How easy should it be to adjust the belt tension on a 2012 Street Glide? I have torqued my axle nut to recommended specs, but the axle still turns so easily that I can't ride the bike without the adjusters moving.

Just bought this bike and replaced the shocks and tires. Was out riding and on my way home I noticed the belt was pretty loose. Readjusted the belt tension and torqued the axle nut but the axle still spins pretty easily. Now I'm afraid something it messed up. But can't find any good info.

Any help is appreciated!

 

Something is plainly wrong - or missing! You can check the parts involved, such as spacers etc on-line here. Once correctly tightened your wheel should stay put and the axle plus adjusters should do the same, nothing should be able to move.

Tell us what you were doing to discover this problem, so we can better understand how we can help?

 

sounds like you're missing spacers

 

I appreciate the responses. I found the parts list and exploded view for the axle on the site posted. I will triple check everything when I get home tonight and try to take some pictures or a video to better explain.



I should clarify, it doesn't spin freely, I can't adjust it with my hands but with a wrench it is pretty easy to move and because of that, I'm afraid to ride the bike, seems like the tension will move while I'm riding.
2012 Street Glide Rear Wheel

 

That is true, however of greater concern is that the wheel may move in the swingarm, out of alignment, hence giving you sudden rear-steer. So you are wise to solve why this is happening.

 

There is an INITIAL torque spec, and then a FINAL torque spec. Torque to INITIAL spec, adjust the adjusters, torque to final spec.

 

It looks like I was missing a spacer. I removed the rear tire and followed the parts list and the space was missing. I looked in the parts with the shocks I replaced and sure enough, there it was. I appreciate the assistance. Now I am ready to ride!

 

Phew - that's a relief! Well done.