| Required Tools and Supplies | ||
| 27mm Crow Foot | Measurement Tool | 6mm Allen Socket |
| 15mm Socket | Belt Tension Tool or 10-Pound Weight | Ratchet |
| 27mm Wrench | Torque Wrench | Shop Rags |
| Safety Glasses | Nitrile Gloves | |
For more information on tools, read Tools and Fasteners Guide.
Always wear safety glasses and nitrile gloves when servicing your Indian Motorcycle. To inspect and adjust the drive belt tension on your Indian Challenger, follow these steps:
1. Park the bike on a flat, level surface and allow it to cool completely.
2. Place the bike in an upright position with the front wheel clamped in a wheel vise.
3. On each side, pull the upper side cover out evenly to disengage each tab from the frame.
- Then disconnect the saddlebag lock connector near the seat.
- Next, open the saddlebag and remove the two saddlebag fasteners with a 6mm Allen socket.
- Finally, tilt the saddlebag out and lift up to remove.
4. Next, ensure the motorcycle is in NEUTRAL.
5. Then safely elevate the rear wheel. The motorcycle must be stable before proceeding.
6. Inspect the drive belt for wear or damage. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for belt wear analysis and see your authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer if replacement is needed.
7. Next, check and record the belt deflection, applying 10 pounds of force. Ensure the belt is dry before measuring. Locking the tape measurer will make it easier to maintain consistent measurements.
- Using the tire valve stem as a reference, measure at three additional points 90 degrees apart. The drive belt deflection at 10 pounds of force should be 15mm (0.6 inches) for a new belt and 20mm (0.79 inches) for a belt with 1,000 or more miles.
- If adjustment is needed, rotate the wheel forward and mark the tightest measurement point on the tire for reference.
8. Also mark the current adjuster locations on both sides of the rear wheel for reference.
9. Place a rag against the exhaust to prevent scratching. Loosen but do not remove the axle nut with a 27mm wrench.
10. Then retighten the nut with a 27mm crowfoot wrench to the adjustment specification of 15 ft-lbs (20 Nm).
11. Turn the right-side adjuster nut as needed with a 15mm socket to achieve proper belt tension.
12. When the belt tension is correct, move to the left side to adjust the final belt alignment.
13. Use the left-side adjuster only to make final adjustments for belt alignment. Ensure the axle is seated forward against the axle adjusters.
14. While rotating the wheel backward, tighten the left-side adjuster nut until the drive belt is centered in the driven pulley. Sprocket teeth should be visible on both sides of the drive belt.
15. Once the desired setting is achieved, rotate the wheel forward and verify the sprocket teeth are still visible on both sides of the drive belt.
16. If necessary, revert back to the initial settings and repeat this process as needed.
17. Re-check the drive belt tension to verify it is still within specification. Improper tension or alignment can cause drive line noise and damage the drive belt.
18. Tighten the rear axle nut to the final specification of 65 ft-lbs (88 Nm).
19. Pump the rear brake pedal several times to reset brake pad distance.
20. When the brake pedal is released, verify that the wheel rotates smoothly and freely, without drag.
21. Safely lower your motorcycle to the ground. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for helpful hints and techniques.
22. Next, begin reinstalling the saddlebags by placing them on the muffler brackets.
23. Reinstall the saddlebag fasteners. Torque to 18 ft-lbs (24 Nm).
24. Then reconnect the electrical wiring if necessary and ensure the saddlebags are mounted properly.
25. Finally, align the three side panel grommets and reinstall each upper side panel.
For more information, see your authorized Indian Motorcycle Dealer. Find a dealer near you with the Dealer Locator.
Maintenance tips, procedures and specifications can be found in your Owner's Manual.
To find diagrams and replacement part numbers, use the online parts catalog.
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