In browsing through the HD catalog, I notice they have a "belt tension tester tool" listed. Is this something I need to add to my Christmas list? Being an old chain guy, these belts are still new to me. How often do they require adjustment? How do you check the tension with this tool? I like to do most of my own maintenance work, but I've just never had any experience with the belts...

Thanks!
Jeff

 

I've seen those too, and wondered if they are necessary or not. Seems like you could get close enough just pressing on the belt with your fingers, and measuring with a ruler, but maybe someone has some insight...

 

That's basically what the gauge does, except it puts a measured 10 pounds of pressure on the belt.

 

If you are going to do your own rear tire changes you should have the tensioner gauge. A belt too tight will be hard on bearings, and too loose you run the risk of jumping teeth.

Here is a link to how to use the tensioner.



https://www.hdforums.com/m_132315/tm.htm

Regards,

Bill