my manual says nothing about raising the rear of the bike off the ground just looseing the rear axel nut and turning the adjustment screws an equal number of times
is this right it stays on the ground while adjusting the drive belt?

 

yes, this is correct. You want to keep the weight/tension on the belt to get the correct adjustment.

 

The '09 service manual for Dynas gives two specs for the belt adjustment, on the jiffy stand with no load on the bike, or vehicle upright with the rear wheel in the air.

Jiffy stand FXDF/FXD/FXDC 5/16 - 3/8"

in air 1/2 - 9/16"

Jiffy stand FXDB/FXDL 1/4 - 5/16"

in air 5/16 - 3/8"

measured with 10 lbs force at the deflection viewing window.

 

My 07 service manual says "Measure belt deflection with mc cold and the approximate weight of the owner on the mc,"

 

01 Wide Glide you check the belt with the approximate weight you normally ride with. If you normally ride 1 up, then the weight should be yours, if you ride 2 up, take that into consideration when making adjustments.

Again this is for an 01 Wide Glide, and things do change....

Respects,
Ed

 

measured on the ground with an equal number of turns on the belt tension adjustment bolts

man i just saved a bundle my 07 streetbob , my 5000 mile service calls for,replacing engine oil and filter inspect and service air cleaner as needed check tire pressure and tread, check wheel spoke tightness do clutch adjustment inspect adjust rear belt and sprocket

check adjust and lubricate throttle brake and clutch controls
inspect fuel lines for leaks
check brake fluid inspect brake pads for wear
check operation of electrical components and switches

all this cost me 20 dollars for oil and filter, and my time

i have two harley shops in town one was 170.00 bucks and the other was 275.00
i love my manual and the help here
freebyrd

 

The way I did my belt was with rear tire off the ground, and then to check it on the ground.

Jay

 

What do you guys use to jack the rear in the air and keep the bike stable, I,d hate to have to pick the bitch up off the floor and ask for advice on scratch and dent removal..?

 

The red Sears jack with straps.

Jay

 

I'm just a rebel I guess. I check my belt tension by parking the bike on the kick-stand in neutral, then grabbing the belt between my thumb and index finger and wiggling it up and down. If it feels too tight (like it did when I got it new from the dealer) then I loosen it up. If it feels too loose then I tighten it up. My wiggle test has gotten me through almost 20,000 miles of riding on bikes with drive belts with zero problems. So far so good... crucify me.