I have the service manual and I've read through the procedure. I have the belt tension tool. My question is, when I adjust the tension, does the rear wheel need to be off the ground? I don't have a jack yet to jack it up and do it.

 

You can do it either way - bike up in the air or on the jiffy stand. Check your service manual for proper setting as the deflection changes with the bike in the air or on it's stand (movement is slightly greater in the air).

 

its in the manual.it has tension for both off the ground and on the jiffy stand. i usually adjust off the ground and double check on the ground. do not get the belt too tight. i adjusted right to spec and ended up getting a new inner seal. the tech at the harley shop and i agree that at least 1/8" more than spec is as tight as one should get. as you run it you will notice that the sprockets expand and the belt tension will tighten.

good luck

scott

 

According to the service manual, the belt should be checked for proper tension with the approximate rider's weight on the bike. As weight is added, the swing arm moves, slightly changing the distance between the spockets and changing the belt tension.

If the adjustment specs are achieved without rider weight on the bike, the belt may tighten when you are on the bike causing added tension and stress.

Adjust the tension while someone who weighs about what you do is seated on the bike.

 

jm - that's what i remember as well, they must have changed it after 2005.
i'd like to see the 2006+ procedure as i don't have another adult that is my weight in the house, and calling the neighbor over only leads to trouble

 

My post above is based on the procedure from a 2006 service manual.

p.s. If you weigh 300+ and need a person to sit on your bike, I can send you my ex. Make sure to sterilize your seat after she gets her fat *** off.

 

I saw where the tension could be measured on the ground. Just didn't know if I needed to get the wheel off the ground to make an adjustment. I don't see where it would really matter.

 

What does the 08 owners or service manual say about checking the tension while on the jiffy stand? I have an 06 and have a hard time getting help when it is time to do this check.

 

my 07 service manual says that the belt tension should be checked WITHOUT any rider...they must have changed some place....

scott

 

what are the recommended #s
for my 05 it's driver weight on seat and 5/16 to 3/8 inch