Questions for the experts - not the wannabes at my dealership
Gurus and fellow Ryders,
I have had my 2018 RTL about a month now. I have right a 1000 miles on it. I also really love the Spyder.
What I do not love is my dealer / service center (who shall remain nameless). Their "Master Technician" is a nice guy but seems technically clueless. I am hoping that you folks can provide me some information that either changes my mind and instills confidence in them or you confirm that I am not crazy and what I am about to say is are issues.
Problem 1 - I have previously asked about the ryde making a squeaking noise (something reminiscent of a bad spring in an old screen door) when you get on the bike, stand on a running board or make any significant weight transfer on the rear. I have heard that "it makes noise and that is 'normal'." That much squeaking isn't normal in anything that is properly engineered and constructed. I will admit that I have little understanding of the air-leveling system / rear shock setup other than technical diagrams. I have not torn into it.
On the 2018 RTL (1) does the air-leveling system really have six inches of adjustment / travel? I know it is supposedly all automatic based on payload. (2) How can I tell it's actually working? I have never felt / noticed a change in ride height - even two up (and yes I know that is the purpose - to re-level the ryde). (3) Has anyone else experienced similar issues?
Problem 2 - The dreaded harmonic from somewhere. I have read various postings about vibrations. Some from the poor engine mounting, some from belt tension, others more mired in mystery. At 3600 - 3850 RPM in all gears I have something going on - all I can call it is a harmonic vibration. I have had in the bike in neutral and rev'd through the range ... and voila, no vibration from the engine. Can I assume that this is poor belt tension or is this another one of those "normal" things.
Thanks in advance for your knowledge, suggestions and humor.
2 Attachment(s)
No expert either - but serious DIY'er
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Pallidus Aranea
Gurus and fellow Ryders,
I have had my 2018 RTL about a month now. I have right a 1000 miles on it. I also really love the Spyder.
What I do not love is my dealer / service center (who shall remain nameless). Their "Master Technician" is a nice guy but seems technically clueless. I am hoping that you folks can provide me some information that either changes my mind and instills confidence in them or you confirm that I am not crazy and what I am about to say is are issues.
Problem 1 - I have previously asked about the ryde making a squeaking noise (something reminiscent of a bad spring in an old screen door) when you get on the bike, stand on a running board or make any significant weight transfer on the rear. I have heard that "it makes noise and that is 'normal'." That much squeaking isn't normal in anything that is properly engineered and constructed. I will admit that I have little understanding of the air-leveling system / rear shock setup other than technical diagrams. I have not torn into it.
On the 2018 RTL (1) does the air-leveling system really have six inches of adjustment / travel? I know it is supposedly all automatic based on payload. (2) How can I tell it's actually working? I have never felt / noticed a change in ride height - even two up (and yes I know that is the purpose - to re-level the ryde). (3) Has anyone else experienced similar issues?
Problem 2 - The dreaded harmonic from somewhere. I have read various postings about vibrations. Some from the poor engine mounting, some from belt tension, others more mired in mystery. At 3600 - 3850 RPM in all gears I have something going on - all I can call it is a harmonic vibration. I have had in the bike in neutral and rev'd through the range ... and voila, no vibration from the engine. Can I assume that this is poor belt tension or is this another one of those "normal" things.
Thanks in advance for your knowledge, suggestions and humor.
Probably the rear shock? My new RTS makes no noise whatsoever getting on/off. That's the only thing I can think of that moves. If so not a big deal. My wifes older Spyder - oh yeah. Creaks and groans like my old body!! :yikes:
Air leveling: Not sure about 6" but yes. At night, set it to maximum. Look at where your headlights' line is, where they end. Then drop it to minimum. THe headlights range changes a LOT. So loading it up, adding a trailer, riding two up, etc. does change the level a bit, but not a lot. I gauge the "levelness" based on a good headlight reach. You can also definitely feel it on your butt at the extremes. During the day I usually keep it on the high side for a bit more low back support from the seat (I can feel it).
Harmonics: Doc Humpries Belt Tensioner. Sponsor on the site here. Get one. I had vibration at certain speeds. Around 40ish then again at around 60ish MPH. All gone now. Very easy install, good video. This belt issue is "normal". Really long belts without support cannot help but vibrate a bit.
For first farkles I'd visit Pierre over at canamspyderaccessories.com. I got the rear brake LED kit. Really adds a lot of visibility! And that means safer. Assuming the 2018 body panels haven't changed of course! Well not safer against texters... :banghead:. I also got the bumpskid with LED's, and from the front you can be seen in some thick fog! I also put ground effect white LED strips in the groove, and and the bottom center frame. Very good visibility. Again hopefully the 2018 is the same.
A also sprung for the high mount LED bar that fits right into the curvature of the trunk. When pulling a trailer or just wanting more safety. I added the flasher option.
Enjoy your new Ryde!
Steve