Baker or Karata Primary Belt Drive?

[Pops]

Had....Karata on order

Hope all is well

 

[bigdogtech01]

Hi I am gonna put a primary belt drive on the K-9 this Spring and I have figured out that the only two real options are the Baker and the Karata. Opinons please fellas on which way to go on this? Thanks.

When a customer asks me this same question I explain this to them, being an avid weight lifter I explain it like this....
If you take a weight in your hand, does not matter if it is 5 lbs or 50, holding that weight, is it easier to hold it close to your side or straight arm out to your side? I'm sure you all know the answer to that. Thinking about that, weight and distance from fulcrum point... the wider the belt drive will generally mean the clutch assembly is heavier, causing more wear on the main drive gear bearings. We all know how these bearings are holding up even with the stock primary:loony: Not so great Now you take and add another 5 lbs or so onto that fulcrum point... you see what I am getting at? I know Baker makes a nice narrow belt drive, around 2" that also uses an outer bearing support. The bearing support takes a lot of the weight off the main drive bearings, making your transmission more reliable. We all want reliability right:up:
Just some things to keep in mind when looking for an open belt primary.
Good luck with your search:2thumbs:

 

[CHOPPED]

If I was going this route, I would choose Baker. It comes with their king kong clutch that a lot of my friends love, plus who would know the primary better than the company that designed it.

 

[beagle man]

Hey Dude just got Karata last week was at Jim's shop .Karate has alot to pick from and are built very well.Jim is a very smart man told Jim it was going on a Big Dog 135HP and 131Torque he told me what way to go with all that power .Beagle Man

 

[Analog]

Pricing

All I can say is they are both great products.

If you decide to go Baker, let me know and I will see what I can on "Forum Pricing".

Mick

Mick,

I'm interested in the Baker primary belt drive, was woundering what you can do on pricing?? I have a 08 K-9, 300 tire. I reviced a price right from Baker just wondering how well they did for me.

Thanks

 

[Chopper K-9]

How much does Baker want?

 

[Chopper K-9]

WOW!!! That is some BIG AWESOME numbers. What did you do to your motor to find all the HP?
THANKS!!!
Chopper K-9

 

[mcgroom]

Mick,

I'm interested in the Baker primary belt drive, was woundering what you can do on pricing?? I have a 08 K-9, 300 tire. I reviced a price right from Baker just wondering how well they did for me.

Thanks

I will give them a call today and PM you with a price

 

[erldawg]

I rode with a guy last night that had an American Iron Horse with a BDL open primary 3.5 inches I think. The belt drive did make any noise that I could hear and did not rattle while idling....

 

[mcgroom]

PM sent

 

[Analog]

Thanks Mick for you trouble, I ended up ordering strait from Baker. James at Baker was very helpful, super guy to work with!! :up:

 

[Brew]

KARATA here

 

[C00lHandLuke]

Hey Mick, what are my options for an 2003 chopper? I have the RT frame if that matters.

I'm not really into those real wide belt drives.

You really seem to be knowledgeable on the subject, I would appreciate any guidance or advice.

 

[Jgie]

Help with primary

I have a 08 pitbull primary chain busted taking out a 4 inch piece of outer primary cover and cracked inner cover. Im thinking about going with baker open primary. What is cost for baker open primary? Or where can i get replacement parts to keep stock

 

[ronson1977]

I'm wondering a few things about this topic. 1) Has anyone here ridden dogs with both the Baker and the Karata that can speak on the difference performance wise (if noticeable)? 2) Has anyone with the Karata primary without the brace, had it into some deep miles to show weather the weight of the larger will cause the foreshadowed bearing issues? Lastly) How well do the Baker and Karata belts and pullys wear over time in comparison?

 

[tommy666]

I did the BDL and haven't had any issues. Looks bitchin and screams!

 

[Vince81]

Hi I am gonna put a primary belt drive on the K-9 this Spring and I have figured out that the only two real options are the Baker and the Karata. Opinons please fellas on which way to go on this? Thanks.

BAKER DRIVETRAIN is The ONLY Way To Go on your Big Dog (or any other American made V-twin).
I've been Installing & Selling BAKER for years now and the customer satisfaction,Quality and Performance of ALL BAKER Drivetrain units has been Un-Matched by ANY other company bar none!
Quality,Warranty and Made in The USA Reputation are trademarks of BAKER Drivetrain and you'll get miles and smiles outta ANY BAKER Unit with un-matched customer support,quality in the build of your unit,unsurpassed performance and bulletproof construction.
BAKER DRIVETRAIN Is The ONLY real choice - I dont use,sell or install anything else.
Vince

 

[Vince81]

I'm wondering a few things about this topic. 1) Has anyone here ridden dogs with both the Baker and the Karata that can speak on the difference performance wise (if noticeable)? 2) Has anyone with the Karata primary without the brace, had it into some deep miles to show weather the weight of the larger will cause the foreshadowed bearing issues? Lastly) How well do the Baker and Karata belts and pullys wear over time in comparison?

I wont badmouth Karata (or Jims company)
The BAKER Drivetrain units are 100% Reliable,Durable,Performance Designed & BULLETPROOF.Made Entirely in The USA with USA Parts,Components and Labor.You'll NEVER break a BAKER Belt...I haven't & MY S&S Engine is 131 Cubic Inches & I Beat on it ALL the time every day I ride it.
I also drag race an FXR w/a 145" S&S motor and still run the BAKER Synchronous Belt Drive on it(until I install the BAKER Function Formed Primary w/Chain)
The Engine & Clutch Basket Pulleys on a BAKER Unit are Hard Anodised Stainless Steel and will Never wear out ,The Outer bearing Support is superior in design and function ,low on weight,Rigid and designed with USA High Temp Bearings , and the 2.4" Belt is ALL thats needed along with a 14mm Pulley/Basket tooth and belt wrung depth to ensure your wear and longevity in the centrifigul force department on Engine & Transmission pulleys .



Yes I've ridden 2 BDM's with a Karata Belt unit.I Prefer BAKER 100% of the time-no issues need be addressed or discussed.
The BAKER Unit's clutch was smoother,less effort,better feel and pulled harder-stronger & more consistently.
Now I DID NOT Install the Karata belt units on the bikes I rode-nor do I know who did and if they *knew* what they were doing(in all fairness I must say that) but I can say with all truth and no consequence that The BAKER Units I sell & Install Out-Performed the Karata in every way shape form and scenario.
Vince

 

[Bobby Schulz]

I have seen all units give problems at some point in time no matter who made it....I say choose what you like the look of and fits your budget. I went with the Karata on my own bike (got a great deal on ebay used with low miles) but I also wanted the custom look of the Karata.
Here are some videos of the unit on my bike that I installed myself at our little shop This is the 4 inch unit with outside bearing support.

Bobby1970Schulz's Channel - YouTube

I will say this about Jim and Karata in general....Every time I talked with him on the phone he was a great help even though I got this unit used. He got me a few parts I was missing and was nice enough to even send instructions for the install with the parts he sent. All the parts are top notch and if anything are over built for anything on a street bike including the clutch. No worries of this thing breaking

 

[Tim]

If you look around a bit more Vince, you'll see how many people have had issues with their Baker. I upgraded to a Bandit clutch and it's a much better set-up.