Special Tools

Description	Part Number	Qty.
BELT TENSION GAUGE	HD-35381-A	1

NOTE

Always use BELT TENSION GAUGE (Part Number:HD-35381-A) 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 belt deflection:

With transmission in neutral.
At loosest spot in belt.
With motorcycle at room temperature.
With the rear wheels elevated or on the ground without rider or luggage.

WARNING

To prevent accidental vehicle start-up, which could cause death or serious injury, disconnect negative (-) battery cable before proceeding. (00048a)

Disconnect battery negative cable. See Maintenance and Lubrication → Battery.
Slide O-ring on gauge toward 0 lbs (0 kg) mark.
See Figure 1. Fit cradle against bottom of belt midway between transmission sprocket and rear sprocket.
Push upward on knob until O-ring slides to the 4.5 kg (10 lb) mark on the tool and compare belt deflection to scale on debris deflector.
Rotate rear wheels and measure deflection at several locations around the belt. Select the loosest measurement and compare with specifications in Table 1. Belt must be adjusted if not within specification.

Table 1. Drive Belt Deflection

VEHICLE	FXS, FXSB, FLSTN, FLS, FLSTFB*	OTHER MODELS
With motorcycle on jiffy stand without rider or luggage	6.4–7.9 mm (¼–5/16 in)	14.3–15.9 mm (9/16–⅝ in)
Vehicle upright with rear wheel in air	7.9–9.5 mm (5/16–⅜ in)	17.5–19.1 mm (11/16–¾ in)
FLS (DOM/CAL/CAN/HDI/JPN configurations) *FLSTFB (DOM/CAL/CAN/JPN/AUS configurations) Refer to Identification → Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) → Harley-Davidson VIN Breakdown: 2013 Softail Models to determine vehicle configuration.

Connect battery negative cable. Tighten to 6.8–7.9 N·m (60–70 in-lbs).

1	Transmission sprocket
2	Rear wheel sprocket
3	10 lbs (4.5 kg) of force
4	Amount of deflection

Figure 1. Checking Belt Deflection