When I went to get on my bike this morning (05 Heritage) It had a flat rear tire. The only concern I have changing it myself is tensioning the belt after install. How critical is this? I know they need to be pretty tight.
What does a dealer charge to change a tire?
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Thanks, Ron

 

If you have a repair manual, I can't see why not. The hardest part is to remove the shaft, usually tight, big hammer, penetrating oil and a drift will do. Belt tension is as cirtical as rear wheel alignment. I bet the dealer charges 2 hours at least.

 

I also suggest you buy the 2005 Softail Models, service manual. It only cost about $58 and will pay for itself, taking your rear wheel on and off by yourself. The instructions,with step by step pictures,&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;are on page 2-20 as follows:
1. Block motorcycle under frame, so weight is off rear wheel.
2. Remove saddlebags for extra working clearance if necessary.
3. Remove belt guard and debris deflector.
4. Inspect bearings and service if necessary.
5. Label wheel spacers for location (left or right) and orientation (fork side or wheel side).
6. Remove rear brake pads.
7. Loosen jam nut and retract axle adjuster. (I was&nbsp\\;taught to count the flats on the hex head of the adjuster bolt, as you loosen, so you know how many turns to re-tighten them). remove spring clip,axle nut, washer and collar from left side of axle.
8. Tap axle toward right side and remove. Belt adjuster collars will fall loose, as axle is removed.
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Note: Apply alcohol to rubber bumper on brake caliper to ease removal.
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9. Lift rear caliper toward the front of motorcycle. Notch in caliper mount must clear tab on rear fork. Move caliper into position between top and bottom rails of rear fork.
10. Move wheel forward and slip belt off sprocket.
11. Raise motorcycle to allow enough clearance for removal of rear wheel.
12. Pull wheel and belt sprocket from rear fork.
Tom

 

Back in May, I actually blew TWO rear tires in a two week period.&nbsp\\; Had both of them replaced at different dealerships, and I believe each one of them charged me one hour's labor to remove the wheel and replace the tire.
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I have the service manual. I was mostly looking for tips like counting the turns on the belt tensioners. How do you tension the belt while sitting on it? The manual says&nbsp\\;to have the riders weight on the bike when adjusting. That is kind of diffucult by yourself.
I don't like other people working on my bike, but with major yard projects going on, it might be simpler to take it in.
At least it went flat at home!
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Thanks, Ron

 

if you have a bike jack it is no problem
remove the bottom belt guard nad just take the tire straight down never loosen the adjustors
I have left my lower guard off as many have and no bad things happen
also have to change tires every 8/10 thou miles so have done it at least 4/5/ times and it works great. also turn the axel around so it comes out the left side - saves removing any exhaust pipes..

 

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X 10,000 miles. Best way to do it.&nbsp\\;
But if you must, buy a belt tensioner, it will pay for itself on the next rear tire change.

 

The HD dealer I use for my tires charges $45 a tire to mount and balance. My 02cents is that little amount isn't worth my time and effort to do myself.&nbsp\\; The belt tension is very important and can lead to belt pre-mature wear and failure if not adjusted properly, then you are really looking at some serious expense replacing it...about 3 hours labor plus the price of the belt.