RoadHog118 wrote:
Manual says to measure belt slack when engine is cold and drive belt dry. Make sure the bike is on a level surface, elevate the wheel until it clears the ground. Then rotate the wheel several times and check the belt to locate its tightest point. At that point is where the tension should be checked.
BTW, my belt is making a lot of noise lately, yet it seems to be properly tensioned. Wondering if it could be dirty or??
RoadHog

Not sure what manual you have, but this is not what I was taught years ago, nor what my manual says. You hold the bike up right, but do not eleveate to let the the wheel hang. When you do this, you have created "false" slack since the wheel has swung to the bottom of it's travel thus a slightly shorter wheel base. This is the same principal that makes belts make noise when riding two up since the wheel is approaching the top of its travel (or pivot). When the bike is sitting on the ground, it is near the center of travel, thus the farthest distance of the swing, thus the tightest the belt is going to get during use. When you adjust the belt, the bike should have the bike load on it. It you are lifing your bike and adjusting the slack then your belt is going to be too tight and probably why it is making noise.

Get the HD gauge ($19.99 plus tax in my area) and adjust the tension with a friend holding the bike upright for you, but not sitting on it.

Mil,
Here's another way;

First, I have to tell you; I don't own a belt gauge. Never had, never will. Of course, I've been working on air cooled V-Twins, for a few years, .

Sit on the bike. Reach down to the lower portion of the belt, (about half way. Where the window of your lower belt guard is at), push 'up' on it. It should be 'no' more than 1/2 inch.

Here's how you get to that point;

With a simple tape measure; Measure the points, between the center of the axle to the center of the swingarm pivot bolt, (The swingarm pivot bolt is located under the round black plastic 'plug', just under the passenger foot pegs). Now, the measuring 'points' should be 'even' on both sides of the bike.

OK, let's 'feel' the up and down movement of the belt. Too loose, then, tighten the belt 'evenly'. Too tight, then lososen, the same. (May have to kick the tire to get it to go 'back' to the adjustment 'stops', if to tight. 'Remember', you want your adjustment, as 'even' as possible.

Just trying to help,

Odo

My belt was a tad bit too tight and the ride was just weird. When I went from gear to gear it was just not smooth. I re-adjusted it and removed the plastic rollers. The bike is much faster now! Just kidding - but it is more quiet!!!LOL

Wuth the rear wheel elevated above the ground, I checked belt tension and alignment. Both checked out ok. Then I sprayed on some tire dressing and thoroughly wiped down the belt sprockets. I then rotated the rear wheel several times. Noise disappeared. Afterwards, I warmed up the Roadie and went for a little jaunt around town. Belt is now quiet under all conditions (ie, under acceleration, deceleration, shifting up and down, neutral coasting). Maybe it was just dirty. Either that, or it can't stand having any dust or dirt on the belt or on the sprocket teeth. Or it just likes a little tire dressing now and then (LOL)?
RoadHog118

I too have had problems with my belt. I have had it tightened by the dealer and still have had chirping noises (especially on decel). I have been using silicone spray on the nylon rollers and belt. No more chirp; same materail in HD belt dressing.