| Author | Message | ||
     M2statz |
Finally got my drive belt from American Sport Bike after their server was down, start taking the M2 apart and can not get the rear tire off. What worries me is taking the Isolator off and getting the correct tension on the belt when putting the new one on. The service manual calls for 1.5 to 1.75 inches of travel with 10fbs of pressure, how the heck do you measure that?!? Heck I do not know if I even have the bike on the stand right! Any advice would be great, thanks. | ||
| Pammy |
Stop and call someone. There is no shame is hiring a professional. | ||
| Dannyd |
If you are trying to do this using a swingarm type stand then you are already in trouble. | ||
| Reepicheep |
The belt tension is easy enough, ignore the manual and just run it as loose as safely possible... I always adjusted mine to be where it would just be able to be lifted to just barely touch the swingarm while I was pushing it hard when my full weight was on the bike compressing the suspension. The isolator is the big deal though. I rebuilt the tranny on my M2, no problem, but I was in fear of replacing that belt and those isolators. Perhaps not as bad as I thought it would be, but it scared me. | ||
| Fahren |
"Scott Free" rear isolator method: http://danielcstarr-pages.blogspot.com/2008/09/una uthorized-scott-free-technique-for.html HTH. | ||
| Whatever |
Call or PM Steve Mackay.  | ||
| Paint_shaker |
It has been said "Scary loose" is the best way to adjust the belt. | ||
| Dannyd |
If you cannot push lightly on the bottom of the belt while parked on the sidestand and touch it to the swingarm then your belt is too tight IMO. | ||
| Hootowl |
That's the measure I use too. | ||
| Fly |
M2statz, in answer to your question about how do you apply 10 lbs pressure.......do a google search on "harley davidson belt tension tester tool" to see pictures of tool used for the adjustment. The current cost looks to be around $30. You could use suitable fish (spring) scale, or alternately, jury rig your own tool by loading something that deflects with 10 lbs. and then using it to push up on your belt until it deflects the same amount. I've uses them all over time, although the purpose-built tool is easiest to use. Good luck. | ||
| Blake |
The new belts are more compliant. I had to tighten up from what I was used to on the Cyclone when I put on the new grade of belt. About 1.75" up-down under light pressure kept it from skipping a tooth under hard acceleration in 1st or 2nd gear, which is what it was doing when I had it at 2" total play. | ||
| M2statz |
Thanks all for the help and pointers. I have plans to finish the job tonight and will let you know how it goes. Keep your fingers crossed. |
