I'm getting ready to adjust the drive belt tension for the first time. I've read the manual and watched the youtube instruction videos and it seems like a pretty straightforward procedure. Is there anything that I might not be anticipating that may cause me problems.

Thanks.

 

Just get the back tire lined up with the front and the tension right, not too tight!

 

If adjusted within specs, the belt may seem too tight - but that's the way it is supposed to be. Also, if the belt needs tightening, a very small micro-rotation of the adjuster will tighten the belt significantly. You may need a helper to hold the adjuster and keep it from turning when you tighten the axle nut. There's a tool you can buy that will hold the adjuster cam in place while you torque the axle nut (Jim's 3rd hand axle nut locker tool). You'll also need a belt tension gauge and a torque wrench. Also, unless you have a special tool that will fit on the axle nut, you'll have to remove the right muffler. It's not a bad idea when reassembling to put a little antiseize lube on the muffler inlet...it'll make taking it off later much easier.

 

It's a PIA but important to try and do the adjustment at the tightest spot. Roll the bike while stopping to feel with your hand every 6" or so. Stop where it feels the tightest and make the adjustment there. Personally I try and set it pretty close to HD's spec but if anything err on the side of being just slightly loose. The tension will tighten when riding due to frictional heat slightly expanding the pulley.

 

Just a side note that a lot of people forget, when your adjusting your belt tension roll the wheel and make sure your belt is riding in the center of the pulley and not touching either side. That will ensure you have the wheel in proper alignment.

There is a little gauge for belt tension, use it. It's all I've used for 20 years and it works perfectly, in fact it's what the dealer uses. The special tool HD sells is junk and not needed.


OS

 

A good video for the beginner wrench is Ryan Urlacher's youtube site.

If you can get around the blathering of how great he is then you might pickup a few good ideas. His videos are extremely lengthy but give you all you need to know about the specific maintenance beginner stuff.
Belt tension in this video starts around the 35min mark but how to use the stock gauge is around the 40 min mark.

Good luck and happy motoring.

OS

 

My belt is always tighter when I check after a ride than it is when cold, so I adj when the bike is cold.

 

The simplest way I've found for checking belt tension is to grab the belt with your thumb and 2 fingers about an 1 1/2 - 2 inches from the primary and twist it, if you can't twist the belt 45 degrees, it is too tight. If you can twist it more than 45 degrees, it is too loose. 45 degrees is the sweet spot, I haven't used that HD deflection tool in years...