Belt Drives

About Belt Drives, LTD. (BDL)

Belt Drives, LTD. — commonly known by their iconic BDL prefix — is one of the most respected names in aftermarket motorcycle drivetrain components. Founded and headquartered in Orange, California, BDL has built a reputation for engineering premium, American-made parts that serious riders trust to perform under the most demanding conditions.

What truly sets Belt Drives, LTD. apart from the competition is their commitment to in-house manufacturing. BDL operates their own aluminum foundry, advanced CNC mills and lathes, and a dedicated gear-cutting department, giving them end-to-end control over quality, tolerances, and design. This level of vertical integration is rare in the aftermarket industry and translates directly into components with tighter fits, longer service life, and better overall performance on the road or strip.

BDL's product line is laser-focused on the Harley-Davidson and American V-twin market, covering everything from vintage Knucklehead and Panhead applications to the latest Milwaukee-Eight touring bikes. Whether you ride a classic Shovelhead chopper or a modern Softail bagger, there is a BDL solution engineered specifically for your machine.

Core Product Lines

The heart of the BDL catalog is their Primary Drive systems — open and enclosed belt drive kits that replace the stock chain-and-sprocket primary with a smooth, efficient toothed belt arrangement. These kits are celebrated for reducing vibration, improving power transfer, and delivering a cleaner aesthetic, especially on custom builds.

Equally essential are BDL's Clutch & Components, which include aramid fiber clutch kits, high-performance extra-plate assemblies, diaphragm spring upgrades, and complete lock-up clutch systems. BDL clutch components are engineered to work seamlessly with their belt drive housings, but many fitments are also available for stock and competing primary setups.

For riders who need to source individual components rather than complete kits, BDL's selection of Drive Belts covers primary belts, rear final drive belts, and Tru-Fit timing belts across a wide range of model years and widths. Their Drive Belt Kits bundle belts, pulleys, and hardware into convenient, model-specific packages that take the guesswork out of upgrades or replacements.

Rounding out the lineup, BDL's precision-machined Automatic Transmission Cover components reflect the same aluminum-foundry craftsmanship found throughout the BDL catalog — offering a functional and visually polished alternative to stock covers.

Why Riders Choose BDL

• In-house manufacturing — aluminum foundry, CNC machining, and gear cutting all under one roof in Orange, California
• Broad model coverage — applications spanning vintage 1936 Knucklehead models through current production Harley-Davidson bikes
• Proven performance — BDL clutch and belt products have been validated in competition settings including Bonneville land-speed racing
• Integrated system design — primary drives, clutches, belts, and pulleys are engineered to work together for optimized performance
• Custom-build friendly — open belt drive designs are a staple of the custom chopper and bagger community for both form and function

For V-twin enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on quality, Belt Drives, LTD. remains the gold standard in aftermarket primary drive and clutch systems.