Proper Drive Belt Tension

     It is very important to have the correct amount of play in the drive belt of your Super X. A belt adjusted too tight can cause premature wear on the belt, sprockets, motor mounts, and rear wheel bearings, and will cause excessive vibration. When the belt is too loose, it can actually jump a tooth on the sprocket. The Super X owner's manual is incorrect when describing the actual belt tensioning check and it is common to have your belt too tight.

     With the bike on the side stand there should be about 1" of play in the belt (the owner's manual says 1/2" to 3/4", but this is wrong). To adjust the belt, follow these instructions found in the owner's manual:

1. Remove and discard the cotter pin. Loosen the rear axle castle nut and the rear axle jam nuts.

2. Turn the rear axle adjusters an equal amount until the drive belt tension is correct, making sure the adjusters are firmly seated against the adjuster collars. Remember that I recommend about 1" of play.

3. Tighten the adjuster nut.

4. Tighten the rear axle castle nut. Proper torque is 111 ft/lbs. Put in a new cotter pin.

5. Recheck the belt tension. There is one more thing not covered in the book. Roll the bike back and forth to make sure the belt is not touching the side of the rear sprocket. If it is touching, adjust it by moving the correct adjuster. If your belt is touching the sprocket, it will squeak and wear quickly.

     For those of you who are used to adjusting belts on Harleys, keep in mind that with a Super X, looser is better. As the suspension moves on a Super X, the belt tightens.

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