Drive Belt???
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
The tension gauge is $17. Setting belt tension by feel is exactly as accurate as measuring power increases via butt dyno. Both diagnostic tools (butt dyno and fingers-as-tension-gauge) are worth exactly what you pay for them.
CT-Bagger is correct. Don't stress over the marks in the belt guard, rely on the gauge and all is well.
CT-Bagger is correct. Don't stress over the marks in the belt guard, rely on the gauge and all is well.
Last edited by '05Train; Oct 16, 2011 at 10:21 AM.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 997
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, N.C.
I think we have to evaluate the sag induced by gravity and from this point set the bow with the gauge. When cold, my belt moves a bit less than 1/8" without affecting the gauge then I get 3/8" deflection by applying 10 lb. When warm it has no sag and feels tensioned like the string of a guitar.
That may be what I am experiencing, The belt gets tighter as the pulleys warm up and expand. The book says to adjust at ambient temperature but I notice even that changes the feel of the belt 40F and 80F ambient temp have different feels. I also think the sag changes the measurement quite a bit.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 30
From: Maryland near DC
ignore the sag ....you don't need to sit on the bike .......or raise the bike (but you can if you want).....just put the gauge on the bottom side of the bottom run of the belt and push up until you get to 10lbs on the gauge..look through the window of the belt guard at the marks and set to the proper mark for your bike....its really not that tough....when you are done check a few different areas of the belt (rotate the tire) to make sure they are mostly consistent.....and most of all trust the gauge, it only has one job and it does it well (unlike a finger)....then go for a ride...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,221
Likes: 4
From: Annemasse (border of Geneva-Switzerland) facing Mt-Blanc.
ignore the sag ....you don't need to sit on the bike .......or raise the bike (but you can if you want).....just put the gauge on the bottom side of the bottom run of the belt and push up until you get to 10lbs on the gauge..look through the window of the belt guard at the marks and set to the proper mark for your bike....its really not that tough....when you are done check a few different areas of the belt (rotate the tire) to make sure they are mostly consistent.....and most of all trust the gauge, it only has one job and it does it well (unlike a finger)....then go for a ride...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I also have never sat on the bike while checking or adjusting, mainly because there is only me there at the time!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
hey experts whats the part # for the belt tensioning TOOL ...THANKS
Last edited by baust55; Oct 16, 2011 at 03:34 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
The tension gauge is $17. Setting belt tension by feel is exactly as accurate as measuring power increases via butt dyno. Both diagnostic tools (butt dyno and fingers-as-tension-gauge) are worth exactly what you pay for them.
CT-Bagger is correct. Don't stress over the marks in the belt guard, rely on the gauge and all is well.
CT-Bagger is correct. Don't stress over the marks in the belt guard, rely on the gauge and all is well.
After 25 years of riding and wrenching I just found out there is a gauge for a belt! LOL! I thought the gauge was the slot built into the belt guard.
If you still can't do it by feel after how many years????.......
Sorry Buddy.