Belt Pressure - what is the manual spec?

[TheCajun1957]

I understand this question has been talked about quite abit. My question is this. Can someone with a 2018 F3 Maintenance Manual, tell me what the manual says the belt tension should be set to.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I understand this question has been talked about quite abit. My question is this. Can someone with a 2018 F3 Maintenance Manual, tell me what the manual says the belt tension should be set to.

Lots of info on this subject ….. Quite a few folks here have decided the OEM belt specs are too high ….. Those same folks have discovered , lowering it has removed most if not all the belt vibes ….. Using a Kritkit gauge I have my 2014 RT set at 160lbs. measured while it's on the ground …… Mike ...………..As far as the BRP specs for the F-3, they are only useful if you HAVE a SONIC gauge. Because that's what the specs relate to …..

[TheCajun1957]

thank you for the answer!

[RickWB]

At 3000 miles, my F3 had its first service and the dealer adjusted the belt. I have bought ramps and will buy an oil change kit for next year to save the $400 dealer charge for service. If I buy the Kriket gauge, how often should I check it?

Thanks,
Rick

[ButterSmooth]

Set it and forget it. It will announce when it needs attention by vibration. I check mine when rear tires are changed. Last check (tire change) started at 140# and I gradually increased the tension until the vibration stopped. I ended up at 205# measured by a Krikit II, or 172.5# measured sonically. You've got to find what works for you. YMMV and your Krikit (and technique) may vary.

[RickWB]

Dealer equated motorcycle chain to Spyder belt, where chain is adjusted frequently. I don’t think this is true. I may just buy the Kriket gauge, an oil change kit, and do the work myself.

Thanks

[2dogs]

Dealer equated motorcycle chain to Spyder belt, where chain is adjusted frequently. I don’t think this is true. I may just buy the Kriket gauge, an oil change kit, and do the work myself.

Thanks

Good decision. BajaRon can supply you with everything you need to do the job.........and more. As for the belt tension, set it but don't forget it. Just for safety reasons check it form time to time. About a 1/2 twist on the lower part of the belt with the thumb and forefinger is close to right. You'll get the feeling for it after you do it a few times.

[Sarge707]

I'm at 150 on my F3 and have 21'000 and No sprocket problem yet. No vibration. High belt tension has caused problems.

[rugercharger]

for some of the people that have found their magic belt tension, are you measuring with the bike on the ground?

[ButterSmooth]

for some of the people that have found their magic belt tension, are you measuring with the bike on the ground?

The most successful process I've found is iterative. Start at a low tension (I use 140# on the ground), go for a test ride and then adjust both alignment and tension (usually tighten), and test again. Repeat until the belt is where I want it and there is no vibration. Then I measure the tension (just for the record) on the ground. Measuring in the air is irrelevant in this context. My belt alignment changes substantially between ratchet tight and torqued. The axle doesn't move, but the swing arm is 'sprung' out almost 1/4" wider than the axle is long.

[BMac920]

Old thread, but thought I'd post regardless....I have a 2018 F3-L with about 2300 miles on it and on the ground I have a Kritkit gauge reading of about 150 pounds and a Gates Carbon Drive App for my iphone that read 22Hz,22Hz and 23Hz with an average of 22Hz, along with a picture of the rear pulley and belt location. The machine seems to be working fine and I now have two different measurements to reference in the future. I have no idea if the
App is worth a hoot...but I have it! GLTA and Regards.

Spyder Belt Drive Path.jpg

Really good video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWGiCt7aW6s