Bike making strange noise
 

Ok so I noticed my bike was making a rather strange sound more so at lower speeds then high speeds. So after poking around here (the forum) and reading up on a few things I decide to try and figure this problem out. I rolled the bike back and forth on a level surface and noticed that the sound seems to be comming from the right hand side of the bike. So I pulled a few things off to get a better look and realized the the drive belt is loose enough to slide from side to side on the sprocket which is causing it to rub on things which I am guessing is causing the sqeaking noise.

Anyways while I was moving the belt around to see what was up I notice that the trans shaft and sprocket seem to have a little wobble to them. It doesn't seem to be anything to bad just a tiny little bit. Is this normal? Or is it possble something is comming loose?

Any help would be great and thanks in advance

RE: Bike making strange noise
 

The belt should not be that loose and thetransmission sprocketshould not wobble. You will need to tighten that nut on the trans sprocket but will need a tool to lock the sprocket in place while you torque it. There is a torque tightening procedure on some of the sportys where you torque the transmission sprocket nut to 50ft lbs. and then turn it another 45 degrees or quarter turn (use red loctite). But you need to double check thattorque spec for your bike. You also need to adjust the belt and if you have been riding with it that loose I would replace it. If you work on bike yourself this would be a good time to get a service manual. If not get it to a dealer or indy shop that handles sportsters. But don't let it go as it will leave you stranded.

Note: You may have other issues that are causing the transmission sprocket to wobble as well.

RE: Bike making strange noise
 

Ok so my next question would be how do I figure out which belt to buy if I need one? I did a search for my bikes model and year on www.denniskirk.com and found they have a 125 tooth belt and a 128 tooth belt how would I know which one to buy? I don't want to be wrong as they cost $175 or so.

RE: Bike making strange noise
 

Call your dealer and get the part number then reference it against the one at DK. But check Zanotti's HD & Chicago HD on line to see if it is cheaper. Also get the part number for a service manual and you will save a few $$ at either of those sources.

RE: Bike making strange noise
 

Will do, thanks for all the help.