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This might help on belt tension

So 600 Neutons= 134 Foot Pounds which is what my dealer reset it to and I am getting right around 140 on the Krikit.
450 Neutons (I seem to recall being the ideal New #) is only 101 Foot Pounds???
So is the Krikit actually measuring Foot Pounds?
 
Although those units can be correlated mathematically, you cannot directly compare because the methods of measurement are so different. The sonic meter calculates Newtons by more or less interpreting the vibration frequency of the stretched belt (like tuning a guitar string). It is not a direct measurement. The Krikit merely measure the force the belt pushes back when bentuntil the gauge bottoms out. That is more direct, but the deflection is minimal and the mechanism is crude, so there is a fairly large amount of room for error. Neither is entirely straight forward or highly accurate, IMO. They certainly can't be directly compared to each other without a "fudge factor". I prefer the Harley gauge, which measures the force applied to the belt at a certain amount (1") of belt deflection. That seems much more repeatable to me. JMHO
 
Although those units can be correlated mathematically, you cannot directly compare because the methods of measurement are so different. The sonic meter calculates Newtons by more or less interpreting the vibration frequency of the stretched belt (like tuning a guitar string). It is not a direct measurement. The Krikit merely measure the force the belt pushes back when bentuntil the gauge bottoms out. That is more direct, but the deflection is minimal and the mechanism is crude, so there is a fairly large amount of room for error. Neither is entirely straight forward or highly accurate, IMO. They certainly can't be directly compared to each other without a "fudge factor". I prefer the Harley gauge, which measures the force applied to the belt at a certain amount (1") of belt deflection. That seems much more repeatable to me. JMHO
Was wondering if we could use the Harley belt gauge. They measure with the wheel off the ground and apply tension gauge with 10 lbs on gauge with a 3/8 to 5/8 inch max deflection on belt. Also I know they use a sonic gauge, but they do say newtons and not newton meters.
David
 
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Was wondering if we could use the Harley belt gauge. They measure with the wheel off the ground and apply tension gauge with 10 lbs on gauge with a 3/8 to 5/8 inch max deflection on belt. Also I know they use a sonic gauge, but they do say newtons and not newton meters.
David
You could probably use almost any type of gauge...but you have to check that gauge reading against a properly tensioned (known sonic value) belt to get your target. That applies to the Krikit, the Harley gauge, or something you cooked up in your basement. There is just no other accurate way to translate the sonic reading to other units.

BTW, as a reminder, the revised spec for the 2008-2012 Spyder belts is 450 N +/- 150 N, taken as an average of three readings at equal places around the belt, jacked up with the rear wheel hanging. The tension with the suspension loaded will be higher, but is not accurately repeatable, due to differences in loading and suspension settings.
 
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You could probably use almost any type of gauge...but you have to check that gauge reading against a properly tensioned (know sonic value) belt to get your target. That applies to the Krikit, the Harley gauge, or something you cooked up in your basement. There is just no other accurate way to translate the sonic reading to other units.

BTW, as a reminder, the revised spec for the 2008-2012 Spyder belts is 450 N +/- 150 N, taken as an average of three readings at equal places around the belt, jacked up with the rear wheel hanging. The tension with the suspension loaded will be higher, but is not accurately repeatable, due to differences in loading and suspension settings.
Going to check tension on my cousins bike with my Krikit gauge and see what his reads. Just curious about it. Will post once I get a good reading.
David
 
Found this website. Type in the number and see. It shows for N= 4.4482216 of ft lbs. or around 134 lbs on the Krikit gauge.
David


http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-forceunits.htm

Newtons cannot be converted to ft lbs. Newtons is a unit of force and ft lbs is a unit of torque. Since the Kirket gauge measures in pounds force (lbf). I will assume that's what you meant to say.

One Newton = 0.2248089 lbf
300 N = 67 lbf
450 N = 101 lbf
600 N = 134 lbf
 
Newtons cannot be converted to ft lbs. Newtons is a unit of force and ft lbs is a unit of torque. Since the Kirket gauge measures in pounds force (lbf). I will assume that's what you meant to say.

One Newton = 0.2248089 lbf
300 N = 67 lbf
450 N = 101 lbf
600 N = 134 lbf
Yea, what he said;)
 
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So 600 Neutons= 134 Foot Pounds which is what my dealer reset it to and I am getting right around 140 on the Krikit.
450 Neutons (I seem to recall being the ideal New #) is only 101 Foot Pounds???
The Krikit measures in force lbs which N= 0.2248089 lbf
If that makes since. But like NancysToy said best to check against one set by the sonic gauge.
David
 
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Found this website. Type in the number and see. It shows for N= 4.4482216 of ft lbs. or around 134 lbs on the Krikit gauge.
David


http://www.sengpielaudio.com/calculator-forceunits.htm
Got a chance to check tension on 2 different Harley's today. Both measured around 103 with the Krikit gauge (right deflection on the belt via harley gauge with 10 lbs on gauge). When converted by the website equals around 450 N. Now next step is buy a harley gauge and try it on the RT belt measured from the bottom of the belt midway with wheel off the ground. Will have to order one. Just trying to make it maybe easier to check the belt. May run into a brick wall, but I don't give up easy.
David
 
Got a chance to check tension on 2 different Harley's today. Both measured around 103 with the Krikit gauge (right deflection on the belt via harley gauge with 10 lbs on gauge). When converted by the website equals around 450 N. Now next step is buy a harley gauge and try it on the RT belt measured from the bottom of the belt midway with wheel off the ground. Will have to order one. Just trying to make it maybe easier to check the belt. May run into a brick wall, but I don't give up easy.
David
Jacked mine up and took readings with the krikit gauge and read 140. Rolled wheel several times and checked different spots and still read 140. I also measured it on the top and bottom and still read 140. Next post will be with the harley gauge.
David
 
Jacked mine up and took readings with the krikit gauge and read 140. Rolled wheel several times and checked different spots and still read 140. I also measured it on the top and bottom and still read 140. Next post will be with the harley gauge.
David

If its 140 On the Krikit Jacked Up- It will probably be close to 160 on the ground? Lets see if I,m Close?
 
If its 140 On the Krikit Jacked Up- It will probably be close to 160 on the ground? Lets see if I,m Close?
Alright, had to go out to the shop and see. Measured bottom first, no change in reading. Checked top and read real close to 160. I believe 140 is too high of a reading. This is only my opinion. Going to leave hers along at present. Still want to check it with the harley gauge.
David
 
I'm about as mechanically inclined as the average 1st grade teacher. My belt is adjusted properly when my mechanic tells me it is!

Bill
 
I'm about as mechanically inclined as the average 1st grade teacher. My belt is adjusted properly when my mechanic tells me it is!

Bill
I'm a chief mechanic and work on a drilling ship. Been doing mechanic work all my life. Something like this is right down my alley. I love making my own parts. I have a lathe on the ship and fool with it on different things. Now computers isn't my thing.
David
 
I'm a chief mechanic and work on a drilling ship. Been doing mechanic work all my life. Something like this is right down my alley. I love making my own parts. I have a lathe on the ship and fool with it on different things. Now computers isn't my thing.
David

Hey Warlock. It's funny how different people have different strengths. I make my living online selling electricity and natural gas. I wish I could take my bike apart and put it back together but I know I can't. My motto is I'll do what I do and let the pros do what they do when it comes to working on my Spyder!

Bill
 
The service bulletin calls for 450N +/- 150N. So at 140fbs you would be at 600N correct? If so, you are at the top of the tolerence.
By the conversion I'm on the top end. Bike has a little over 1300 miles. Going to keep a eye on it. Might loosen once once I get a belt tensioner from Jim.
David
 
Hey Warlock. It's funny how different people have different strengths. I make my living online selling electricity and natural gas. I wish I could take my bike apart and put it back together but I know I can't. My motto is I'll do what I do and let the pros do what they do when it comes to working on my Spyder!

Bill
My weakness is the electronic part of the Spyder. Got me a harley gauge today, but still got some checking to do. My cousin called and said dealer set his belt today. So another trip back to his house to check again. This time I'll have both gauges with me.
David
 
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