I would like to check my own timing belts but I read somewhere that you need a special piece of kit that measures the sound of them being flicked with the fingers. Is it possible to check the tension by look and feel? I have a lot of mechanical ability and worked on cars for years changing timing bets was an easy enough job on a car but I don't want to start something on the Duke I can't finish. Generally I used to turn the belt with my fingers and if it turned through more than 90 degrees it needed tightening. Any comments or advice?
There is a free App for an iphone from Gates called 'Carbon drive'. Very easy to use. I used some free software from Ducatitag, also very easy to use with a laptop and a cheap microphone ( I used one I got from ebay for 99p inc p&p worked perfectly.) 'Tension des courries' belt tension software -how to use? | Ducati Forum In a nutshell, to check tension of the belts, put the cylinder whose belts you are testing on t.d.c and flick the longest section of the belt.
Don't tension them to new belt tension, which is 110 Hz. I think Ducati reckon that anything over 75Hz is within limits. I think I'd be happier to have something like 90 myself though.
OK that's good to hear. I will be taking the fairing off later this week to change the air filter plus some other bits and bobs. So I will be looking at doing it then. Just need a PC microphone now. Thanks Old Rider and Derek.
If you have an iphone you can do it with that by using the Gates Carbon app - look up Gates Corporation on the app store
Yeh I have downloaded it just wondering about positioning it though. It will obviously be easier with a little lapel mic.
Job done service fitted SF filter, Gilles rearsets and cam belts tensioned. Ready for Mallory in a couple of weeks.
