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Aug 22, 2014 | 09:00 AM

Funugy

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 7

Likes: 0

From: Frisco TX

Did something stupid

Just bought this '09 Sportster 1200 a couple of days ago. It has a drive belt and not a chain. Only has 121 miles. Got advice from the forum that I need to change the engine oil, tranny fluid and a couple other things since it's been sitting for years. Did the engine oil no problem. It's the tranny change that caused a problem. I loosened up what I thought was the drain plug but apparently it's the chain adjustment screw. Hey, it happens! Figured out my problem and found the right plug. Changed the tranny fluid and started the bike. It made a clacking noise. Thought maybe it was the adjustment screw so I screwed it back in. Noise went away. My concern is that I didn't screw it in the right amount and it may cause problems in the future. How far do I need to screw it in? Keep in mind that I have a drive belt and not a chain.

Aug 22, 2014 | 09:07 AM

Rog48

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2011

Posts: 3,932

Likes: 45

From: Stockbridge GA

But what your adjusting is the chain. Dont have the manual in front of me but I think its 3/8 - 5/8 slack. Wait a few minutes Im sure someone will chime in with the correct slack.

Aug 22, 2014 | 09:13 AM

Guzzi

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 1,774

Likes: 105

From: Houston, Texas

Here's a very good tutorial on how to maintain and adjust the primary chain.

Aug 22, 2014 | 09:24 AM

Funugy

Thread Starter

3rd Gear

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 7

Likes: 0

From: Frisco TX

Ok thanks.

Last edited by Funugy; Aug 22, 2014 at 09:34 AM.

Aug 22, 2014 | 09:36 AM

John Harper

HDF Community Team

Joined: Dec 2011

Posts: 8,547

Likes: 3,975

From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funugy

I don't have a chain, I have a drive belt.

All Sportsters have a Primary Drive CHAIN inside the primary case. Your Secondary Drive BELT is on the outside going to the rear wheel.

Now, my 1991 has a Secondary Drive CHAIN as well as a Primary Drive CHAIN.

Please go buy yourself a Factory Service manual and you can educate yourself on the innards of a Sportster. Good luck and welcome.

John

Aug 22, 2014 | 09:39 AM

Luckster

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2011

Posts: 139

Likes: 0

From: Hodgenville

Your secondary drive is a belt, the primary is a chain. The bolt you accidently loosened is the chain tensioner, the noise you heard was the chain. Before you ride it much make sure you get the correct tension on that or you can seriously cause some damage. The video posted of dellboy is a great step by step. But I suggest in the future you get a service manual.