For some reason HD has loosened up the specs. on the later model drive belts. What do you guys do that have earlier models, like say in the early 2000's, do you go by the specs in the owners manual or did you decide to loosen the belt up to the newer specs ?
Thanks Jonnierock

 

i always use the specs for the model i'm working on, but i adjust to the loose side of the specs. 3/8 to 7/16 would be 7/16 the adjustment i adjust to. you are going to get alot of different anwers to this, but buy the tension tool and use it if you want it right.

 

I don't know what the older specs were but I run mine on the loose side, I figure I'd rather have the belt jump teeth (highly unlikely) than wear out bearings.

 

If I can hear the belt then I assume its wearing something. I'd rather not be able to hear it and I've found that is at the loose end of the specs. Least it has been on my bikes anyway. But IDK so I just go with that.

 

Use the Gauge. I've had nothing but trouble when a dealer technician has tried to adjust it by "feel" or some other folklore based logic.

The Gauges sell for about $22.00 - $25.00 on eBay. Search for "Harley Belt Tension Gauge" and it'll come up with hundreds of listings.

 

Keep her on the loose end myself too.

Important thing is to get a good belt, and have it lined up properly. It's just a belt...there's not much myth and folklore magic about it...good quality belt and proper alignment is what counts. Too tight...obviously strains it. Mid-aligned...obviously strains things too.

I like Gates Kevlar ones

 

Dealer service techs seem to adjust belt on the tight side. Even the last three bikes I have bought new,the belts were banjo tight and I had to readjust to give belt some play.

 

Looking at a 2010 Touring service manual it has the Road King and Electra at 3/8 to 7/16 but the Street glide and Road glide at 1/4 to 5/16.Strange, not sure I like the idea of 1/4 to 5/16 on any model.

 

Is that with the riders weight ? I know on mine, the manual says to take the measurement with someone on the bike. It makes a huge difference too. The procedure i9s different with each model though. On my bike, the belt feels on the tight side until you have someone sit on it.

 

The Indy I used to use, (he retired after being HD wrench for 51 yr) used to use the thumb and finger method..

grab belt in the middle of the bottom, between thumb and index finger, if you can twist one side down to a 45* angle, you'll be almost perfect at if you use the tension tool..