Can the drive belt be adjusted with the bike on the side stand? I do my maintenance alone and the manual says to have someone sitting on the bike when inspecting the drive belt tension. That is not practical for me. What alternatives do I have and still do the job correctly? I believe I will need to adjust the belt tension, as it seems a little loose when I just put some hand pressure on it. Yes, I do have the belt tension guage. I just have not yet used it.

spiz

 

Sit on the bike and reach back and grab the belt. Set the tension to where you can turn it about 45 degress. The reason you need to have someone on the bike is to account for the weight of the rider obviously...

 

Nothing is obvious if I have not done it before. I do not make assumptions. That has cost me money in the past. Thanks for the input.

spiz

 

Check out this thread, spiz.

 

That appears to be the ticket. Thanks!!

 

You're welcome, hope it helps.

 

Spizzyman, what manual do you have? I have an '04 HD touring SM and it has the belt adjustment at section 6.4, and explains the measurement with the bike on the kickstand w/o rider or luggage.