I have a 2014 FXDB.
I swapped my stock laced wheels for HD cast wheels.
With the bike on the lift the rear wheel only spins about one revolution.

It didn't feel right - and I suspected the brakes were dragging or the alignment was off so I disassembled the rear again and started over.

Off the bike the bearings turn but I have to use some pressure with my fingers.
When I first installed them they didn't spin, but they did turn with light pressure, now it takes more pressure.

On the bike with axle through the hub but no belt or caliper mounted the wheel spins freely, making several revolutions.

When I put the belt on it spins less freely, maybe 3 or 4 times before stopping.
When I mount the caliper and tighten the axle nuts the wheel spins less freely, maybe one revolution before stopping.

Alignment is good, and the calipers and pads are all seated correctly.
It just seems a little tight to me.

Is that normal or should I maybe get new bearings??

Any help appreciated.

 

There's more drag on the wheel after you install the belt and brake pads so it won't spin as much.

 

Thank you and I get that.
I just don't know if it's spinning enough or if too much drag.

I even went a little light on the axle nut torque. Manual says 100 ft lbs and I stopped at 80.

 

Sounds normal to me.

Do yourself a favor and torque that nut to spec. It will back itself off if you don't. Ask me how I know.

 

ditto.

 

Thanks guys.
I guess my question is "Is it spinning correctly?"
If you jacked your rear wheel up would it spin about one revolution before stopping?

I have a feeling its all normal but until I'm sure I don't want to ride and cause damage or worse...

 

I think you're good. When I'm cleaning my wheels the rear only spins as far as my hand pushes it, then comes to a stop. As already said above, there's a lot of drag on the rear wheel with the belt, tranny pulley, and caliper in play.
~

 

Frankly I'm surprised you're able to get any revolutions. Mines just like O-Town D and I consider that perfectly normal.

The belt itself gives a lot of drag hooked up to the transmission.

 

Torque the nut to spec!

Rear wheels don't spin much at all, nothing like a front.