My 2010 Limited has variable belt deflection. By this I mean that as the rear wheel is rotated the belt goes from tight to loose as measured by the standard deflection method. It's not possible to get the belt within spec both when "tight" and "loose". Dealer says it's ok . . .

Thoughts?

 

How much variation?

 

1/8" deflection at one spot and 6/8" at another

 

HD Manual: slect the loosest measurement & use Belt tension gauge. I don't have a 2010 manual Mine is 2011 but I would bet they're the same 3/8 to 7/16. I suggest you get a manual>

 

Get a manual and get the belt tension tool. The "twist it 45 degrees" method allows too much variation and the tool's only $18 or so. You're supposed to check it in 3 places and adjust from the loosest point.

 

+1, Lots of personal experience on my bike to back up this advice. Also suggest checking the alignment of the rear axle . . . another $20 tool or a piece of coat hanger works as well here.

 

Got a part # on the alignment tool?

 

You dont need one for 09 up.

 

Every belt has loose spots but that is a lot of variation, I have had a bunch of bikes with belts and they only had about 1/8" difference at the loose spot, how many miles on it?

 

Good to know. Just snug it against the adjustment cams and tighten it then?