Belt deflection question
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 379
Likes: 38
From: Nebraska
Belt deflection question
I have adjusted the belt deflection on my 13 Street Glide before and done to Service manual specs, it just seem so damn tight! I set it to the larger of the manual specs, 5/16 if I remember correctly. Why is the Road Glide and the Street glide a 1/8" less in the manual than the other touring bikes? Would it be because of the shorter shocks on the SG, (don't know what the RG has)? I have Ohlins 3-3 shocks that are about 13 inches long like the other touring bikes, not the stock 12" length. Should I be using the other touring bike specs for belt deflection?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
An educated guess would be yes, change to the spec for the other bikes with the longer shocks. I will add that the tension gets tighter as the bike warms up, I only adj when the bike has sat overnight and I use the max adj of 9/16 for my 2014 RoadKing.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Your longer shocks change the geometry of the swingarm, which affects the belt length/tension, so you are right to be concerned about it being too tight! I recommend you use the belt tension spec for the models with 13" shocks, not your 12" SG shocks.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 10
From: SF Bay area
The Limited & Limited Low have different specs too, because of the shocks. I set mine on the loose side. Maybe looser than on the loose side. In spec is TIGHT.
I think maybe the MOCO is more worried about drivetrain smoothness than longevity. I'll take a little slop in there.
I think maybe the MOCO is more worried about drivetrain smoothness than longevity. I'll take a little slop in there.
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 379
Likes: 38
From: Nebraska
Set it again today to the upper limit for the 13" shock bikes according to the service manual. 7/16 is much better. Didn't have time today but want to unbolt the shocks and play a bit with the rear suspension. Curious on belt tension as the swingarm moves up such as when your loaded two-up without adjusting shock preload or hit a large bump.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
as the suspension compresses, the belt will tighten. this is why i set mine on the jiffy stand as the service manual suggests as an alternative to being on a lift. have a 13 ultra with standard length shocks. belt is perfect tension. no issues with 19k on it.
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