How tight should a Sportster belt be?
With a high horsepower engine, it is better to have the belt a little tight rather than loose. A loose belt will break much more readily than a tight one. Most people do not tighten the belt to its proper tension. If you plan on “racing” or hot rodding your bike, invest in a Harley-Davidson BELT TENSION GAUGE (Part No.
How many miles is a lot for a Harley Sportster?
They buy them for aggressive riding and sharp handling. For sports bikes, 25,000 miles can be a lot. Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are built to last much longer. If a bike has good maintenance records, no signs of damage and no oil leaks, even a bike with 40,000 to 50,000 miles can be expected to last a long time.
How do you tighten the belt on a Harley Davidson Sportster?
The special tool used to hold the weld nut stationary during tightening. Later model Sportsters with the cone and weld nuts adjust belt tension by turning the weld nut on the left side of the axle. Turning the weld nut rotates both cams against the stops on the swing arm. This moves the axle back and forth.
How many miles is the belt on a Harley Davidson Sportster?
It’s not uncommon for a Sportster owner to go between 50,000 and 100,000 miles on their original drive belt. Belt tension can be checked in minutes and Harley Davidson created special tools to make adjustment quick and easy.
How do you loosen axle nut on Harley Davidson Sportster?
To loosen the axle nut on the earlier year models, you’ll need a 24mm socket, breaker bar, and needle nose pliers. Take off the axle nut cover if your Sportster is equipped with one. Remove the cotter pin by straightening the pin out and pulling it out of the axle. Use your 24mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the caste nut.
What happens if you slip the drive belt on a Harley Davidson?
The drive belt transfers the torque from the engine to the rear wheel. Its tension must remain correct, otherwise belt slip and reduced power will occur. Belt slip can quickly damage a belt, leading to a costly and time consuming repair. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster.
What do you need to adjust drive belt on Harley Davidson Sportster?
The castle nut and cotter pin found on earlier model Sportsters. For the later year model adjuster cam equipped Sportster, you’ll need a 1 7/16″ socket and breaker bar. Alternatively, Harley Davidson makes a torque adapter (part number HD-47925) that allows you to work between the muffler and wheel.
How can I check the belt tension on my Sportster?
The belt tension can be checked several ways. The most accurate method is with a belt tension gauge. Leave your Sportster unsupported on the ground and leaning on the kickstand. Place the transmission into neutral. Wait until the bike is cold, as heat tends to alter the measurement.
The drive belt transfers the torque from the engine to the rear wheel. Its tension must remain correct, otherwise belt slip and reduced power will occur. Belt slip can quickly damage a belt, leading to a costly and time consuming repair. This article applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster.
To loosen the axle nut on the earlier year models, you’ll need a 24mm socket, breaker bar, and needle nose pliers. Take off the axle nut cover if your Sportster is equipped with one. Remove the cotter pin by straightening the pin out and pulling it out of the axle. Use your 24mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the caste nut.