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Belt adjustment on 2012 ultra.

  • FLHuTChU
    FLHuTChU
    5 years ago
    Hey blokes, just a quick question on belt adjustment on my 2012 ultra, I just put new tyres on and new wheel bearings as 2 were a bit iffy. Chuck wheels back on bike and adjusting belt to the workshop manual. No where did the manual say to have the wheel on or off the ground. I have searched other avenues and some say on the jack with wheel off the ground, and other say do it on the ground with someone sitting on the seat. I did it to spec, with wheel off the ground, went for a spin and checked when i got back and it seems a bit tight. I don't know why. Bloody PITA removing slip ons again to re-adjust. What do you crusty lot know or recommend. Thanks. Hutch.
  • binnsy
    binnsy
    5 years ago
    My workshop manual gives two adjustment settings.  One on the jiffy stand without a rider and one with rear wheel  in the air.  07 softail though.
  • FLHuTChU
    FLHuTChU
    5 years ago
    Yeah different bike as you say but it is interesting it gives you both ways. Does the measurement vary between the two? thanks Binnsy
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting FLHuTChU on 03 Mar 2019 08:15 AMedited: 03 Mar 2019 08:16 AM

    Hey blokes, just a quick question on belt adjustment on my 2012 ultra, I just put new tyres on and new wheel bearings as 2 were a bit iffy. Chuck wheels back on bike and adjusting belt to the workshop manual. No where did the manual say to have the wheel on or off the ground. I have searched other avenues and some say on the jack with wheel off the ground, and other say do it on the ground with someone sitting on the seat. I did it to spec, with wheel off the ground, went for a spin and checked when i got back and it seems a bit tight. I don't know why. Bloody PITA removing slip ons again to re-adjust. What do you crusty lot know or recommend. Thanks. Hutch.

    Its my understanding that you need a HD tool to measure the play in the belt....
  • Soapbox2627
    Soapbox2627
    5 years ago
    Quoting FLHuTChU on 03 Mar 2019 08:15 AMedited: 03 Mar 2019 08:16 AM

    Hey blokes, just a quick question on belt adjustment on my 2012 ultra, I just put new tyres on and new wheel bearings as 2 were a bit iffy. Chuck wheels back on bike and adjusting belt to the workshop manual. No where did the manual say to have the wheel on or off the ground. I have searched other avenues and some say on the jack with wheel off the ground, and other say do it on the ground with someone sitting on the seat. I did it to spec, with wheel off the ground, went for a spin and checked when i got back and it seems a bit tight. I don't know why. Bloody PITA removing slip ons again to re-adjust. What do you crusty lot know or recommend. Thanks. Hutch.

    Quoting paulybronco on 03 Mar 2019 08:47 AM

    Its my understanding that you need a HD tool to measure the play in the belt....

    political correctness Paully


    HD Technician

  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting FLHuTChU on 03 Mar 2019 08:15 AMedited: 03 Mar 2019 08:16 AM

    Hey blokes, just a quick question on belt adjustment on my 2012 ultra, I just put new tyres on and new wheel bearings as 2 were a bit iffy. Chuck wheels back on bike and adjusting belt to the workshop manual. No where did the manual say to have the wheel on or off the ground. I have searched other avenues and some say on the jack with wheel off the ground, and other say do it on the ground with someone sitting on the seat. I did it to spec, with wheel off the ground, went for a spin and checked when i got back and it seems a bit tight. I don't know why. Bloody PITA removing slip ons again to re-adjust. What do you crusty lot know or recommend. Thanks. Hutch.

    Quoting paulybronco on 03 Mar 2019 08:47 AM

    Its my understanding that you need a HD tool to measure the play in the belt....

    Quoting Soapbox2627 on 03 Mar 2019 09:40 AM

    political correctness Paully


    HD Technician

    Ha Ha 
  • binnsy
    binnsy
    5 years ago
    Quoting FLHuTChU on 03 Mar 2019 08:26 AM

    Yeah different bike as you say but it is interesting it gives you both ways. Does the measurement vary between the two? thanks Binnsy

    It does
    9/16 to 5/8 on stand without rider

    11/16 to 3/4 with bike rear wheel in the air.

  • FLHuTChU
    FLHuTChU
    5 years ago
    Yep PB got the tool. Question was wheel on or off the ground as manual doesn't say. All good any way. Checked after getting to work and it's sweet.
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    5 years ago
    FLHuTChU , need to check wheel straight & inline.
    And you need to be sitting on the bike while it is on the ground & have someone that can check up and down play. my bike came from factory with a slot in plastic stone Gard that you can use to gauge free play.
    I have checked new bikes at dealers and all seem to be really tight ( must be hard on new bearings )
    I think they set them tight so when owners give them a full power off lights not too much free play to snap the belt.
    I like some play just not much.
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