If the belt was shiney on the side,chances are it wasnt aligned well enough.Yes a rock can damage the belt,even easier when real tight,sometimes pulley will also show the wear.I still feel the tension on a FLHX is too tight,running at the other tourer tensions has worked fine on mine.

 

Hey Bogie,

Have you tried adjusting the right hand adjustment belt just a little bit inwards (in other words, aligning the rear wheel (just a tiny bit) counterclockwise? You mention the outside of the belt is shiny which may indicate there's a touch too much contact between the belt and the outside of the pulley - hence the noise.

It'd be great if that fixed it! :-)

Pauly_2

 

try loosening it a bit just like the other guys have mentioned and apply a light smear of silicone grease to the edges of the belt

 

I know this is an old old post, but it makes me crazy that there is no follow up as what ultimately worked...

 

My 2021 Heritage has had belt noise since new. It's a rhythmic rub that has yet to be cured. The dealership has checked alignment, changed tires, and has yet to cure it. They ultimately told me that a number of softails make this noise, that it is not dangerous, and I shouldn't worry
(information supposedly from the factory rep). I don't buy it. It's been at the dealership over the winter. I'm going there in a few minutes to see what we can do next before I pick it up for the riding season. I'd appreciate any further recommendations from the forum members.
Thanks.