Open Primary width

Bigbass

Bigbass

Member
I am sure this has been asked a thousand times but can't find it. What width are you guy's running on your open primary's. I am going to get an open primary but am on the fence between the 3" or the 4". I have not seen pictures of smaller than a 3" to judge them.

The 4" looks mean as hell but scared to death of spending that kind of money only to drag it every time I turn left. I have not seen pictures of a 3" so am not sure what it looks like on a BDM. Any response of preference and pictures would be awesome. Any input would be greatly appreciated so Ican get it ordered this week.
 
Trainguy

Trainguy

Chromeoholic
Go to Trans/Drive sub-forum there are all kinds of pictures of 3" and 4" and also of the Baker 2.4":2thumbs:
 
RMBrownlee

RMBrownlee

Custom 2008 K9
I have the Baker open primary designed for BDM, it has followed me from the '06 to my '08 K-9 so between those two bikes it has nearly 30K miles on it, including the belt. Only thing that was replaced were the bearings when I sent it out to be chromed. Bearings had to be pressed out to be dipped so just put new ones in:

BAKER Drivetrain | BAKER Big Dog Products

It has been flawless, love the sound and seeing the motion when the bike is running. Never had a problem with anything getting stuck in it, including pant leg. It is designed very well with an outside shield to keep things like that from happening. I like that it was specifically designed for BDM by Baker which gives me a lot of confidence. However if you do go with another kind at least make sure it has outer bearing support so the shafts don't have to support all the stress at the base. You'll end up having a lot of problems otherwise.

 
BikersDream

BikersDream

We build what you Dream!
Just what your doing now. Be a smart shopper. Water can be a factor. Clutch plates don’t like water. Do you ride in the rain? Shop around. An open primary for a Big Dog is not cheap. Me I like the closed. Last longer. Less hassle.
 
Moespeeds

Moespeeds

Well-Known Member
Mine hangs out about 4" and I do occasionally drag it, but if it has an outer bearing support you are dragging that, not the actual pulley so no big deal. Water is not an issue for open primarys as long as you don't let them sit once they are wet, just run them for a little bit to dry them off. If you let them sit wet then the clutch pack may freeze up but it's not the end of the world. I rode mine in the rain alot this season, and no issues. FWIW my open primary sticking way out there saved my leg when I had my accident.
 
bruce

bruce

Active Member
I have a 4" karata which I do like , 3" looked to small to be, I have had no problems with hitting on turns etc.
 
M

McLovin

Guest
4" Karata on mine, never had a problem dragging it. Pics in My Biker Photos....
 
Showtime

Showtime

Member
I def would like to know who makes this belt drive.... Love my Karata but man o man this is a nice piece.....
 
B

bigdogtech01

Well-Known Member
Bigbass said:
I am sure this has been asked a thousand times but can't find it. What width are you guy's running on your open primary's. I am going to get an open primary but am on the fence between the 3" or the 4". I have not seen pictures of smaller than a 3" to judge them.

The 4" looks mean as hell but scared to death of spending that kind of money only to drag it every time I turn left. I have not seen pictures of a 3" so am not sure what it looks like on a BDM. Any response of preference and pictures would be awesome. Any input would be greatly appreciated so Ican get it ordered this week.
Click to expand...
Get the Baker 2 1/2", it's a lot of money but worth every penny. You need something with outer bearing supports otherwise you will end up having transmission bearing failures. Remember the wider your belt, the heavier the primary, it will cause your bike to be slightly off balance and will be that much more weight hanging off the mainshaft of your transmission and that much more wear on the main bearing.
Just my 2 cents.:)
 
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