Free Spirits Tensioner Installation

[Baal]

Hm. Never could find another source for the tensioner, other than one in Spain, and one in the States that was even more expensive.

 

[misternikko]

Whats the advantage of this?

 

[vtech007]

That is truly a great write up. I appreciate the time taken, the detail and the photos. Very helpful. One rep point vote.[up]

Here is what Trojan Horse says about the Modified Belt Tensioner (quoting from their site):

"The stock Buell belt tensioner is designed to keep the belt under constant tension, except it doesn’t! When the suspension is completely unloaded, such as when pulling stoppies or even braking hard, the tension is increased to an alarming degree, which can actually damage belts, wheel bearings and pulley bearings. This spring loaded item is designed to maintain a tension of 10.5kg regardless and will help lengthen belt and bearing life. Extensively tested in competition this is a must have accessory. Utilises stock tensioner wheel."

Thank you for the advice in ordering directly from Free Spirits in Italy. At today's currency exchange rate it is priced about USD$18.00 cheaper than ordering from Trojan Horse in the UK.

I have received plenty of international packages - never have I had to deal with customs.

I will be ordering one.[up]

 

[Baal]

Thanks, vtech007! I've been absent for the board and just checked in.

 

[vtech007]

You are welcome. Here is a link to the Free Spirit web page where you can order your Belt Tensioner from Free Spirit:



http://www.freespirits.it/prodotti.php?lang=1&cat_id=401

 

[Rhino1]

Anyone have pictures of this in a different color? I'm trying to decided between a black one and a red one.

Great write-up, by the way!

 

[shaggy]

 

[Rhino1]

Thanks, Shaggy. I feel like I really need one of these--the longer Penske really puts my swingarm at an angle, and the stock tensioner may be too tight.

 

[Baal]

That looks sharp, shaggy. Stealth on the black bike. [up]

 

[Rhino1]

Shaggy, what kind of rearsets are those?

 

[oh9bolt]

Im nog shaggy but those are Woodcraft readsets.

 

[vicenzajay]

I know this is an older thread...bumping it to say thanks. Installed my tensioner tonight using this as a guide. It was EXACTLY as described...right up to the way to use the spacers, etc.

The kicker for me is that the pulley cover will not install now. There is a plastic tab which seats right up on the pulley wheel if the cover is placed where it needs to be to line up with the screw holes.

Have to either saw off the tab or go with another pulley cover option.....


Oh - for those using google search to get torque specs - target 20 ft. lbs for the wheel nut and 33 ft. lbs for the bracket mounting bolts. That will get you to the lower number of service manual specs.

 

[Dellinger]

I got the black one a wile back. I was blown away with how fast I got mine as well.

When you described the assembly with the spacer washers I had to laugh. I dropped some more than once and lost a couple. Wafer thin stainless washers are hard to find on the floor and even harder at a store.

Nice write up.

 

[Dellinger]

I had to dremal the pulley cover for clearance.

 

[jd.hd.buelly.crzy]

Getting ready to install a black one on my 2009 XB12XT. This tread has great info.!