Let me start by saying I did a search and couldn't find an answer to my question!
I have the 2010 Touring Model Service Manual and the FLHXSE Service Manual Supplement. I want to check/adjust the drive belt deflection after installing a new rear tire before departing on a 9K mile ride through all 48 states. I replaced the rear tire three times already and just left the belt adjustment the way it was because it seemed OK and I haven't had any problems. This time, I checked it with a gauge and it is a little loose. So, my dilemma. The FLHXSE supplement says to check it on the jiffy stand without rider or luggage, with 10 PSI in the rear shocks. Belt deflection should be 3/8 to 7/16 at 10 lbs. Sorry Harley, the 2010 FLHXSE didn't come with air shocks. So I went to the Touring manual and it says FLHX, FLTRX should be 1/4 to 5/16 and all others 3/8 to 7/16. So, which is correct. I don't understand why there is a difference between the FLHX and FLHXSE. I think I'll go with the 3/8 to 7/16 because a slightly loose belt seems to me that it would be easier on the belt and primary drive bearing than one that was too tight. Anyone know what the correct setting is or can someone give me their opinion on loose versus tight (mind out of the gutter, I'm talking about drive belts) Thanks.

 

The 10lbs they refer to is on the belt tension gauge. Get one and you'll see what I'm talking about. It's spring loaded with line that represents 10lb

 

Haha shock pressure haha

 

I also have a 2010, but a FLHTK. On this bike the belt adjustment has always drove me crazy. I'd adjust it for the 3/8 to 7/16. Then after coming back home after hours on the freeway on hot days, Id lay on the ground and check the belt and the belt would be really tight. I'd check it the next morning and it's back to the 3/8-7/16. So I loosen it up a little and go back and forth checking the belt when the bike is hot and adjusting it when it's cold trying to find a happy mid point somewhere around a 1/2 inch deflection. I can't figure out why on this bike, since it was new the belt adjustment has given me so much trouble, none of my older bikes with the wider belts did this, they stayed the same for years.

 

Guy it doesn't have to be that critical of an adjustment. There are tight and loose spots around entire belt. Close enough is good enough

 

When I said tight, I meant banjo string tight.
And I don't believe belts have tight and loose areas like the worn out chains do. Beside my belt wasn't worn when I first noticed this, it did it since the bike was new.
And close enough is not going to cut it, a belt too loose might jump a tooth and strip the belt, wear out prematurely, a belt too tight is more likely to snap and break.
I'm just curious if anybody else has come across this on their bikes, a few years back I thought about going backwards and doing a chain conversion.
I hate this skinny belt, never had this with the older inch and a half wide belts.

 

Ok continue your search. I only have 12yrs experience as Harley tech. Hmmm

 

Besides I wasn't insinuating it would/could be sloppy loose. Just saying 1/4" between spots in belt location won't matter. They are "piano string" tight from factory. Get the gauge and do adjustment by the book and leave it be.

 

As I said, I checked it with a gauge and it is loose.

This sound reasonable. 1/8th of an inch difference in the two "specified" adjustments doesn't seem to be that much anyway. I do find it a little irritating that the Harley service manual is incorrect.

 

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