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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 08:48 AM
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Default Belt Tension
Few questions regarding belt tension.

How does taller suspension affect what optimal belt tension should be? For example, my 16 FLHXS came with 12" shocks but I have installed 13" shocks. Do I need to spec to a different tension?

My service manual states each notch in the viewing window represents 1/16" of an inch, I have seen numerous videos on YouTube that claim each notch represents 1/8" inch. What's up with that?

Lastly, who makes the best tension tool? HD or another one?



 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 10:06 AM
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Originally Posted by twincam10353
Few questions regarding belt tension.

How does taller suspension affect what optimal belt tension should be? For example, my 16 FLHXS came with 12" shocks but I have installed 13" shocks. Do I need to spec to a different tension?

My service manual states each notch in the viewing window represents 1/16" of an inch, I have seen numerous videos on YouTube that claim each notch represents 1/8" inch. What's up with that?

Lastly, who makes the best tension tool? HD or another one?
https://www.amazon.com/ARES-15033-Replacement-Adjustment-Specification/dp/B084KX8R61/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=motorcycle+belt+tension+tool&qid=1611936351&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRkRJWDEzTThPNDZKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzA5MDg2MzRIR0NaWFBURUVFRSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTQ3NDYyM1ZTTFNFSFRGVDZHWiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU= https://www.amazon.com/ARES-15033-Replacement-Adjustment-Specification/dp/B084KX8R61/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=motorcycle+belt+tension+tool&qid=1611936351&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRkRJWDEzTThPNDZKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNzA5MDg2MzRIR0NaWFBURUVFRSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwOTQ3NDYyM1ZTTFNFSFRGVDZHWiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=
 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 10:08 AM
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With 13" shocks you should use the spec for non-lowered bikes like the Road King, Electra-glide standard, etc...
 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 10:10 AM
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Originally Posted by twincam10353
Few questions regarding belt tension.

How does taller suspension affect what optimal belt tension should be? For example, my 16 FLHXS came with 12" shocks but I have installed 13" shocks. Do I need to spec to a different tension?

My service manual states each notch in the viewing window represents 1/16" of an inch, I have seen numerous videos on YouTube that claim each notch represents 1/8" inch. What's up with that?

Lastly, who makes the best tension tool? HD or another one?

also

 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 10:18 AM
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My service manual has two different specifications.
1/4-7/16 for low profile shocks.
3/8-9/16 for standard shocks.

Edit: Jake beat me to it.
 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 10:25 AM
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The service manual doesn't specifically define "low profile shocks" nor "standard shocks"

So let's clarify it - does low profile equal 12" shocks and standard equals 13" shocks?
 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by twincam10353
So let's clarify it - does low profile equal 12" shocks and standard equals 13" shocks?
Yes.

Originally Posted by twincam10353
My service manual states each notch in the viewing window represents 1/16" of an inch, I have seen numerous videos on YouTube that claim each notch represents 1/8" inch. What's up with that?
Prior to 2014 the graduations were 1/8". YouTuber's were likely going by that.


 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by ssls6
With 13" shocks you should use the spec for non-lowered bikes like the Road King, Electra-glide standard, etc...
EGS is equipped with 12" shocks.

 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 01:35 PM
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barneyboy, thanks for the help. So to be clear, I will run the 3/8" - 9/16" spec for my FLHXS with 13" rear shocks?
 
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Old Jan 29, 2021 | 01:53 PM
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easy method without the tool, take your hand and twist the belt, should only twist 45 degrees. I have the tool and done it both ways, both end up at same adjustment.
 
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