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Makes And Models => Zero Motorcycles Forum | 2013+ => Topic started by: There707 on July 08, 2014, 09:28:19 AM

Title: Belt Tension Testing?
Post by: There707 on July 08, 2014, 09:28:19 AM
My 2014 DS is the first belt drive bike I have owned. Is the best (maybe only) way to test belt tension to use the tension tester as indicated in the owners manual? Can you test the deflection of the belt similar to a chain on a chain drive bike?
The mechanic at my dealer just told me that these belt like to be tight. Problem is he didn't qualify how tight that is.

Anyone have another way to test this belt tension?
Title: Re: Belt Tension Testing?
Post by: Le Z Turbo on July 08, 2014, 10:49:04 AM
I'm definitely using the tool you will find on the Zero motorcycle internet accessory e-shop. As I'm living in France and can't order on the e-shop I simply bought the exact same tool on ebay (there are different models depending of the tension value).
I had to add some tension on my belt after the fist 1000kms but then it stay stable.
I'm changing both my tires today and so will need my tool again when putting bach the rear wheel. Futhermore this tool is really cheap.
Laurent
Title: Re: Belt Tension Testing?
Post by: Brutus on July 08, 2014, 03:25:45 PM
For a quick and approximate tension adjustment, there is a free app for ipods and iphones - downloadable from itunes. It is made by gates corporation who manufacture drive belts. It depends on the frequency of the belt vibration being determined by its tension. You "twang" the belt in its middle whilst holding the iphone close - it determines the belt tension from the frequence or tone or the resultant sound. An alternative is a krikit type of tension meter. I have a belt drive bicycle and use these techniques, but my electric ride is a vectrix (direct drive). I'm on this forum researching peoples experience of zero bikes and the support they receive from zero - I am considering getting a zero DS. cheers.
Title: Re: Belt Tension Testing?
Post by: firepower on July 08, 2014, 04:59:23 PM
Also for android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gates.pttoolkit

What is the part # of belt?
Pitch, width, length, number of teeth?
Title: Re: Belt Tension Testing?
Post by: kensiko on July 08, 2014, 05:09:56 PM
On the android app description it doesn't tell that it will measure the sound. This app doesn't seem to be as sophisticated as the one on iPhone
Title: Re: Belt Tension Testing?
Post by: Le Z Turbo on July 08, 2014, 11:20:52 PM
I have check my belt this afternoon and OOOHHH my dear, the wheel wobbles as if the bearing sitting was not center in the hub !!!
And so my belt tension is 20kg at a wheel posistion and 40kg at a 180°turn position !!!!
I'm starting a thread with that.
Laurent