Belt Tension

[Blackpearlultra]

What do you guys use to check the tension of your belt drive after having the rear wheel off?

[mrpiff]

Most folks I know do it by feel, but there is a proper technical way to do it. I've seen a little tool that exerts the exact right amount of tension (10 lbs/square inch I think but I'm not positive) on the belt, and then you look at the marks on the belt guide to see how much it moves.
Hopefully Curley or one of the others that know all the specs will chime in and give you exact numbers.

[curley725]

BP I do it by feel also but after so many you know what feels right...

By the book with the tool to apply 10 lb of pressure to the belt:
On side stand without rider or luggage 1/4-5/16 deflection

M/C upright with rear wheel in air 3/16-1/4 deflection

Curley

[mrpiff]

Thanks for having my back Curley!

[curley725]

Originally Posted by mrpiff

Thanks for having my back Curley!

You are welcome there are no secerts here... You do it by feel me too and after BP does it he can too or he can do it by the book and there is certainly nothing wrong by that..... :grin:

Curley

[Mungo]

Yep - thanks Curley. My service manual only gives the numbers for upright with the rider on the bike. Makes it sort of difficult. :x

Now at least I have the numbers for the bike upright or on the side stand.


BPU - the tool is only like $10 from Harley. One of the cheapest tools I've ever bought for the bike. Except for the ones I've made for it myself.

[Blackpearlultra]

Thanks boys, I have the service manual where it shows the 10 lbs 1/4" refrence. What I was wondering was if you did it by feel or if you used the gage. I had a feel of it before I took the wheel off and I think I have it close to the same now. :wink: