INDIAN MOTORCYCLE

HELP CENTER
What can we help you find?

Search

Help Center Home / Article

08/14/2025

2025 Indian Roadmaster PowerPlus Drive Belt Inspection, Tension
and Alignment
2025 Indian Roadmaster Powerplus | Drive Belt Inspection and Tension Adjust…
Adjust…

Required Tools and Supplies
6mm Hex Bit Socket
15mm Socket
27mm Wrench
27mm Crowfoot Wrench
Ratchet
Torque Wrench
Belt Tension Tool or 10-Pound Weight
Measurement Tool
Marking Tool
Shop Rags
Safety Glasses

Nitrile Gloves

Note: Indian Roadmaster PowerPlus Dark Horse w/PowerBand Audio model shown. This procedure
is applicable to Indian Challenger, Pursuit and Chieftain PowerPlus.
To inspect, tension and align the drive belt on your Indian Roadmaster PowerPlus, follow these steps:
1. Park the motorcycle on a flat, level surface and allow it to cool completely.
2. Begin by placing the motorcycle in an upright position with the front wheel clamped in a wheel
vise and ensure it is in neutral.
3. Remove the side cover.
4. If equipped with electric saddle bag locks, unlock it.
5. Continue by disconnecting the saddlebag lock wiring and two connectors, if applicable, near the
seat.
6. Press the lid latch release button and lift the lid.
7. Remove the saddlebag fastener bolts with a 6mm Hex Bit socket.
8. Tilt the saddlebag away from the frame of the vehicle to remove it. Repeat on the other side.
9. Raise the rear of the motorcycle so the rear tire can be freely rotated.
10. Inspect the entire length of the drive belt for wear or damage. Reference the Owner's Manual for
belt wear analysis and see your authorized Indian Motorcycle dealer if replacement is needed.
11. Check and record the belt tension. Note: Ensure the belt is dry before measuring. Locking a tape
measure will make it easier to maintain consistent measurements.
12. Use the tire valve stem as a reference to check and record the belt deflection at four different
points, 90 degrees apart. Rotate the wheel in a clockwise rotation as viewed from the belt side of the
motorcycle.
13. After this, place a mark on the rear wheel at the tightest point (least deflection) to use as a
reference.
14. Continue to rotate the wheel clockwise 1-2 revolutions until your reference mark (tightest point)
is lined up with the tension setting window in the lower belt guard.

15. Adjust the belt deflection with the wheel in this position.
16. Place a tape measure or ruler next to the drive belt or use the graduations on the lower belt
guard for reference.
17. Slide the O-ring on the belt tension gauge to the 10 lb. mark.
18. Place the belt tension gauge squarely against the belt at center and keep it at a 90-degree angle
to the belt surface.
19. Push up on the gauge until the O-ring just touches the tool body and compare to specification.
The drive belt deflection at 10-lbs force is 1.3 in (34 mm).
20. If the belt deflects more than the specified distance with 10 lb (4.54 kg) of force, tighten the belt.
21. If the belt deflection is less than specified, loosen the drive belt.
22. To adjust belt deflection, take note of the adjuster locations. Note: Marks are used as a reference
for the initial wheel alignment. Marks should be in roughly the same position on both left and right
side of the wheel.
23. Loosen the axle nut with a 27mm wrench.
24. Turn the right-side adjuster nut with a 15mm socket to achiever proper belt tension. For a new
belt, the deflection at 10 lbs of force should be 0.6 in (15mm). For a belt with 1,000+ miles, the
deflection at 10 lbs of force should be 0.79 in (20mm).
25. If the belt deflection is correct, lower the motorcycle.
26. Once the belt tension is correct, check and adjust the final belt alignment.
27. Begin by rotating the wheel backward. Then tighten the left-side adjuster until the belt comes
off inside the sprocket flange during backward wheel rotation. Important: The belt should track to
the center of the sprocket tooth surface when properly aligned. Sprocket teeth should be visible on
both side of the drive belt.
28. Rotate the wheel in the forward direction and verify that the sprocket teeth are still visible on
both sides of the drive belt.
29. If necessary, loosen the axle nut and the left-side adjuster until the belt just moves off the right
flange and begins to track down the center of the driven sprocket flange during forward wheel
rotation. Note: It may be necessary to loosen the axle nut and tap the left end of the axle to ensure

it moves forward when the adjuster is loosened. The axle nut must be retightened to 65 ft-lbs (88
Nm) before proceeding.
30. The rear wheel alignment is satisfactory when the drive belt remains centered on the driven
sprocket during forward and backward wheel rotation. Sprocket teeth should be visible from both
sides of the drive belt.
31. Verify that the drive belt tension is still within specification.
32. Tighten the rear axle nut and torque to 65 ft-lbs (88 Nm).
33. Pump the rear brake pedal several times to reset the brake pad distance.
34. Make sure to verify that the wheel rotates smoothly and freely without drag when the brake
pedal is released.
35. Safely lower the motorcycle to the ground.
36. Place the saddlebag in a fully seated position on the muffler.
37. Insert the saddlebag fastener bolts and torque to 18 ft-lbs (24 Nm).
38. Close the lid and make sure the lid is aligned with the bin.
39. Press firmly on the lid until the latch is fully engaged and the lid is closed tightly.
40. Reconnect the electrical wiring.
41. Reinstall the side cover, using care to avoid damaging electrical wires.
42. Repeat this process on the other side.
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.
YouTube® is a registered trademark of Google LLC
Unless noted, trademarks are the property of Indian Motorcycle International, LLC
© 2025 Indian Motorcycle International, LLC