Drive belt tension!

This might help

DEFLECTIONPART NUMBER TOOL NAMEHD-35381A BELT TENSION GAUGENOTE
Always use BELT TENSION GAUGE (Part No. HD-35381A)
to measure belt deflection. Do not rely on "feel" as this can
result in belts that are under tensioned. Loose belts will fail due
to "ratcheting" (jumping a tooth).Check deflection:
 
I have noticed when adjusting the belt to spec then riding the bike after the bike is hot the belt will be tighter than a banjo string. It really tightens up when hot. I adjust a little loose cold then recheck it after the bike is up to temperature. If the belt is too tight it is hard on transmission seal and bearings.
 
I have been using the above procedure on my RG since new and it has 50K on it now. I think the point of ratcheting is true if the belt is loose.
 
I talked to a Harley factory engineer about this when the narrower belts came out in 2004 and he said that if the belt was adjusted properly when cold which when you are supposed to adjust it that it will in fact in his words be tight as a drum. he said that is how they are designed and that one of the toughest things was getting shop techs to tighten the belts properly as most end up being too loose. He said if you think it is too tight it is probably just right.

I put about 80,000 miles on mine since that time and the belt and both front and rear pullies show no wear. Have not had a seal or bearing issue either.
 
When adjusted correctly using the gauge to the correct spec it will feel very tight. Sometimes it takes a few tries of tightening and checking and re-checking to get it right. Don't go by the hand feel method, use the gauge!
 
Same here...Purchasing dealer gave me the bike with the belt FLOPPING.....I left him and went to another dealer and the belt is indeed banjo tight....no problems...been tight like this for 8 K...
 
I agree. On SG's the spec is 1/4-5/16" cold, and when I go by that spec it is much too tight when it warms up. I have longer-than-stock shocks now (13
 
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