General
The inner tooth surface of the secondary belt has a thin coating of polyethylene lubricant. During initial operation, this coating will wear off as it is burnished into the belt fabric. This is a normal condition and not an indication of belt wear.
Checking Deflection
See
Figure 1. Check belt deflection at the loosest spot in the belt with the transmission in neutral and the motorcycle at ambient temperature. With 10 PSI in the rear shocks and the motorcycle on its jiffy stand, use the
BELT TENSION GAUGE (Part Number:HD-35381) to apply 4.5 kg (10 lb) of force at the midpoint of the bottom belt strand.
Belt deflection should be within specification as shown in
Table 1. If belt tension adjustment is necessary, see a Harley-Davidson dealer or follow the instructions given in the applicable Service Manual.

WARNING
Be sure wheel and brake caliper are aligned. Riding with a misaligned wheel or brake caliper can cause the brake disc to bind and lead to loss of control, which could result in death or serious injury. (00050a)
Check rear brake caliper position on rear brake disc. Disc should run true within brake caliper.
Figure 1. Check Belt Deflection
Table 1. Belt Deflection: 2008 Touring Models
MODELS | INCHES | MILLIMETERS |
---|
FLHT, FLHR, FLHTCU, FLHTC, FLHRC, FLTR | 3/8-7/16 | 9.6-11.1 |
FLHX | 1/4-5/16 | 6.4-7.9 |