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Truckedup
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 06:49 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Has anyone retro fitted a spring loaded drive belt pensioner on a stock swing arm? Did it actually improve anything?
My 97 has the recommended loose belt...A spring load pensioner from a late model GM truck accessory drive belt is inexpensive, compact and should be easy for me fabricate a mount..
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Kalali
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 08:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

What problem are you trying to solve by adding a tensioner?
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Reepicheep
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 09:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I don't recall anyone trying.
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Ratbuell
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 09:50 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The only reason for a tensioner is to allow proper belt tension on a swingarm that does not have a rear axle adjuster setup.

If your belt isn't slipping, and you have axle adjustment if it does, why bother with all the work?
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Phelan
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 11:16 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

A tensioner is only a rational idea if you are using an XB drive belt. If you are using the stock Sportster-derived Gates belt, a tensiioner is not only uselss, but it will kill the belt, as they have a high Kevlar content, which is highly directional, and they are not designed to be back be at at all. The belt will break VERY quickly if its back bent.
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Buellistic
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 11:53 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

OLD SCHOOL insight into DRIVE BELT TENSIONER'S and REAR AXLE ADJUSTMENT !!!

IMHO the best of all WORLDS is to have and ADJUSTMENT on the REAR AXLE and the DRIVE BELT TENSIONER !!!

SPRING TYPE TENSIONERS on a DRIVE BELT or CHAIN are for those that can not find the TIGHT SPOT !!!

"WHY" you ask, WELL my answer is "PERFECTION" !!!

ie: with two adjustments you can get the DRIVE BELT adjustment PERFECT, meaning all related parts stand the test of time ...

(Message edited by buellistic on August 02, 2015)
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S1owner
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 12:29 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Here is my set up but I am using a non adjustable xb swing arm with a 139 tooth belt



As posted in the other post there ia a free spirit tensioner out there for a tuber or as seen adapt an XB like Foximus
Google motorcycle belt tensioners there has been many ideas but with a tuber there is not much area to mount anything

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/767134.html?1438527530

But in all if adjusted correctly on a standard tuber you do not need a tensioner see Buellistics 101
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Scott_in_nh
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 02:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The problem is I broke the original belt with only 10k on it

I can't speak for the first 5k, but I kept it scary loose right up to it's breaking

I do venture to the drag strip now and then too

So what is the best belt that can be set loose?
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Truckedup
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 04:42 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

"A tensioner is only a rational idea if you are using an XB drive belt. If you are using the stock Sportster-derived Gates belt, a tensiioner is not only uselss, but it will kill the belt, as they have a high Kevlar content, which is highly directional, and they are not designed to be back be at at all. The belt will break VERY quickly if its back bent."
A reasonable explanation ...you are basing this on manufacturer info or owners' stories?
The reason I asked about the tensioner is on chain drive with adjusters, a spring loaded tensioner can smooth out the harmonics on the slack side of the chain.
So it appears not to be a problem with a belt...just leave is loose and ride on..
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Phelan
Posted on Sunday, August 02, 2015 - 04:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm not the one who spoke against a spring loaded tensioner. Au Contraire, I will likely add a spring loaded tensioner to my Uly at some point. I was speaking from a combination of my experiences with these belts and what I've read elsewhere, including the recent thread just a couple clicks away.

http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/476 23/767134.html?1438527530
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Buellistic
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2015 - 11:54 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

OLD SCHOOL: Less moving parts, the less chance of a breakage ...
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Truckedup
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2015 - 01:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Ok, it's all starting to make sense.....

Old School? My 650 Triumph LSR modified production racer just set a new pushrod gas class speed record, 128.2 MPH
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Reepicheep
Posted on Monday, August 03, 2015 - 02:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Congratulations Truck! Nice!
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