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[Say10 15FX 16FXS]

I found it difficult to accurately read my Krikit belt tension gauge so I devised this simple, fast, and free way to improve it. First place a straight edge perpendicular to the scale at 25kg which is middle of the range. Push needle up til it touches straight edge. Carefully scribe a line on the side of the needle. Wipe some white paint into the line you scribed. Now it is easier to see when you have achieved the correct tension when the line is parallel to the scale. Here are pics, hope this helps everyone!

Say10

[EL S ONE]

 Brilliant!!! 

[MostlyBonkers]

Genius! [emoji4]

[BrianTRice@gmail.com]

Wikified, thank you:
http://zeromanual.com/index.php/Zero_Aftermarket#Regular_maintenance

[Curt]

Great idea, thanks!

[Emtkopan]

My local dealer said he was advised to use the Gates tension app to test the belt. Has anyone else heard this?

[Richard230]

My local dealer said he was advised to use the Gates tension app to test the belt. Has anyone else heard this?

I just read a post on a BMW forum about an expensive BMW factory electronic tool that measures the vibration frequency of the drive belt on the BMW F800GT model.  Apparently the tool twangs the belt and then measures the frequency of the vibrations to check its tension.  Personally, I prefer to just push the belt down with my finger to check its tension. That tool is a lot cheaper.  If it feels OK to me, I leave it alone.   

[Say10 15FX 16FXS]

The app is free. My FXS started to get louder at about 500 miles. That's when I got into really measuring and adjusting my belt. Mine was too tight but once properly adjusted, it quieted down. I'll jack it up and measure with the app and see what it reads. Here is a link to the app.

Carbon Drive Bicycle Calculator by Gates Corporation
https://appsto.re/us/2lkiA.i

[MajorMajor]

How do you know the required frequency?

[Say10 15FX 16FXS]

Thought if I used it on a properly tensioned belt we could get a baseline reading. I just gave it a try. Played the belt like a Stradivarius! Results were all over the place. Readings varied from 47.2-157! Krikit indicated 25kg which is middle of the suggested range. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but I wouldn't trust the app for this particular application. As someone mentioned, the adjustment screws are pretty sensitive. This technique was what worked well for me.

Loosen axle nut

Loosen both adjuster lock nuts a few turns

Verify hash marks on swingarm are even on both sides

Put wrenches on both adjusting bolts

Tighten or loosen depending on whether you're trying to tighten or loosen the belt

Check tension a bunch of times, check hash marks, tension, snug lock nuts, tighten and torque axle, tighten lock nuts, check tension some more.

[MajorMajor]

No wonder customers have been getting bikes that were wildly out of spec

[Say10 15FX 16FXS]

If you don't have a Krikit, bottom center of belt should have 1/2" or 13mm deflection and bike should run quietly.

[quixotic]

If you don't have a Krikit, bottom center of belt should have 1/2" or 13mm deflection and bike should run quietly.

Yeah, but do we know what weight needs to be attached to the belt to give that 1/2" deflection?  At least with my old 1980's vintage Honda 250, it specified both a weight and a deflection.

[Say10 15FX 16FXS]

No weight, just pushed on it with my fingers.

[ctrlburn]

I've used the Gates Carbon Drive smart phone application.

Few things to note - to determine frequency:

• it doesn't really cover the belt size on the Zero
  it doesn't really cover the sprocket sizes on the Zero
  

I liked the App... but I reverted to using tuning and deflection.

I do/did play the violin... so I do know how to tune to frequency.. even pizzicato (plucking).