Drive Belt
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Year and model helps immensely. They differ depending on configuration. Also, any shock or swing arm mods from stock change the measurement?
A rule of thumb is using your thumb and index finger, you should be able to twist the belt to 45 degrees before it gets tight.
A rule of thumb is using your thumb and index finger, you should be able to twist the belt to 45 degrees before it gets tight.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Better still to buy the H-D belt tension tool, which takes all the guesswork out of it. If you are a body builder and weigh 300 pounds, your twist of a belt is likely to be rather more than one of our 100 pound lady members will be able to manage!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,532
Likes: 7
From: Rochester N.Y.
The proper way to check the belt is deflection at 10 lbs force.
I use the Harley tool , I purchased it 2 Harleys ago.
I noticed when I went from stock 11" rear shocks to 13" rear shocks , I had to set the deflection the same as a Roadster.
The short shock bikes never get to full extension of the rear arm , as they never get past straight.
This occurs when the center line of the front sprocket , the swingarm pivot , and the rear sprocket actually align.
I noticed the belt got too tight as it got warm (sprockets both expand from heat).
A couple thousanths at each sprocket equates to a pretty big change in tension at the center of the belt.
To be on the safe side , check deflection again after running 60 miles or so , mine checked too tight at 60 miles.
Setting it at the looser Roadster spec took care of this.
Just something my **** self came across.
Mick
I use the Harley tool , I purchased it 2 Harleys ago.
I noticed when I went from stock 11" rear shocks to 13" rear shocks , I had to set the deflection the same as a Roadster.
The short shock bikes never get to full extension of the rear arm , as they never get past straight.
This occurs when the center line of the front sprocket , the swingarm pivot , and the rear sprocket actually align.
I noticed the belt got too tight as it got warm (sprockets both expand from heat).
A couple thousanths at each sprocket equates to a pretty big change in tension at the center of the belt.
To be on the safe side , check deflection again after running 60 miles or so , mine checked too tight at 60 miles.
Setting it at the looser Roadster spec took care of this.
Just something my **** self came across.
Mick
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
