Cooler weather BELT ADJUSTMENT

Thomas Guy

New Member
I am amazed of how much the rear belt tension changes due to temperature. Here in Florida it changes from the 30's to the upper 70's in the same day. Driving into work in the morning the belt squeaks and squeals but in the afternoon tension is back to normal. I have found trying to adjust for a happy medium helps but is still too tight or too loose at the extremes. Just asking if anyone else has come across this headache.
 
Just over 21K. This morning was 41*f and had to be careful not to use too much throttle to keep from squealing the belt. It will be back in the 80's by Friday. Put on a new rear tire yesterday. Riken Raptor ZR-S 275/35R18 Should be good for another 15-20K. Replaced a Sumitomo 265/35R18 with 15K. Miles on yours?
 
Belt and pullies are in good condition. Had the belt off to check when I changed rear tire. As you know it slips right off if you jack up from frame and not swingarm. It's just the nature of the beast I guess. The belt changes length with 40* change daily. Weather today 43* coming into work and forecast is mid 70's this afternoon. mid 80's over weekend. I put 108K miles on my 94 FXTS and never had any belt issues. Same with 2008 1600, Roadstar. 58K.
Must be different materials and compounds...Time to invent a belt wormer?
 
Maybe I should rotate the tail pipe towards the belt...
 

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Our temperature extremes are from the teens to triple digits, our belt is adjusted to around 70 degrees. It gets tighter when it is warmer but over the years that has not caused any problems, it does tend to squeal a bit at the lower temps but as the ride progresses and the belt warms that usually goes away. So, all in all, we have chosen to adjust our belt to a happy medium and then just leave it alone.

Bill
 
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