Stones

[rpopdan]

Took Spyder in to have new rear tire installed. Found stone damage to drive belt and pulley. $300+ for belt and $300+ for pulley plus labor. Need to do something to prevent this again. Unfortunately I live in the NC mountains and it is 6/10 of a mile off the hard road on gravel. I try to go as slow as possible, but I guess I screwed up at least once. Any good thoughts out there?

[UtahPete]

Took Spyder in to have new rear tire installed. Found stone damage to drive belt and pulley. $300+ for belt and $300+ for pulley plus labor. Need to do something to prevent this again. Unfortunately I live in the NC mountains and it is 6/10 of a mile off the hard road on gravel. I try to go as slow as possible, but I guess I screwed up at least once. Any good thoughts out there?

There was a thread about this just a week or so ago. Belt guard, slow down, avoid 'sealed' gravel roads. That's about it.

[RinconRyder]

I've known dozens of Harley riders who have belt-driven bikes and I have never heard of any of them losing a belt due to stones. Is there something different about the Spyder (fat rear tire, layout of belt guard, etc.) that causes this much more common problem?

[ARtraveler]

I have replaced two belts on Spyders due to stones. Never replaced a belt on any of my belt driven two wheelers.

[SPYD3R]

yup, i feel your pain....
i lost one on my RS a few yrs ago....
$304 for a belt is outrageous, but there isn't much we can do about it....
Dan P
SPYD3R

[KX5062]

I've known dozens of Harley riders who have belt-driven bikes and I have never heard of any of them losing a belt due to stones. Is there something different about the Spyder (fat rear tire, layout of belt guard, etc.) that causes this much more common problem?

Yes. The HD belts are far better protected. The Spyder belts have virtually no protection from debris kicked up by the rear tire. The plastic "guard" you see from the side is mostly cosmetic and there is nothing protecting the underside and inside of the belt. IMO, a VERY poor design.

The Spyderpops missing belt guard is the best aftermarket solution yet. Not perfect, but the best that's readily available.

[Little Blue]

YES, that is a BRP issue. Hello, Father BRP can you COME up with a GOOD FIX.

[bmwlarry]

I had to replace mine after being in the position to ride fresh chip seal. I got four holes and believe me if the chips are over 1/4 inch you will feel them when they pop thru the belt. None were at belt edge and I finishe the trip and replaced when home. As a word of caution, I had several stones in the bottom cup the airbag rests in and if not removed would have put holes in it eventually. Be sure at any service to have that area checked,

[1iHooligan]

Feeding into the belt area means twice as many chances of belt "eating" gravel vs. a regular bike. May be one reason - IMO.

[canamjhb]

Anyone want to buy a slightly used belt? Only 6K miles on it. Driven on highways only, except for one 8 mile gravel stretch. Belt has only one rock hole. Shipping included.....