it on. I guess that's a good thing because I really do need the work and things are really bad in my industry. Hope to get it done over the 4th of July weekend.

just took the dry off and put the wet back on.we do alot of these in the shop,the only draw back to the dry is the clutch will pull.If you sit at an intersection or in traffic,make sure your in nuetral,otherwise it will start pulling you along.This is due to the clutch plates not getting enough cooling,and expanding.Also, after a good long run,it will pull you when you get into town.If you sit with the cluth in,it will lock up in gear..hope this helps ya.

Finally got the open primary on the Softail. It does look cool, but I am not really sure I like it. Like RextheRaodDog said, the belt is king of scaring me a bit. I am going to ride with it for a couple of weeks and see if I can get used to it, if not I will have it for sale