With Progressive 412 13" shocks, what needs to be done with the drive belt tension?

 

The adjustment is the same as stock shocks, as detailed in the Service Manual.

 

Will it change and need to be re-done?

 

Typically yes, but it depends on how big the change is, and you didn't list any info on your bike. There's a big difference between an N and an R.

 

Good point. It's an IRON which, I think, has 11" stock shocks.

 

I have a XL883R which has longer stock shocks than most stock. I have installed shocks that are about 2" longer than the original ones. This is how I adjust my belt tension.

First, with the rear wheel off the ground, I rotated my rear wheel around and found the tightest spot. I marked this spot with a paint pen on the side of the belt, so I wouldn't have to find it later. With the stock shocks still on and the bike on the side stand, I adjusted my belt per the manual, using the HD special tool, at my paint mark. Cheap investment that the local shop had in stock, but I would think it should be included with the bike. Oh well!! Then I installed my long shocks and checked the tension, again at my paint mark. I measured this distance and now I use this number as my "standard setting". The belt needs to be much looser than you would think with no load on the bike when you install longer shocks. Remember the rear wheel travels in an arc as the suspension compresses, with the belt getting tighter until the drive sprocket, swing arm pivot, and rear axle are in line.

You absolutely DO NOT want to tighten your belt, just because you have longer shocks. Every time your suspension compresses you will be putting more load on your drive components as well as your engines output sprocket bearing and rear wheel bearings, if your belt is too tight. I hope this is clear.

Frank

 

Good Post frank XD

 

A quick (unofficial) tip for checking belt tension....

With the bike on the jiffy stand, grab the middle of the belt (lower side) with your fingers and give it a hard twist. Set correctly, you should be able to twist the belt 45*. Any less, it's too tight, any more than 45* and it's too loose.

 

I have gone from 11.6 inch shocks, to 13 inch long ones, and have not adjusted the belt at all.
About 3500 miles on my bike, and I never adjusted it, and it seems fine.

It seems a little on the loose side when cold, when hot, it seems on the tight side.
My book says 1/4 to 5/16 inch deflection cold on the side stand, and I have more than that, but likely should with the longer shocks.
The belt seems quite tight when the motor is hot....

Brett

 

i have 2009 iron...i check my rear deflection every so often...i have mine set right now at about 3/8" with HD belt tension tool. i know i called harley few years ago on what they recommend but i don't remember what it is and my manual (2009 sportster) isn't specific enough for the xl883n. they show the nightster to be between 9/16" and 3/4" but the xl883 to be 1/4" to 3/8"....

What r any other brothers running for your belt deflection?