Chains and sprockets for the primary drive

Depending on the model, engine power and transmitted torque, Harley-Davidson has used different primary drive chains over the course of its model history. Naturally, the shape and pitch of the sprockets have also changed accordingly.

• 520 (5/8" x 1/4", narrow single-row chain) V-twins with IOE engine 1912-1914, single-cylinder 1926-1928
• 530 (5/8" x 3/8", wider single-row chain) for all single cylinders 1915-1918 and V-twins with IOE engine 1915-1929
• 425 x 2 (1/2" x 5/16", double-row) on all V-twins with large displacement: SV 1930-1948, OHV from 1936). These are all V and U models, Knuckleheads, Panheads, Shovelheads, Evolution, Twin Cam and M8.
• 315 x 2 (3/8" x 3/16", double row) 750 twins with SV engine and single cylinder 1929-1934
• 315 x 3 (3/8" x 3/16", triple chain) K models and Sportster 1952-2021

Solo models and models for sidecar operation each had different gear ratios, which is why there is a whole range of sprockets with different numbers of teeth and chains with different numbers of links.

From 1955, the first models with compensation or cushion sprockets on the crankshaft were available, and W&W Cycles also has spare parts available for Sportsters up to 1976 and the Big Twins from 1955-up (4-speed and 5-speed transmission).