How to Check Harley-Davidson Belt Tension
Bob LaRosa & Mark DiPietroDescription
When you remove the rear wheel, make sure you check the Harley-Davidson belt tension and belt alignment after you reinstall it. Bob and Mark walk us through a couple of these important steps. This video provides and easy to follow guide for you to check your Harley belt tension and guides you through what to look for when completing this repair.
– Rider weight on motorcycle
– Tightest spot (*Refer to your year / model manual for the spec on tightest spot vs. loosest spot.)
– 10 lbs on belt tension gauge – check your model specs in the manual
– Rider weight on motorcycle
– Tightest spot (*Refer to your year / model manual for the spec on tightest spot vs. loosest spot.)
– 10 lbs on belt tension gauge – check your model specs in the manual
Next Service:
Safety Check
Another very critical service procedure is belt tension. The reason it becomes so critical is that we removed the rear tire on the Dyna Street Bob. We did our correct alignment, but now I have the rider weight on the motorcycle, which is known as sprung weight. I want to make sure the belt is in the tightest spot of its rotation and that the specification falls within proper factory service specs at 10 pounds on the belt tension gauge. Each model has a different specification.
Again, it's very critical. Make sure you use your service manual. Look up the correct specification, not only for belt tension, but whether the belt should be checked on the side stand or with rider and passenger weight on the motorcycle. A belt that's run too tight will not only whine, but can cause transmission leaks or belt failure. A belt that run too loose or misaligned, runs the risk of jumping cogs on the rear-drive sprocket.
I was just wondering why didn't the Fat bob wasn't inecudld in the 105th anniversary models ?considering that this is the 1st year for Fat bob and by having a 105th edition , it would have made it a unique peace of art that could be worth a lot more in the future
I think the Harley specs run the belt too tight. my 2001 dyna FXD has 131k on the original belt and I have done my own maintenance including belt tension since warranty expired at 10k in 2001. If the belt chirps it is too loose.