Just an update on the vibration might be usefull to others. Removed the deflector and it does look better. This was not the problem though, turned out it was a poorly fitted pulley cover that was replaced when I had a new rear wheel (fatboy) fitted. A few adjustments and now less rattle!!!!.
Happy new year to all!!!!!
Vinny from OZ

 

I read an article somewhere about how important the deflector is to keep rocks and other things out of the belt/sproket interface and how "stupid" it is to remove it.

I could seerocks being deflectedif there was a cover on both sides, but witha coveron one side only I would think it acts more like a backboard slowing a rock down and giving it a second chance. Without the cover a rock wouldjust pass through.The likelhood of a rock making a perfect landingon the belt and running into the sproket is pretty remote.The likehoodof it flyingright into thebelt/sproket interface is almost zero. Sometimes you have to say, "that's B.S.", so I took the thing off for maintenance and never put it back on.

 

I bought my 98 DWG a couple years ago and the previous owner had removed the lower belt gaurd.

I didn't think much of it, but the next summer I was getting a lot of belt squeak. After closer inspection, here's what I found.

Debris made it's way between the belt and pulleys causing excessive wear. Without a debris deflector, rocks, sand, dirt, etc. have a much easier time finding their way from the road, around your tire, onto your belt, and around the pulleys.

Not cheap to fix, but cheap to prevent. Keep the debris deflector in place and wash the pulley and belt often.

P.S. The previous owner lived in a rural home with maybe a 1/3 to 1/2 mile of gravel which definitely didn't help.


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