Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 30
  1. #1
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    Woodbine, Iowa
    Posts
    521
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default Life of the Drive Belt

    If a person watches the belt alignment and has no damage to a belt what is the normal mileage or life of the drive belt?
    2021 RT Limited
    Asphalt Grey
    Lamonster RT phone mount
    Sena SMH-10
    Lamonster Belt Tensioner w/ larger roller
    Spyderpops Missing Belt Guard
    Garmin's GPS

  2. #2
    SpyderLovers Ambassador Little Blue's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    INDIANA, USA
    Posts
    6,729
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Drive Belt

    A very good question. Anybody have belt life issues?
    2016 RT Limited , Orbital Blue

  3. #3
    Very Active Member canamjhb's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Mesa, Arid-Zone-A
    Posts
    2,942
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Without damage, I would replace the drive belt based upon age and where the vehicle lives. If you store the spyder in a garage and only ride it in nice weather, I think the life would be indefinite. If you keep the spyder outside, exposed to the elements, especially heat and sun, then 6-7 year life is probably what you will get.
    2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
    2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
    2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
    Semper Fi


  4. #4
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,268
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default BELT LIFE

    Quote Originally Posted by gerald37 View Post
    If a person watches the belt alignment and has no damage to a belt what is the normal mileage or life of the drive belt?
    If I get less than 250,000 I'll be surprised ............... Mike

  5. #5
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Valley Springs, AR
    Posts
    41,270
    Spyder Garage
    8

    Default

    Long life for sure--100,000 plus--IF--you stay away from those pesky rocks--or install a rock guard.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  6. #6
    Very Active Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    Woodbine, Iowa
    Posts
    521
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    My Spyder will is never left outside only on a trip. It will always be maintained and service and never misused. It is not rode in the winter if the roads are bad. I do ride in cold weather with heated gear. About 20,000 miles a year. I will trade it off around 50 to 60 thousands miles so it don't sound like I will have to replace a belt if it don't get damaged.

    Is the belt Guard a good item to install?
    Last edited by gerald37; 10-19-2017 at 11:44 AM.
    2021 RT Limited
    Asphalt Grey
    Lamonster RT phone mount
    Sena SMH-10
    Lamonster Belt Tensioner w/ larger roller
    Spyderpops Missing Belt Guard
    Garmin's GPS

  7. #7
    Ozzie Ozzie Ozzie Peter Aawen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Australia; Sth Aust, Adelaide Hills
    Posts
    9,515
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Don't buy yourself needless trouble, don't even bother thinking about it! These belts are generally good for hundreds of thousands of miles or more & there are similar belts out there now that are over 20 years old! Just do the normal specified maintenance (which for the belts, isn't a heap!) & just get out there & ......


    Ride more, worry Less!
    Last edited by Peter Aawen; 10-19-2017 at 11:46 AM.
    2013 RT Ltd Pearl White

    Ryde More, Worry Less!

  8. #8
    Very Active Member oldgoat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Location
    DDO, Montreal Island
    Posts
    1,255
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gerald37 View Post
    My Spyder will is never left outside only on a trip. It will always be maintained and service and never misused. It is not rode in the winter if the roads are bad. I do ride in cold weather with heated gear. About 20,000 miles a year. I will trade it off around 50 to 60 thousands miles so it don't sound like I will have to replace a belt if it don't get damaged.

    Is the belt Guard a good item to install?

    Didn't help me. Still had a stone pierce the belt with one fitted.
    2008 GS SM5, Full Moon Silver
    2007 Piaggio MP3 - 250cc

  9. #9
    Very Active Member IdahoMtnSpyder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    9,767
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    IIRC, there have been a couple of ryders who reported theirs broke something north of 100k. When I was talking to the Spyder project manager at Homecoming about shielding the belt he said if it was enclosed it would tend to run hotter and the life would probably only be around 60k. That leads me to believe that 100k+ is about as good an estimate as there is.

    2014 Copper RTS

    Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
    2014 RTS , Copper! (officially Cognac)

  10. #10
    Very Active Member Chupaca's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2012
    Location
    San Diego, CA.
    Posts
    31,097
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default Tough one....

    We have had many belt related threads here but cannot remember any to do with high mileage and being worn out. All other problems we have had discussed here...rocks, cuts. burned, to tight to loose teeth missing etc. Most don't even keep the spyder long enough for that to happen...
    Gene and Ilana De Laney
    Mt. Helix, California

    ​2012 RS sm5
    2012 RS sm5 , 998cc V-Twin 106hp DIY brake and park brake Classic Black

  11. #11
    Very Active Member Lew L's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Location
    forrest above Reno, Nv
    Posts
    3,621
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gerald37 View Post
    My Spyder will is never left outside only on a trip. It will always be maintained and service and never misused. It is not rode in the winter if the roads are bad. I do ride in cold weather with heated gear. About 20,000 miles a year. I will trade it off around 50 to 60 thousands miles so it don't sound like I will have to replace a belt if it don't get damaged.

    Is the belt Guard a good item to install?

    First farkel was the belt/rock guard. Maybe not 100% effective but probably 99%

    Kaos
    Kaos----- Gone but not forgotten.

    2014 RTS in Circuit Yellow, farkle-ing addiction down to once every few months. ECU FLASH IS GREAT.
    2014 RTS , Circuit Yellow

  12. #12
    Very Active Member safecracker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Stetson, Maine
    Posts
    1,580
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Replaced my belt at 50,000 miles. 80% of teeth where cracked. Causing a weird noise coming from the belt when belt warmed up.
    New to Sue and I
    2021, LTD, Asphalt Gray, 22,000 miles
    Gone but not forgotten
    RTS 2011 SM5, 95,000 miles


  13. #13
    Very Active Member Highwayman2013's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2012
    Location
    North Las Vegas, NV
    Posts
    4,561
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Not sure if spyderann01 is still on the original belt on her RT.
    2016 F3 Limited
    2019 Ryker Rally
    2014 Suzuki V Strom 650
    2020 CSC TT 250
    2016 F 3 Limited , Vegas White

  14. #14
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,268
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default BELT LIFE ????

    Quote Originally Posted by safecracker View Post
    Replaced my belt at 50,000 miles. 80% of teeth where cracked. Causing a weird noise coming from the belt when belt warmed up.
    Do you know what the Tension was on that belt ??? ......... Mike

  15. #15
    Active Member
    Join Date
    May 2016
    Location
    Sun City West, AZ
    Posts
    69
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Highwayman2013 View Post
    Not sure if spyderann01 is still on the original belt on her RT.
    She is also the one I thought would be the one to ask with about 118,000 miles on her last one.

  16. #16
    Very Active Member canamjhb's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2017
    Location
    Mesa, Arid-Zone-A
    Posts
    2,942
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    As I eluded to in my previous post, heat is the killer of rubber. Here in Arid-Zone-A we replace car/truck tires every 6-7 years. Lots of tread but sidewall cracking will happen as the tires rot from the inside out. Ever wonder why you see lots of road gators in the desert? Rubber belts are no different. They will rot with heat over time and crack into a useless mess. They can "look" ok on the outside while being rotten in the middle. Just do a very close inspection and look for cracking of the rubber. If you find cracking, you are on borrowed time. Having said that, these belts a tough and will take a lot of abuse. I just choose to have a good belt rather than take the chance of being stranded by one that fails.
    Last edited by canamjhb; 10-19-2017 at 10:24 PM.
    2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
    2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
    2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
    Semper Fi


  17. #17
    SpyderLovers Sponsor
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Las Vegas
    Posts
    13,031
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I have the original belt in the 14 RT with 123,000 miles on it. I did break a belt in my 10 RT around 35,000 miles though.

    2017 F3T-SM6 Squared Away Mirror Wedgies & Alignment
    2014 RTS-SM6 123,600 miles Sold 11/2017
    2014 RTL-SE6 8,600 miles
    2011 RTS-SM5 5,000 miles
    2013 RTS-SM5 burned up with 13,200 miles in 13 weeks
    2010 RTS-SM5 59,148 miles
    2010 RT- 622

  18. #18
    Very Active Member IdahoMtnSpyder's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Idaho
    Posts
    9,767
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Chupaca View Post
    We have had many belt related threads here but cannot remember any to do with high mileage and being worn out.
    Found it! It was a post by Buckeye Chuck 54.

    http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...=1#post1303061

    Wasn't a broken belt, but teeth starting coming off at 108,000.

    2014 Copper RTS

    Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
    2014 RTS , Copper! (officially Cognac)

  19. #19
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Location
    Central VERMONT
    Posts
    20,268
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default HEAT & RUBBER

    Quote Originally Posted by canamjhb View Post
    As I eluded to in my previous post, heat is the killer of rubber. Here in Arid-Zone-A we replace car/truck tires every 6-7 years. Lots of tread but sidewall cracking will happen as the tires rot from the inside out. Ever wonder why you see lots of road gators in the desert? Rubber belts are no different. They will rot with heat over time and crack into a useless mess. They can "look" ok on the outside while being rotten in the middle. Just do a very close inspection and look for cracking of the rubber. If you find cracking, you are on borrowed time. Having said that, these belts a tough and will take a lot of abuse. I just choose to have a good belt rather than take the chance of being stranded by one that fails.
    I'm not so sure there is much if any RUBBER in our drive belt ...... Mike

  20. #20
    Active Member mcurtright's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Yulee fl
    Posts
    33
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Just had my 15 rtl in for 19,000 mile service
    mechanic said my drive belt has excessive wear
    On the way home now makes growling noise when
    letting off throttle belt looks ok to me no rock holes or teeth
    missing. Wondering if I should take it to another
    dealer and chalk it up to them putting the belt too tight or what

  21. #21
    Very Active Member DGoebel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Faribault, MN
    Posts
    2,209
    Spyder Garage
    2

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mcurtright View Post
    Just had my 15 rtl in for 19,000 mile service
    mechanic said my drive belt has excessive wear
    On the way home now makes growling noise when
    letting off throttle belt looks ok to me no rock holes or teeth
    missing. Wondering if I should take it to another
    dealer and chalk it up to them putting the belt too tight or what
    Sounds like a plan, have the 2nd dealer check alignment and tension both. My '13's over 22 k belt looks new.
    Safe Rides,
    David and Sharon Goebel
    Both Retired USAF Veterans
    2018 Anniversary Edition RT Limited
    Baja Ron ultimate swaybar. Vredestein tires, Baja Ron Front Shock Pre-load adjusters, Pedal Box, See my Spyder Garage
    IBA 70020

  22. #22
    Active Member mcurtright's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Yulee fl
    Posts
    33
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Ok thanks with exception of replacing the rear tire
    this particular dealer is the only one to touch it since new
    because they suckered me into the maintenance plan

  23. #23
    Very Active Member safecracker's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    Stetson, Maine
    Posts
    1,580
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    I would check the cogs on the belt. As I posted earlier in this thread mine had 80% of these cogs cracked all the way thru. Mike I run my belt.around.120 to 130 lbs. Bruce
    New to Sue and I
    2021, LTD, Asphalt Gray, 22,000 miles
    Gone but not forgotten
    RTS 2011 SM5, 95,000 miles


  24. #24
    Very Active Member IGETAROUND's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Kalamazoo, Mi
    Posts
    1,819
    Spyder Garage
    1

    Default belt life

    Quote Originally Posted by safecracker View Post
    I would check the cogs on the belt. As I posted earlier in this thread mine had 80% of these cogs cracked all the way thru. Mike I run my belt.around.120 to 130 lbs. Bruce
    Safecracker, Don't wish you problems, but glad to hear that I'm not the only one with what I consider premature wear from drive belt. Mine gave up the ghost @ 49K, ALL the remaining teeth were cracked all the way through; dropped 19+ out all at once and I too ran my belt in that same kricket range. I was accused of being abusive to my belt; I do ride aggressively.

    Will be doing what Mike and others have don and that's lowering the on ground readings down towards 100# on the cricket gauge.

    Al in Kazoo
    All the great movements in the world began with a cup of coffee!

    2018 F3-T


    My mods: Can am Trailer hitch, USB and 12 volt power outlets, Gustason windshield, Bead rider seat cushion, battery harness for electric gear and battery tender, Time out trailer.
    2018 F3-T , Pearl White

  25. #25
    Active Member mcurtright's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2015
    Location
    Yulee fl
    Posts
    33
    Spyder Garage
    0

    Default

    Well I guess my problem wasn't the belt
    looks like transmission crapped out. Goes into
    gear but won't move forward or reverse. just makes
    grinding noise drive pulley on engine side
    won't attempt to move

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •