good question. that may be like asking how do you measure tire pressure without a gauge. you don't. all i know is that you can tight/loosen the belt by adjusting the nut at the end of the swingarm.

 

You will never get it exact without a gauge.
However you can get it close especially if you have tested it when it was set so you have an idea of how much pressure it takes to move the belt. There is a window on the bottom belt guard with lines on either side of the window, 6 total . If you take two fingers and push up on the bottom belt right at the window and it passes the opening or touches the belt guard it's to loss. If it moves 2 lines it's at a safe tension. If it moves only a half line it's to tight. The book says ten lbs of pressure should move it 0.20 to 0.28 inches to be within spec. So ideally you shouldn't be able to move it more than one and a half of those those lines. And do it while it's on the kickstand.

 

you shouldn't be able to move it more than one and a half of those those lines. And do it while it's on the kickstand.

Exactly what info I was seeking. Thanks kindly!

 

A word of caution....if you HAVE to do it without a gauge, err on the side of loose instead of tight. There have been some bearings burned up from going too tight. That's why it's HIGHLY recommended to use a gauge. On our 1300's, it was discovered that the settings from the manual are too tight.

 

You should be able to feel drag if the belt is too tight. Especially if you jack i up and spin it by hand.
Rule of thumb, If you can't move it more than one of the lines in the window with light pressure it's too tight. If it moves more than 2 lines with light pressure it's too lose.

 

Toby, I believe the word you keep trying to say is "loose"

 

Ya some times my spell checker is working at her desk lol.