New Belt is TIGHT!

[Todd]

I just put a new belt on my '04 XB12S - presumably the newest revision, the dealer had to order it direct from H-D. - Part # GO500.1AAH. I followed the service manual step-by-step and It went on, but with a struggle, and it's really, really tight - I actually counted the teeth to make sure it was the right size.
I'm tempted to put my old one back on because I'm worried the new one's going to overload the transmission output shaft bearing. The Free Spirits tensioner apparently has issues of it's own, so I'm not sure I want to go that route, nor should we have to.
With the miles being accumulated on the XB fleet, alot of belts must be getting changed out, what's been the experience of those who have used the upgraded belt?

Thanks, Todd

 

[snrusnak]

Mine was just like you described, extremely tight. Difficult to get on. But I've been riding on it for a few thousand miles now ans it's fine. Seems to have loosened up ever so slightly. Keep in mind that when you have the bike up in the air with the swingarm hanging down, the belt is at it's tightest point. As the swingarm travels upward the belt will have less tension.

 

[Theycallmecrash]

This is normal.

 

[mxracer190]

Normal. Mine is super tight also. I can hardly move it.

 

[djs2k2]

Normal[up] Its to tight when it snaps

 

[snrusnak]

Tight is good. The tighter, the better, is what I say

 

[thrstrmech]

that's what she said

 

[user_deleted]

that's what she said

[up]
todd: find a flat desolate road if possible and briskly ride from a dead stop up to about 60mph using engine braking to roll to a stop. briskly as in use common sense and moderate throttle. do this 5 times in succession and the belt will bed in and stretch to service specs.