Belt tension

Dukedesmo · 02-05-2024, 07:59 AM

Whilst you should set them right, I don't think it's that critical to be exact on especially if using frequency as the setting.

For example, set your belts properly and then check them a few months later, they will be looser.

I have a mechanical gauge that I bought for my 916 which works well but it won't fit on a 2v belt as there isn't space so I just use the go/no-go allen key method and never had a problem. I tried the frequency thing but found it too fiddly.

I would err on the slack side rather than too tight though as, I assume, things tighten up slightly when hot.

You may have noticed that belt service life has been extended on newer models, I would suggest mainly for marketing reasons (to reduce the perception of Ducati maintenance being expensive) yet they maintain the same settings for older models, but what is the difference?

Obviously belt quality has improved since the early days and I, for one am quite happy to double the official service life on my bikes.

There, I've said it now and will probably suffer a catastrophic belt failure...

02-05-2024, 07:59 AM	#1
Dukedesmo Registered User Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Leics Bike: M900 Posts: 2,844	Whilst you should set them right, I don't think it's that critical to be exact on especially if using frequency as the setting. For example, set your belts properly and then check them a few months later, they will be looser. I have a mechanical gauge that I bought for my 916 which works well but it won't fit on a 2v belt as there isn't space so I just use the go/no-go allen key method and never had a problem. I tried the frequency thing but found it too fiddly. I would err on the slack side rather than too tight though as, I assume, things tighten up slightly when hot. You may have noticed that belt service life has been extended on newer models, I would suggest mainly for marketing reasons (to reduce the perception of Ducati maintenance being expensive) yet they maintain the same settings for older models, but what is the difference? Obviously belt quality has improved since the early days and I, for one am quite happy to double the official service life on my bikes. There, I've said it now and will probably suffer a catastrophic belt failure... __________________ M900, 916, LeMans II.