I'm so old school when I was in my early 20's replacing chains on our dirt bikes, or BSA' and my Norton 850 Commando (about every 6 months on the Norton). We used to take the chain to the grinder wheel and grind the pin, then hammer out the pin with a punch praying you didn't bend the link. Then one day my buddy shows up with this new tool. I asked him, what's that?. He said it's a chain breaker, wow!....I still have that chain breaker in my tool box from 45 years ago.....Great video...Thanks!
Honestly wait for these all fkn week lol. These series are killer, absolute information gold mine. Really appreciate you guys putting in the time to make these. Todd is a hell of a professor 🍻
Perfect timing with this series, I bought a sportster in January and have enjoyed this series! Could not have had a better host! Experience and comical. Thank you!
I love this series so far. Really enjoying the personality in the videos too. Please do a sportster chopper or bobber build next 2 weeks for each release is too long in my opinion. Weekly would be much more enjoyable.
We will be doing a chopper build next,... the reason its every two weeks is to spread out editing time along with marketing each episode accordingly. Only a handful of us here at Lowbrow and we mix this fun in-between the normal day to day stuff.
@@lowbrowcustoms I totally understand the fact that you have to work all week as well as find time to bring us this great series Todd . Just know how we all greatly appreciate the time and effort you put forth to bring us Sportster owners all this knowledge and fun. I want to personally say thank for you help. And that as a sportster owner myself I chose to buy some of my parts from you guys as well. Most recently the Kerker 2-1 Exuaghst kit to replace my short shots with. Im desperately trying to find time to swap them out before the warm weather here in CT . But like you it’s tough finding time to do so as work and life are so demanding of my time. I’ll get it done soon with the help of your installation video 👍that video is a huge help so again thank you my friend. Keep up the stellar work and wish you all the health and happiness. Your a good man for sharing.
This Saturday Sportster series we are trying to do around 30 mins or so for each... some stuff are shorter some stuffs longer, we try our best, glad you dig it though.
Just dig the hell out of Saturday morning, can't wait for the new video. Thanks Todd for the interesting videos. I wish some of my teachers would have been as good as you. Thanks again
Our kits do not have options for sprocket sizes for the 04 and up they come with a 22 front for both and for the rear the 883 is 53T and for the 1200 52T try this program to see what may be a good plan sprocketcalculator.com/
It's about time The Best Balanced Bike on 🌎 Earth 🌍 get enough quality attention. Too many moan, "wish I kept mine, except for the trade in value"... needed Sportster promotes. Thanks ✔️
Legit the only vid I could find mentioning ANYTHING about that seal. If anyone has any links to more videos or in-depth videos on changing that seal please lmk!
Awesome video’s I have an 89 1200 and your videos are helping me so much keep the videos coming and I’ll definitely be ordering some parts from low brow customs you guys have so really awesome stuff
Recently installed a chain conversion kit, problem is that the chain rubs on the exhaust bracket and rear lower footpeg mount, looks great, but there are a few extra steps needed to work around getting it 100%
If you break your chain in the wrong location you can simple get an offset link. A Master link is 2 pins and 2 sideplates to connect a chain at 2 roller locations. An offset link is Manufactured with only one pin and one roller with two side plates. It's used to connect a roller and a side plate. This sportster chain is a #530 chain so a #530 offset link would work just fine. A 2 pack is usually about 10 bucks.
I have a 2004 883 Sportster which I converted as a Scrambler bike using the exact same tires, chain kit, 15in Progressive shocks, (pure coincidence I might say) and many other things. But in my case, I had to design and install a chain tensionner otherwise, the shocks wouldn't travel their usable length and moreover, the chain was grinding severely the upper mounting lug for the rear peg. I had to trim it off. Besides, I've added a wear pad... (which is installed where the chain guard is bolting) so the chain would not grind off that part too. All this because the sprocket, the swingarm shaft AND the rear wheel shaft are not in their original design alignment anymore, because of the much longer shocks. It looks like the 2003 and earlier model don't have those issues????!!! Don't get me wrong, I love my "new" Sportster now. It has become a wonderful and pleasant machine to ride now. Thanks mite, for your fantastic line of products. Keep on the good work.
I love Lowbrowcustoms-Series on You Tube.. A short question: Are there any reason why you do not use O-ring or X-ring chain. A ordinary chain is cheaper yes but the O or X- rings. Last much longer. Regards Bjorn ....
Love this serie and cannot wait for the next episode. Just wondering regarding Loctite. You said red locktite in the video ..that is 270? Is`nt that to strong and you need heating for loosening it?
Red loctite can be broken, its just a bit more secure then blue, using it in certain places gives extra security for bolts you don want to loosen, like for instance this mega nut we are installing here.
I just found out the swingarm has a side to side play on my wife’s 2013 Iron and it’s really disappointing. I guess I have to change motor mounts and swingarm bearings?
what Rimas said we do have solid mounts available: www.lowbrowcustoms.com/products/complete-solid-motor-mount-kit-for-2004-up-harley-davidson-sportster-xl could help alleviate having to change out that stuff ever so often.
my dad use to wear a masterlink on his belt for years for his shovelhead chopper in case it busted, ofcourse the one day he didnt wear it his chain broke! but still..keeping a masterlink on your wallet chain or keychain might come in handy 💡
I really want to get one but I don't have an impact driver or compressor capable of running one. And I can really take it to a shop just to get it off and then have my bike be stuck..... oh well may as well just save for the 1250 kit
you are talking about the front drive sprocket. There's a specific procedure in the manual ... Loctite red on the threads, 50lb-ft, then an additional 30-40 degrees, the variance being so that you can align the lock plate. It's left hand thread as well. Takes a 1-7/8" socket. It says in the manual note: If the drive sprocket nut requires additional tightening, do not exceed 150 ft-lb. so 150 is way tooooo much if you have to then line up the lock plate after torquing.
you are able to change gearing ratios. also in this build running a belt we would have to find a longer belt to run these shocks and its more cost effective to just run a chain conversion kit because you can make a chain any size you need.
Meanwhile back at Bonneville... Tyler: Hey Todd, did you torque all the bolts on my bike per spec? Todd: yeah man yeah yeah yes I did I really I did I clicked boy you could hear me clicking I clicked till they clicked yeah they clicked!!
Not entirely sure why anyone would want to do this. The evo sportsters had chain drive from '86 to '92, and as I remember at the time they had a reputatiion for eating chains. I like my belt drive. Much easier to look after. I do kinda get it though, team the chain drive with black cylinders and a kick starter kit - very retro looking, if you like that sort of thing. Myself, I'd be more inclined to go looking for an old shovel head sporty to restore.
Main reason we are doing it on here is the higher then stock shocks. you would have to buy a longer belt and not always the easiest to find.. Chain will allow for adjustments and will guarantee fit.
I've had and worked on H-D's for 50 years (Sportsters, Panheads, Shovelheads, Twinkies) so I'm obviously partial to them. But changing from a belt to a chain on a Sportster seems to be quite a step back in technology to me. I have an FLHX with a 120R motor, 7-speed Baker tranny, upgraded drive train and a Trask Turbo & 165 HP & 165 TQ. I believe my bike is right on the borderline for needing a belt to chain conversion. But this Sporty...NO NEED. At best even with a turbo, a Sportster would still have a tough time beating a 600cc Japanese Sportbike, although look and sound much more cool being what it is. Belt to chain in this case is a waste of money....JMHU (Just My Humble Opinion).
You get more response out of the engine which makes it feel more torquey.Belt will stretch under quick heavy load causing less responsiveness.Chain conversion is for people who like doing wheelies and beating on the bike and racing.
its al personal preference. some say it gives more torque, others like the way it pulls. Sometimes if you modify your bike like to a hardtail it's necessary. Belts are great and long lasting... its all up to the bike owner really whatever ya wanna do is cool
Red loc-tite AND torquing to specs.....like wiping your ass then taking a shit. Makes no sense. Use blue if you just gotta have a thread lock. Red is for heavy equipment and machinery, not motorcycles. This message is for the folks who are not aware. I know lowbrows disagrees with me. We'll agree to disagree.
I don’t want this series to end. Perfect to sit back and chill with.
Ah professor Todd, I've been waiting all week for the next installment of the bike build !,right ,now I'll sit back and watch the show 👍✌️
I'm so old school when I was in my early 20's replacing chains on our dirt bikes, or BSA' and my Norton 850 Commando (about every 6 months on the Norton). We used to take the chain to the grinder wheel and grind the pin, then hammer out the pin with a punch praying you didn't bend the link. Then one day my buddy shows up with this new tool. I asked him, what's that?. He said it's a chain breaker, wow!....I still have that chain breaker in my tool box from 45 years ago.....Great video...Thanks!
Thats amazing, Thanks for sharing, gave us a smile :)
Glad to find out that my Norton isn't the only one who eats through chains... 🙄
Honestly wait for these all fkn week lol. These series are killer, absolute information gold mine. Really appreciate you guys putting in the time to make these. Todd is a hell of a professor 🍻
Perfect timing with this series, I bought a sportster in January and have enjoyed this series! Could not have had a better host! Experience and comical. Thank you!
this series honestly makes me want to go buy a sportster lol, keep up the great work
Get after it! they are cheap!
I just bought one. Ordered a hard tail kit today.
I love this series so far. Really enjoying the personality in the videos too. Please do a sportster chopper or bobber build next
2 weeks for each release is too long in my opinion. Weekly would be much more enjoyable.
We will be doing a chopper build next,... the reason its every two weeks is to spread out editing time along with marketing each episode accordingly. Only a handful of us here at Lowbrow and we mix this fun in-between the normal day to day stuff.
@@lowbrowcustoms I totally understand the fact that you have to work all week as well as find time to bring us this great series Todd . Just know how we all greatly appreciate the time and effort you put forth to bring us Sportster owners all this knowledge and fun. I want to personally say thank for you help. And that as a sportster owner myself I chose to buy some of my parts from you guys as well. Most recently the Kerker 2-1 Exuaghst kit to replace my short shots with. Im desperately trying to find time to swap them out before the warm weather here in CT . But like you it’s tough finding time to do so as work and life are so demanding of my time. I’ll get it done soon with the help of your installation video 👍that video is a huge help so again thank you my friend. Keep up the stellar work and wish you all the health and happiness. Your a good man for sharing.
My Saturday is now complete!
I see Todd, I hit the like button. Simple as that.
thanks for the love!
I wait all week to watch this.
Wooooooo. Excellent series. Todd is an excellent teacher, but very down to earth. Keep up with these awesome videos.
Greetings from Pennsville NJ..I been waiting all week to see your Saturday video..great job always educational and entertaining👍🤙🤘
Another great video for a cold and snowy morning
Love this video series! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and know how as well as some entertainment. You are the MAN!
I wish all of your videos were this long.
This Saturday Sportster series we are trying to do around 30 mins or so for each... some stuff are shorter some stuffs longer, we try our best, glad you dig it though.
Just dig the hell out of Saturday morning, can't wait for the new video. Thanks Todd for the interesting videos. I wish some of my teachers would have been as good as you. Thanks again
Thanks for this one! I’ll be tackling the chain conversion myself this weekend or next.
Todd I have a question about the chain dive kit . I have a 2016 iron 883
Our kits do not have options for sprocket sizes for the 04 and up they come with a 22 front for both and for the rear the 883 is 53T and for the 1200 52T try this program to see what may be a good plan sprocketcalculator.com/
Love this series with prof Todd, but hey I can't episode 8 and on to the completion of the project?
I have a Cult Like love for LowBrow Customs
Man that motor looks so good!
Hi thanks for another spanner wielding episode
It's about time The Best Balanced Bike on 🌎 Earth 🌍 get enough quality attention. Too many moan, "wish I kept mine, except for the trade in value"... needed Sportster promotes. Thanks ✔️
Legit the only vid I could find mentioning ANYTHING about that seal. If anyone has any links to more videos or in-depth videos on changing that seal please lmk!
Would like to see 60s 70s style sportster next. Good show enjoying it.
Feeling kinda sad, this series is getting close to the end I'm afraid!
Another awesome video wooooo!
I'm about to buy a sportster but was a little hesitant because it's belt drive, now it seems like it's no big deal to convert!
HAT TIP! Thanks Todd as usual. Spot on and on point per always.
Awesome video’s I have an 89 1200 and your videos are helping me so much keep the videos coming and I’ll definitely be ordering some parts from low brow customs you guys have so really awesome stuff
Another awesome episode, thank you so much! Feels like hanging out with a buddy while wrenching on a bike. Nothing better... Wooo! 🛠️
Darn darn darn.. had me rolling…. Great video
Man I got y’all’s chain drive kit and didn’t get that fancy lock plate or new hardwear. The kit was for a 04 and up so that might be why?
Amazing and as always Todd is the man!
I can't wait for the chopper build. Will we see this one actually hit the dirt?
We are taking it on an off road 7 day trip in the end of May!
@@lowbrowcustoms SICK! can't wait!!
What are the two bearings for behind the sprocket
Recently installed a chain conversion kit, problem is that the chain rubs on the exhaust bracket and rear lower footpeg mount, looks great, but there are a few extra steps needed to work around getting it 100%
Ok, one question though, I have a 92 sporty that could use one, will it backfit by one year ?
So how much horsepower or torque is gained by going from belt to chain?
Just out of curiosity, why wouldnt you use a rivet master link?
If you break your chain in the wrong location you can simple get an offset link.
A Master link is 2 pins and 2 sideplates to connect a chain at 2 roller locations.
An offset link is Manufactured with only one pin and one roller with two side plates.
It's used to connect a roller and a side plate.
This sportster chain is a #530 chain so a #530 offset link would work just fine.
A 2 pack is usually about 10 bucks.
Always a good idea to swap both out those seals just to ease my mind... I had to with the '04 engine because of different trans output shaft.
What are the part numbers of that seal and spacer? Trying to buy them for my bike but not sure what they're called.
How many teeth would I need on my front and rear sprockets to replace the OEM drive and belt?
I have a 2004 883 Sportster which I converted as a Scrambler bike using the exact same tires, chain kit, 15in Progressive shocks, (pure coincidence I might say) and many other things. But in my case, I had to design and install a chain tensionner otherwise, the shocks wouldn't travel their usable length and moreover, the chain was grinding severely the upper mounting lug for the rear peg. I had to trim it off. Besides, I've added a wear pad... (which is installed where the chain guard is bolting) so the chain would not grind off that part too. All this because the sprocket, the swingarm shaft AND the rear wheel shaft are not in their original design alignment anymore, because of the much longer shocks. It looks like the 2003 and earlier model don't have those issues????!!! Don't get me wrong, I love my "new" Sportster now. It has become a wonderful and pleasant machine to ride now. Thanks mite, for your fantastic line of products. Keep on the good work.
I know on belt drive you can go from a 29 tooth to a 27 tooth to give it little more bottom end pep do you sale other sprocket to give it the same
Sweet man. Gotta do my 115th anniversary sportster this way. Will be going to low brows to get em🎃
What brand chain breaker is that? Looks pretty skookum
Edit - found it, Smith Tool A8050
I love Lowbrowcustoms-Series on You Tube.. A short question: Are there any reason why you do not use O-ring or X-ring chain. A ordinary chain is cheaper yes but the O or X- rings. Last much longer. Regards Bjorn ....
Hello, do you have a conversion kit compatible with the street 750 2015??
Good stuff Todd ! I just bought a 2001 Sportster XL And thank you!
Loved it! Thanks
That’s a pretty clean motor ! Just realizing that this episode
We washed her up and also put an SS Hooligan kit on it before we started this series... Check it out.ruclips.net/video/7DuwSXFSx3o/видео.html
@@lowbrowcustoms awesome. thanks will check it!
Are you goin to put a kick start on it
Easy to understand. Cool dude
Todd, fantastic Instruction, thank you. I have blue loctite in a red bottle and you have red loctite in a blue bottle!
Love this serie and cannot wait for the next episode. Just wondering regarding Loctite. You said red locktite in the video ..that is 270? Is`nt that to strong and you need heating for loosening it?
Red loctite can be broken, its just a bit more secure then blue, using it in certain places gives extra security for bolts you don want to loosen, like for instance this mega nut we are installing here.
I just found out the swingarm has a side to side play on my wife’s 2013 Iron and it’s really disappointing. I guess I have to change motor mounts and swingarm bearings?
Get the soild mounts...and work out a way to keep the top engine "dog bone"...done the soild conversion on my 2014 xl1200c
what Rimas said we do have solid mounts available: www.lowbrowcustoms.com/products/complete-solid-motor-mount-kit-for-2004-up-harley-davidson-sportster-xl could help alleviate having to change out that stuff ever so often.
my dad use to wear a masterlink on his belt for years for his shovelhead chopper in case it busted, ofcourse the one day he didnt wear it his chain broke! but still..keeping a masterlink on your wallet chain or keychain might come in handy 💡
Amazing teacher
I'm hoping the series continues but with an old Triumph for the next bike.
I really want to get one but I don't have an impact driver or compressor capable of running one. And I can really take it to a shop just to get it off and then have my bike be stuck..... oh well may as well just save for the 1250 kit
Is the torque spec on that front sprocket 50ft-lb? My manual says 150ft-lb (883 2002)
you are talking about the front drive sprocket. There's a specific procedure in the manual ... Loctite red on the threads, 50lb-ft, then an additional 30-40 degrees, the variance being so that you can align the lock plate. It's left hand thread as well. Takes a 1-7/8" socket. It says in the manual note: If the drive sprocket nut requires additional
tightening, do not exceed 150 ft-lb. so 150 is way tooooo much if you have to then line up the lock plate after torquing.
@@lowbrowcustoms manual says drive sprocket nut 110ftlb-120ftlb.. do not exceed 150ftlb
Are there any gains in a chain conversion?
you are able to change gearing ratios. also in this build running a belt we would have to find a longer belt to run these shocks and its more cost effective to just run a chain conversion kit because you can make a chain any size you need.
Is chain better than belt ??
Belts are reliable and true. Chains can wear out over time, but can give you a lot more gearing ratio options for cheaper prices.
Same thing like fixing a bicycle which I do a lot bigger tools
Meanwhile back at Bonneville...
Tyler: Hey Todd, did you torque all the bolts on my bike per spec?
Todd: yeah man yeah yeah yes I did I really I did I clicked boy you could hear me clicking I clicked till they clicked yeah they clicked!!
No no, Bonneville bikes get prop torqued always. no elbow click there, tylers life is on the line.
@@lowbrowcustoms 👍
Stupid question: why the swap?
Never say a chain stretches, metal doesn't stretch. The pin holes ware out!
Tomato Tamotoe
I love you man!!!
Not entirely sure why anyone would want to do this. The evo sportsters had chain drive from '86 to '92, and as I remember at the time they had a reputatiion for eating chains. I like my belt drive. Much easier to look after. I do kinda get it though, team the chain drive with black cylinders and a kick starter kit - very retro looking, if you like that sort of thing. Myself, I'd be more inclined to go looking for an old shovel head sporty to restore.
Main reason we are doing it on here is the higher then stock shocks. you would have to buy a longer belt and not always the easiest to find.. Chain will allow for adjustments and will guarantee fit.
Plus this is a off road spotster..not sure how long a belt would last with dirt and rocks
Red loc-tite...the overkill of motorcycle wrenching. Use no more than blue, if at all. Torque specifications are for bare thread. No need to do both.
I've had and worked on H-D's for 50 years (Sportsters, Panheads, Shovelheads, Twinkies) so I'm obviously partial to them. But changing from a belt to a chain on a Sportster seems to be quite a step back in technology to me. I have an FLHX with a 120R motor, 7-speed Baker tranny, upgraded drive train and a Trask Turbo & 165 HP & 165 TQ. I believe my bike is right on the borderline for needing a belt to chain conversion. But this Sporty...NO NEED. At best even with a turbo, a Sportster would still have a tough time beating a 600cc Japanese Sportbike, although look and sound much more cool being what it is. Belt to chain in this case is a waste of money....JMHU (Just My Humble Opinion).
Why convert to chain?
You get more response out of the engine which makes it feel more torquey.Belt will stretch under quick heavy load causing less responsiveness.Chain conversion is for people who like doing wheelies and beating on the bike and racing.
This is what he’s saying in his head anyway. Might as well say it out loud for the camera
No sh#t that's what that hole is...lol I pondered on that the other day
hahah yeah buddy!
Uhulllll 🇧🇷🤝🏻
Why chain
its al personal preference. some say it gives more torque, others like the way it pulls. Sometimes if you modify your bike like to a hardtail it's necessary. Belts are great and long lasting... its all up to the bike owner really whatever ya wanna do is cool
It was pretty stupid putting a belt in place of the chain ⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️⛓️
Red loc-tite AND torquing to specs.....like wiping your ass then taking a shit. Makes no sense. Use blue if you just gotta have a thread lock. Red is for heavy equipment and machinery, not motorcycles. This message is for the folks who are not aware. I know lowbrows disagrees with me. We'll agree to disagree.
do you think chain sliders are nessacary for sportsters?
depends on the chain length, travel etc. everyones setups are different but, this one with 15" shocks didn't need it.l
@@lowbrowcustoms thanx for getting back 🍻