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proper belt tension

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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 11:28 AM
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Default proper belt tension

seems my belt has stretch a little .(bike seems to whine a little a low speeds) .soa few people say check belt. have 6,000 on 07 rkc so what is the feel of a correct tension.? seems like i can do this myself . if not ,would this be covered under a warranty issue . hate to bring it back. thanks tommy
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 11:30 AM
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Default RE: proper belt tension

GEEZE DO IT YOURSELF !
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 11:34 AM
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Default RE: proper belt tension

adjustments are NORMAL MAINTANCE ITEMs and NOT COVERED under warranty...
With 10 lbs of pressure applied to the belt - check movement (up & down) thru the lower belt guard.... should be no more then 1\2" of play.. HD does make a Belt Tension Gauge...
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 11:37 AM
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Default RE: proper belt tension

I see the pics of the HD gauge on their website, how does it work?


ORIGINAL: SoCal_Pappy

adjustments are NORMAL MAINTANCE ITEMs and NOT COVERED under warranty...
With 10 lbs of pressure applied to the belt - check movement (up & down) thru the lower belt guard.... should be no more then 1\2" of play.. HD does make a Belt Tension Gauge...
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 11:38 AM
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Default RE: proper belt tension

ok... ok ..i will do it myself ..besides every time i go i spend $$$$$$$$$$$$
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 11:50 AM
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Default RE: proper belt tension

The tension gauge measures the pressure being applied to the belt. Use it in conjunction with a tape measure or with the graduated scale on the lower belt guardThe gaugehas a little sliding grommet which you position at the desired tension, in this case 10 pounds. Hold the tape measure next to the belt and push up on the belt with the gauge until you hit the grommet (set at 10 pounds) and look at the tape to see how far the belt moved with the 10 pounds pressure applied. If it's in excess of the spec (1/2 inch) you need to tighten the belt.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 01:15 PM
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Default RE: proper belt tension

I don't know where people are getting their info on belt tension, but is sure ain't from the HD Service Manual.

Correct belt deflection on a dresseron the side stand is 1/4 to 5/16". With the rear wheel in the air it is 3/16 to 1/4". This is with 10# of pressure applied to the belt at the window at the lower belt guard.

Youdo not need a tape measure to get the tension. On a dresser there is a window on the lower belt guard that has graduated marks on the side of the window. These marks are 1/8" apart. 2 marks=1/4". You can see the belt through the window and know exactly how much it is deflecting.

Bill
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 01:52 PM
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Default RE: proper belt tension

My mistake. Since I don't have my service manual at work I was just repeating the spec given in SoCal Pappy's post.

I prefer to use a tape measure instead of the graduated marks on the belt guard window.
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 02:23 PM
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Default RE: proper belt tension

should the belt be checkedbefore or afterthings are warmed up?? mine has proper deflection when cold but after a thoroughwarm up.....the belt is damn tight. did i miss something in the manual???
thanks
robert
07 ultra
 
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Old Aug 22, 2007 | 02:36 PM
  #10  
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Default RE: proper belt tension

My service manual says: "...with the motorcycle at ambient temperature."

That's "afore ya ride it" for you vocabulary-challenged bruthas."
 
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