Hey guys. I have several problems with my bike (06 midnight).

I'll start with the belt. I have been giving it (rear end) attention because of a noise that really sounds/feels like metal sliding across metal, especially with a passenger. Very difficult to determine source.

The belt has been hugging the inside of the sprocket and I figured that adjustment was a place to start, anyway. I do not have a lift for the bike, so my only option has been to adjust the set screws and roll it untill it holds steady center. After an hour of tiny adjustments that would do nothing, then too much, then nothing.....I assumed my rear tire to be off center as opposed to angled.

I got it pretty close and watched it as I drove. I found that as I accelerate it pulls to the inside, decelerate it goes mid, or slightlly out, and as I brake it goes far outside. This is while applying only very slight throttle or brake (so slight, its almost change in speed vs. pull or drag).

The lock nut is not torqued, I just wanted to get home without damaging the bellt. It is tight, likely too tight.

The belt tension has no free play, I am not sure yet how to properly tension, but it is slightly looser then the bike I compared with. I think around 2,000 milles on it..

I held the bike up and tried to identify any sort of play in the rear bearing, or dust. I could not force any play but thats against belt tension and somewhat inconclusive.

I rolled the bike downhill, in nuetral, and there IS drag on the bike but it seems to be comming from the front brakes (I can hear it). There is no other sound (which freaks me out about the metal to metal sound, means mechanical)

I'm broke, thanks to the IRS and will be for some time....

Any advise?

Thanks guys

Just saw your other post. "06 Midnight" Road Star or Warrior?

You need to adjust the wheel so it's track straight. Measure from the swing arm pivot the axle on both sides and make sure it's the same. The belt on most Roadies run towards the inside. You most time can't adjust the wheel so it's straight and the belt stays in the middle. With the bike on the ground grab the lower belt half way between the pulleys and twist. If you can twist it 45 degrees (give or take a couple degrees) you're good. Less is too tight, more is too loose. The brakes are always in contact so you will hear a little noise. But they shouldn't slow you down if you aren't applying them.

To check belt tension grab the belt half way between the pulleys and twist it. With proper tension it will twist 45 degrees. For alignment measure the distance from the swing arm pivot th the axel bolt. Center to center they should be the same on both sides. Take the cover off and check that the front pulley is tight on the shaft.

Clifford

You should be able to grab the belt mid way between the pulley and rear wheel and twist it about 45 degrees. Some here have taken a couple of 2x6s and put them together to make a lift.
And what you hear from the front is the brake pads on the rotors which is normal.

What all the above said

man, I didnt expect a reply tonight. Tomorrow is sunny and I'm off work...so thanks.

I'm WAY looser then described just now. So thats the trouble with my roaming belt, most likely.....good.

Thanks,
Brian

oh hey, Muskey...it's a warrior.

mcquaytech... I just wrote last night on the front sprocket thread about my metal to metal sound when I slow to about 15mph...this began after having the rear tire changed about 1000 miles ago...I pushed on my belt and it would not twist.
I was thinking that the belt might be to tight as well...have to work today but will loosen the belt tonight and see if that works..also could someone tell me how to remove the front sprocket cover?
Good luck and let us know what works for you.

mcquaytech wrote:


I'm broke, thanks to the IRS and will be for some time....



I hope you solve the problem, but did you have to remind me about the IRS taking our money? They really spanked me this year.

Sorry Yamadog, but mysery loves company.

I got the letter that says "hey, remember back in 08 when you tried to open your own shop? yeah, ya filed wrong and we need all your money now. Or u can prove us wrong and we'll discuss it during the resulting audit"

Southwest, the metal to metal sound is totally gone. I'm happy to be without that ole creak...sounds like something youd hear on an old playground....like on that thing that spins in circles

I'm gonna tighten the belt in a few.

so...I will be once again loosing my allignment on that rear wheel. is there a trick to setup without a lift?

Is torque that important on the lock nut? My torque wrench NEVER gets used and is buried. I'll dig it out if overtightening is an issue.

Also, The tension is too tight when I have a passenger (even a petite one, on a good night.) I can twist almost 90 degrees right now and I'm tempted to leave it loose. Can I cause myself trouble doing that? I don't like the belt roaming on that wheel sprocket but if it's not an issue, it's not an issue. These belts don't seem to have a bead to break.

mcquaytech ...You will know when it is to loose, it will chirp when you let of the gas suddenly.
If your belt still makes noise and the tension is right, try rubbing it with bar soap twice in between washings, it will get rid of the noise.