Haven't got the service manual yet, just wondering if the belt adjust is as easy as it looks.
there's a cam on each side, so I just loosen the axle, adjust the cam on both sides and re-tighten. Correct?

 

Yes that is about it the cams need to turn evenly to the same marks both sides.You should not have a need to make an adjustment on a 2018 so early.With experience it is possible to set the belt tension by feel but you should not try this.I am sure your local technician would not charge you to put the tension guage on it to see if it is correct.Detailed setting method will be in the book when you get it.

 

You only need to turn the non axle nut side, the other side is keyed and will turn with it. Do the check and adjustment COLD. Most belts are tight as Dick's hat band and get tighter once up to operating temp (pulley grows w heat). A little loose is a lot better than tight.

The key to adjusting the belt is to loosen the axle nut, move the wheel forward, tighten the axle nut to 15 ft pds and then make the adjustment by turning the fixed side of the axle with a 36mm wrench. Once it's where you want it, tighten to spec. On a modern Touring bike it's 100-105 ft pds. Hold the fixed side with the 36 mm wrench when tightening the axle nut as it can move and effect belt tension.

If you don't want to remove the mufflers to do this AND you want to be able to use a torque wrench you'll have to use an adapter and keep it 90 degrees to the torque wrench.

 

This belt is so Damn tight, like no deflection at all. I would expect to have just a little.

 

The problem with having the tension checked at the dealer is you'd pretty much have to leave the bike there overnight because the adjustment needs to be done at ambient temperature. Otherwise you will have an inaccurate adjustment as the belt tension changes significantly (it will tighten) when warm/hot.

 

Are you checking it at ambient temperature? If not, that could be why it seems tight. It will tighten as it warms up.

As for the argument that it's better a little loose than tight... That is debatable.

 

There is no reason you should be adjusting your belt

 

I typically get 12K miles on a rear tire...seems like the only time it needs adjustment

 

Why not?

What if it's too tight? Or loose?

There is an adjustment provision built into the bike. Doesn't that imply that it should be checked and adjusted as necessary?

 

I agree,don't try to fix something that is not broken!It is not a chain it runs with Zero slack,and there has to be tension.As MJ says the belts don't need to be fiddled with.
Have done 100s of thousands of miles with friends without any breakages or issues except one which had a hole punched in it buy a stone. Still did 500 miles waiting for a replacement, which I fitted myself.Really big job and as if you twist it more than 15* or squeeze it to less than 5" diameter it will crack in your hands!
Incredibly it can pull a few Tons.