Is everyone forgetting to mention the bike has to be completely cold when checking tensions.
Running a belt too loose could spell failure. The drive-train is engineered for the specified tension.
Don't be a backyard Goober mechanic and stick to the spec's.

 

Bike was sitting on the lift as is it was not jacked. I'm going to put it on my jack tonight and spin the wheels to see if I can notice anything. Bikes got 54K .. perhaps it's a wheel bearing or brake pad rubbing bad.

 

Only suggesting you tighten to specs and then back off a little. Running it a little loose does NOT spell failure. Can we see some empirical data on that?
Do a little reading on Harley belt failure before you start calling people "Goobers" pal.
BTW, are you talking Michigan cold or Florida cold?

lp

 

Just because he used the tension gauge doesnt mean he did correctly.

 

Recently bought a Super Glide. I have the drive belt tension tool. I need the procedure and specs to check adjustment of the belt.

Thanks Doug

2005 Road King Classic

 

Had my belt tool for over 20 years. It has earned its keep! I don't sit on my bike when checking tension, just make sure it is at the easy end of the scale of tightness!

The belt will be tightest when the rear wheel axle is in line with the swingarm axle and trans pulley. It will loosen when the wheel axle is above or below that line.

 

When I got bought my used 2002 ultra the belt was real tight..I adjusted it with a rider on it that weighed close to me ..I ended up having to replace the input shaft bearing/seal when I had the clutch replaced ..I was given the old bearing and yeah it had alot of play in it and it's a big roller bearing ..so now I make sure it's on the loose side and always test it with a rider on it ..I would rather replace a hundred dollar belt than what I had to pay for the bearing work ....

 

I just loosened my belt tension slightly this week. I had used the tool for the first time when I set it earlier and I could get three marks of deflection (barely) but I don't have any way to simulate the rider's weight doing it by myself. It sure seemed tight but I convinced myself it was OK. I started hearing a little howling noise lately. It didn't vary with rpm or clutch in vs out so I suspected the transmission and decided to loosen the belt a little. The howling noise basically went away so I think it was related to excessive load from the belt. My experience with my EVO era FLT is that the belt squeeks/chirps when it's too loose.

 

I wish the manual would include instruction on how to check it while you're sitting on the seat.

As far as having "someone" sit on the bike, there ain't no someones in my family as big as me.

 

I don't have any someones who would want to haul a Glide off its stand! That's why I do it with nobody on it.